God with us brings peace

Topics: peace, God

I. Experience peace with God!

*Spiritual peace comes through saving faith in Jesus Christ!

1. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace (Isaiah 9:6, 7a).
2. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
3. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world"( John 16:33).
4. "The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).

II. Enhance peace with self!

*Emotional peace is enjoyed with prayerful attitudes and mindset!

1. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock (Isaiah 26:3, 4).
2. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:6).
3. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6, 7).

III. Pursue peace with others!

*Relational peace is often achieved with humble kindness!

1. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18).
2. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14; see Psalm 34:14).
3. 10. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (Romans 14:19).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, December 22^nd, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"God with us brings peace"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Life is full of challenges with relationships! Your group is to be a safe haven to experience peace with personal relationships; first with God and with self as well as with others. Take some time to discuss any relationship that is not at peace (shalom) and how to pursue greater peace.

Getting Started:

1. How would you describe the biblical meaning of the Hebrew word "Shalom"? Is your life characterized by "Shalom"?
2. What caused mankind to be at enmity with the Creator God of the universe as well as with one another; and Who is the only One that offers peace (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 59:2; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 2:14-18)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Which type of peace is most lacking in your life: Vertical spiritual peace with God or Internal emotional peace with Self or Horizontal relational peace with others?
2. How do you maintain a prayerful mindset focused on the Spirit of God (Romans 8:6; Isaiah 26:3, 4)?
3. What are some things that rob you of peace? Share any experience in which you sensed real peace in the midst of a turbulent time in your life.
4. How can you become a peacemaker for others (Matthew 5:9; Romans 14:19)?
5. What is required to experience "the peace of God" (Philippians 4:6, 7) and how do we have "the God of peace" with us (Philippians 4:9)? Which do you desire most?
6. In what ways is the peace that Jesus offers us different from worldly peace (John 14:27; 16:33)?

Now What? Application:

1. Is there anyone you need to humbly ask for forgiveness? Don't delay, pursue peace with those whom you have offended.
2. Do you need to confess any sin so you can restore fellowship with God and be free of guilt like David (Psalm 32:1-6)?