The sign of peace

Topics: Advent, Peace, Christmas

I. Sign of the Messianic promise of peace

A. Spiritual peace with God!

1. The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace (Psalm 29:11).
2. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased? (Luke 2:12?14).
3. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

B. Personal peace with self!

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).

C. Relational peace with others!

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).

II. Signs of the Kingdom promise of peace

A. Global peace is coming!

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, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this (Isaiah 9:6, 7).

B. Eternal peace is real!

"I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever. My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people" (Ezekiel 37:26, 27).

Advent Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, December 7th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

The sign of peace

An important Guideline of Care Groups: Your Life Group needs to be a safe haven to experience peace (shalom). Discuss how you can each pursue peace in your relationships.

Getting Started:

1. How does forgiveness lay the foundation for enjoying peace with God, self and others?

2. What type of peace is most lacking in your life: vertical spiritual peace with God or internal personal peace with self or horizontal relational peace with others? Which is the healthiest?

Discussing Truths:

1. How did Jesus' first advent provide the Messianic peace while we still anticipate His second advent for the fulfillment of Kingdom peace (Rev. 11:15; 1 Cor. 15:24-26)?
2. What are some things that rob you of peace? How have you been able to enjoy peace even in the midst of turbulent times in your life?
3. Are you a "sign of peace" to others? What does that look like?
4. How is loving Scripture related to having great peace (Psalm 119:165)?
5. What does it feel like to have real peace with God (Romans 5:1; 8:1, 6; Isaiah 26:3, 4)?
6. How can you enjoy the "peace of God" which surpasses all comprehension as well as the God of peace" in your daily life (Philippians 4:6-9)?
7. Explain the difference between worldly peace and the peace that Jesus offers (John 14:27; 16:33).
8. What did David do to activate God forgiving the guilt of his sin (Psalm 32:1-6)?

Now What? Application:

1. Pursue peace with those who have been offended in some way and offer forgiveness and a clean slate to them.
2. Is there any hurts or offenses that you are holding onto that you need to release and set yourself free from that which robs you of peace?