Embodying Christ's Peace in a Troubled World

Summary

In a world shaken by conflict and uncertainty, the peace of Christ stands as an unshakable foundation for those who follow Him. This peace is not dictated by circumstances, politics, or even our own emotions, but is rooted in our connection to God through Jesus. As believers, we are called to embody this peace—not just for ourselves, but for the sake of the world. Our prayers extend beyond our own needs, reaching out for our brothers and sisters across the globe, for leaders, for the vulnerable, and even for those we might consider enemies. The peace of Christ compels us to love without hesitation, to serve without reservation, and to pray with confidence.

Reflecting on the early church, we see a community whose daily practices—what the ancients called “habitus”—set them apart. Their routines were not just habits, but embodied ways of seeing and living in the world. The story of Tabitha (Dorcas) in Acts 9 is a powerful example: her life was marked by continual acts of kindness, especially toward widows and the poor. She didn’t just provide necessities; she restored dignity, offering robes that gave the marginalized a sense of worth. When she died, the community’s faith was so strong that they called for Peter, believing God could still act. Her resurrection was not just a miracle for her, but a renewal of hope for all she served.

The early Christians’ habitus was peculiar to the world around them. They met frequently, prayed boldly, ate together, memorized scripture, visited the sick and imprisoned, gave sacrificially, and even buried the forgotten dead. They maintained sexual purity, refused to compel belief, and faced death without fear. These practices were not mere rituals, but daily acts that shaped their character and witness. Their lives matched their words, and it was this consistency—this Christlike habitus—that drew others to faith.

Today, we are invited to examine our own daily practices. What do our habits say about what we value? Are we being shaped by the peace, love, and mercy of Christ, or by the anxieties and patterns of the world? God is patient and desires to complete His work in us. By making space for Him each day, even in small ways, we allow Him to transform us so that our lives, like those of the early believers, point others to heaven.

Key Takeaways

- The peace of Christ is not circumstantial but foundational, calling us to pray for all people—including those we disagree with or fear. This peace moves us beyond tribalism and compels us to care for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and even our enemies, reflecting the heart of Jesus in a divided world. [43:51]

- Our daily habits—our “habitus”—are more than routines; they are the lens through which we see and engage the world. The practices we repeat shape our character, our values, and ultimately our witness to others. Examining and reshaping these habits in light of Christ’s example is essential for spiritual growth. [50:38]

- The story of Tabitha (Dorcas) reveals that true Christian service goes beyond meeting basic needs; it restores dignity and hope. Her life of generosity and care for the poor was so integral to her identity that her absence was deeply felt, and her restoration brought renewed life to her community. [01:03:18]

- The early church’s distinctive practices—meeting often, praying boldly, memorizing scripture, caring for the poor, and facing death without fear—were not just religious duties but transformative acts that shaped their community and drew outsiders to faith. Their lives matched their message, making their witness powerful and credible. [01:10:33]

- God’s work in us is ongoing and patient. By intentionally making space for Him in our daily lives, even in small ways, we invite transformation. Over time, these practices become second nature, shaping us into people whose lives reflect Christ and win the respect and attention of the world. [01:15:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:00] - The Peace of Christ in Troubled Times
[43:08] - Praying for the World and Our Leaders
[43:51] - The Call to Love Without Hesitation
[45:05] - Prayer for Global and Local Needs
[47:21] - The Early Church: A Growing Movement
[49:07] - Sister Mary and the Power of Habitus
[50:38] - Examining Our Daily Habits
[51:40] - Jesus’ Radical Way in a Roman World
[54:43] - The Holy Spirit and a New Way of Living
[59:07] - The Story of Tabitha (Dorcas)
[01:03:18] - Restoring Dignity: More Than Charity
[01:05:44] - How Our Practices Shape Our Vision
[01:10:33] - Distinctive Practices of the Early Church
[01:15:40] - God’s Patient Work in Us
[01:17:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Peace of Christ and the Power of Habitus

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 9:36–42 (The story of Tabitha/Dorcas)
- Matthew 12:50 (“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”)
- John 15:13 (“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 9:36–42, what specific actions and qualities are highlighted about Tabitha (Dorcas) and her relationship with her community?
[[59:07]]

2. According to the sermon, what did the widows do when Peter arrived, and what does this reveal about Tabitha’s impact?
[[59:07]]

3. In Matthew 12:50, how does Jesus define family, and why is this significant in the context of the early church?
[[51:40]]

4. What are some of the daily practices or “habitus” of the early Christians mentioned in the sermon?
[[01:10:33]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the early church’s daily practices (habitus) were so “peculiar” or different from the surrounding culture? What effect did this have on those outside the church?
[[51:40]]

2. The sermon describes Tabitha’s service as restoring dignity, not just meeting needs. Why is restoring dignity important in Christian service, and how does it reflect the heart of Jesus?
[[01:03:18]]

3. The early Christians prayed for all people, including leaders and even enemies. What does this say about the peace of Christ and how it shapes our prayers and attitudes?
[[43:51]]

4. The sermon mentions that God’s work in us is ongoing and patient. How does this understanding affect the way we approach spiritual growth and change in our daily lives?
[[01:15:40]]

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### Application Questions

1. The peace of Christ is described as foundational, not based on circumstances. When you feel anxious or unsettled by world events or personal struggles, what is one practical way you can reconnect to the peace of Christ this week?
[[42:00]]

2. The early church’s “habitus” included meeting often, praying boldly, caring for the poor, and memorizing scripture. Which of these practices is most lacking in your life right now? What is one small step you could take to make it part of your routine?
[[01:10:33]]

3. Tabitha’s acts of kindness restored dignity to the marginalized. Can you think of someone in your life or community who needs more than just material help—someone who needs encouragement or dignity restored? What could you do for them this week?
[[01:03:18]]

4. The sermon challenges us to pray for those we disagree with or even fear. Is there a person, group, or leader you struggle to pray for? What would it look like to pray for them with sincerity this week?
[[43:51]]

5. The early Christians’ lives matched their message, making their witness powerful. Are there areas in your life where your actions don’t match your words about faith? What is one change you could make to bring more consistency?
[[01:06:37]]

6. The sermon encourages us to examine our daily habits. Take a moment to reflect: What is one habit you have that shapes you away from Christ? What is one habit you could start (even in a small way) to make more space for God each day?
[[50:38]]

7. God is patient and wants to complete His work in us. How can you remind yourself of God’s patience when you feel discouraged about your spiritual progress? Is there a verse, prayer, or practice that helps you remember His ongoing work?
[[01:15:40]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God’s peace to fill their hearts, for the courage to reshape their daily habits, and for opportunities to restore dignity and hope to those around them.

Devotional

Day 1: True Peace Is Found in Christ, Not Circumstances
True peace is not determined by world events, emotions, or circumstances, but is rooted in our connection to God through Jesus Christ. This peace moves us to pray for others, care for our neighbors, and love without hesitation, regardless of nationality, politics, or background. As followers of Jesus, we are called to embrace love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and grace, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. When we allow the peace of Christ to shape our prayers and actions, we become agents of hope and healing in a divided world. [43:51]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Who is one person or group you can pray for today—especially someone you disagree with or find difficult to love—asking God to fill them and yourself with Christ’s peace?


Day 2: The Habitus of Early Christians: Daily Practices Shaped by Christ
The early Christians developed a unique habitus—a way of seeing and living in the world—anchored in hope, love, and daily spiritual practices that set them apart from the surrounding culture. Their routines, from caring for the poor to meeting frequently and memorizing scripture, were not just habits but embodied expressions of their faith. These daily practices shaped their values, their worldview, and ultimately their witness to the world, making their faith visible and compelling even to outsiders. [51:40]

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Reflection: What is one daily practice you can begin or renew this week that would help shape your heart and mind more like Jesus?


Day 3: Sacrificial Love and Expanding the Family of God
Jesus taught a radical way of life rooted in sacrificial love, mercy, and genuine care for others, expanding the definition of family beyond nationality, social class, or race. He called His followers to love their neighbors—including those they might consider enemies—and to lay down their own desires for power, retribution, or self-importance. This way of living is not just about personal fulfillment but about embodying God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, as seen throughout scripture and fulfilled in Christ. [54:43]

John 15:12-13 (ESV)
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

Reflection: Who is someone you find difficult to love or serve? What is one practical way you can show them sacrificial love this week?


Day 4: The Power of a Life That Matches Words
The story of Tabitha (Dorcas) in Acts 9 reveals the power of a life whose daily actions match the message of Jesus—her habitus was to care for the poor, restore dignity to the vulnerable, and serve with compassion. Her resurrection brought renewed hope not only to her but to all those she served, showing that God works through ordinary acts of love and service. When our lives reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways, our faith becomes credible and attractive to others, drawing them to the hope we have in Him. [01:03:18]

Acts 9:36-42 (ESV)
"Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, 'Please come to us without delay.' So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, 'Tabitha, arise.' And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord."

Reflection: If someone observed your daily actions, what would they say you value most? What is one change you can make so your life more clearly reflects the love of Christ?


Day 5: God’s Patient Work: Letting Him Shape Our Habits and Hearts
God is patient and desires to complete His good work in us, inviting us to make space for Him in our daily lives so He can transform our habits, perspectives, and hearts. Even when our routines are not life-giving, God graciously calls us to take stock, let go of what is not beneficial, and allow Him to mold us into the likeness of Christ. As we open ourselves to His presence—starting small and growing in faith—He will help us learn, listen, and see the world through His eyes, ultimately making us a people who point others to heaven by the way we live. [01:15:40]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of an unhealthy habit or routine and invite God to shape something new in you?

Quotes

True peace is knowing that we are connected to God through Jesus Christ. Connected to life, true source of love, we are connected. And because of the fact that the blood of Christ really lives in those of us who believe, we now live and serve Christ. We serve Him for the sake of the world. [00:42:00] (31 seconds)  #ConnectedInChrist Edit Clip

The peace of Christ reminds us that we are followers of Jesus above all else, above nationality, above politics, above race, above gender, above religious affiliation. We are Christians, we are people who are disciples of Jesus Christ and we do our best to embrace love and embrace mercy, embrace forgiveness and compassion and grace. This is who Jesus was. [00:44:02] (29 seconds)  #UnityInChrist Edit Clip

Dorcas, Tabitha, her habitus was to care for the widows and the poor. And she's not just making tunics. Like a tunic is just like an undergarment or something you can wear on its own, but it's just basic. It's a necessity. She's not making just tunics. What is she making? Robes. And what do robes do? Robes are, they give you a little bit of self -respect. Robes give you dignity. A robe sets you apart from someone who is just living on the edge or, you know, on the necessities. Robes is not just for comfort. This is for, I'll say it again, this is for dignity. [01:02:59] (50 seconds)  #DignityThroughService Edit Clip

The things she focused on each and every day shaped the way she saw the world. And my question I've been asking myself this week, and I'm going to ask you, think about how you see the world. Think about those things that give you anxiety. Think about those things that give you joy. The things that give you panic. What has shaped your habitus? Because the way you are right now is a result of your daily spiritual practices. [01:05:53] (42 seconds)  #MessiahResemblance Edit Clip

They visited the poor, the sick, and the prisoners. This was something that they did quite often. Prisoners, they didn't have three squares a day in prison back then. You were at the mercy of any family you had. They had to bring you food. They didn't actually go to the prisons and bring food to people who had nothing. Some of them hadn't eaten in weeks. [01:10:29] (23 seconds)  #HonoringTheDead Edit Clip

They would bury those who died alone and in poverty. And I've said this several times before. This is something that no one understood in the Roman Empire. Why are you burying them? They'll just take them and dump them in the whatever, wherever it was. Why are you doing that? You're not gaining anything from that. But for them, dignity for a dead soul was valuable to their way of life and spoke highly of a love for others. [01:11:04] (33 seconds)  #FearlessFaith Edit Clip

Paul encouraged the thessalonian church because they were struggling through this too he encouraged the thessalonian church and this is what he told them he said i'll just read it to you he said make it your ambition to lead a quiet life he said you should mind your own business and work with your hands just as we told you so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders what kind of respect have our daily spiritual practices created what kind of lives have they created in us. [01:14:32] (36 seconds)  #PatientTransformation Edit Clip

Thankfully we have a patient god amen we have a god who has started to work in us and he wants to finish it that's that's exciting right that means that okay here we are now but god has a much bigger idea and a vision for who we are supposed to be and he's very patient with us as we work it out. [01:15:40] (21 seconds)  #WelcomingGod Edit Clip