Embracing Peace: A Journey Towards Reconciliation and Joy
Summary
In today's gathering at Grace United Church, we reflected on the profound theme of peace, especially in the context of Remembrance Sunday. We began by acknowledging the costliness of human history and the ongoing conflicts that plague our world. Through prayer, we sought God's guidance to transform swords into plowshares and to lead us away from war, emphasizing the need for peace with justice for all people. This call to peace is not just a global aspiration but a personal journey that each of us must undertake.
The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians served as our guide, where he passionately urges the church to embrace the peace of God and the God of peace. Paul, writing from prison, speaks with deep affection, offering a pathway to peace that begins with addressing conflicts within our community. He highlights the importance of resolving disputes, as unresolved conflicts hinder our ability to experience true peace and joy. Paul encourages us to rejoice in the Lord always, to focus on His goodness, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude.
Furthermore, Paul calls us to be magnanimous, to exhibit generosity and kindness in our interactions with others. This character trait reflects the peace of God within us and influences those around us. He reminds us that the Lord is near, and in our moments of anxiety, we can turn to Him in prayer, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. This divine peace acts as a protective shield, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence.
Finally, Paul emphasizes the importance of our thoughts and influences. By filtering what we allow into our minds and surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we can maintain a focus on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy. This intentionality in thought and action invites the God of peace to walk with us, transforming our lives and communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Resolving Conflicts: Addressing conflicts within our community is essential for experiencing peace. Paul urges us to seek reconciliation and to let the mind of Christ guide our responses, fostering unity and love among believers. [27:04]
- Rejoicing in the Lord: Joy and peace are intertwined, and rejoicing in the Lord is a powerful way to cultivate both. By remembering God's goodness and focusing on His presence, we can experience a deep, abiding joy that transcends circumstances. [30:29]
- Magnanimity in Relationships: Being magnanimous means showing generosity and kindness in our interactions. This character trait reflects God's peace within us and encourages others, creating a community of grace and support. [33:02]
- Prayer and Peace: In moments of anxiety, turning to God in prayer allows His peace to guard our hearts and minds. This divine peace acts as a protective shield, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence. [39:37]
- Mindful Influences: The thoughts we entertain and the influences we allow shape our spiritual journey. By focusing on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy, we invite the God of peace to walk with us, transforming our lives and communities. [45:12]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[07:16] - Call to Worship
[09:33] - Prayer for Peace
[10:50] - Confession and Reflection
[12:26] - Remembrance Day Reflection
[16:35] - The Origin of Silence
[17:32] - Prayer for Healing
[23:22] - Paul's Promise of Peace
[27:04] - Resolving Conflicts
[30:29] - Rejoicing in the Lord
[33:02] - Magnanimity in Relationships
[37:02] - The Lord is Near
[39:37] - Prayer and Peace
[43:20] - Mindful Influences
[48:10] - Standing Firm in the Lord
[50:02] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 4:1-9
- Isaiah 26:3
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions does Paul encourage the Philippians to take in order to experience the peace of God? [23:22]
2. How does Paul describe the relationship between joy and peace in his letter to the Philippians? [23:22]
3. What does Paul mean when he instructs the Philippians to let their "reasonableness be known to everyone"? [33:02]
4. How does Paul suggest the Philippians should handle anxiety according to the sermon? [39:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might resolving conflicts within the community be crucial for experiencing peace, according to Paul's teachings? [27:04]
2. How does the concept of rejoicing in the Lord contribute to a believer's sense of peace and joy? [30:29]
3. In what ways does being magnanimous in relationships reflect the peace of God within us? [33:02]
4. How does the sermon suggest that our thoughts and influences impact our spiritual journey and peace? [45:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a conflict you are currently experiencing. How can you apply Paul's advice to seek reconciliation and let the mind of Christ guide your response? [27:04]
2. Consider a time when you felt anxious. How can you incorporate prayer into your routine to allow God's peace to guard your heart and mind? [39:37]
3. Identify a relationship where you can practice magnanimity. What specific actions can you take to show generosity and kindness in that interaction? [33:02]
4. Think about the influences in your life. What steps can you take to ensure that you are focusing on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy? [45:12]
5. How can you cultivate a habit of rejoicing in the Lord daily? What are some practical ways to remember and celebrate God's goodness in your life? [30:29]
6. Is there a specific area in your life where you struggle to experience peace? How can you invite the God of peace to walk with you in that area? [23:22]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the Lord being near. How can this awareness transform your approach to daily challenges and interactions? [37:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Resolving Conflicts with Christ's Mind
In the journey towards peace, resolving conflicts within our community is crucial. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and unity among believers. Unresolved disputes can hinder our ability to experience true peace and joy. By allowing the mind of Christ to guide our responses, we foster an environment of love and unity. This process requires humility, patience, and a willingness to listen and understand others. As we seek to resolve conflicts, we invite God's peace to dwell among us, transforming our relationships and community. [27:04]
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a conflict or misunderstanding you have with someone in your community. How can you take the first step towards reconciliation today, allowing the mind of Christ to guide your actions?
Day 2: Rejoicing in the Lord's Presence
Joy and peace are deeply intertwined, and rejoicing in the Lord is a powerful way to cultivate both. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to focus on God's goodness and presence, which transcends circumstances and brings a deep, abiding joy. This joy is not dependent on external situations but is rooted in the assurance of God's love and faithfulness. By choosing to rejoice in the Lord always, we open our hearts to His peace, which surpasses all understanding. This practice of rejoicing transforms our perspective, enabling us to face life's challenges with hope and confidence. [30:29]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you choose to rejoice in the Lord today, despite your current circumstances? How might this practice change your outlook and bring you peace?
Day 3: Magnanimity Reflects God's Peace
Being magnanimous, or showing generosity and kindness in our interactions, is a reflection of God's peace within us. The Apostle Paul calls believers to exhibit this character trait, which encourages others and creates a community of grace and support. Magnanimity involves going beyond what is expected, offering forgiveness, and extending love even when it is difficult. This attitude not only influences those around us but also deepens our own experience of God's peace. As we practice magnanimity, we become conduits of God's love, fostering an environment where peace can flourish. [33:02]
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a relationship or situation where you can show unexpected generosity or kindness. How can you be a reflection of God's peace in this context today?
Day 4: Prayer as a Pathway to Peace
In moments of anxiety, turning to God in prayer allows His peace to guard our hearts and minds. The Apostle Paul assures us that this divine peace acts as a protective shield, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with confidence. Prayer is not just a request for help but a means of aligning our hearts with God's will and experiencing His presence. As we bring our concerns to God, we are reminded of His nearness and faithfulness, which calms our fears and fills us with peace. This practice of prayer transforms our anxiety into trust, allowing us to rest in God's promises. [39:37]
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22, ESV)
Reflection: What specific anxieties or burdens can you bring to God in prayer today? How can you trust Him to guard your heart and mind with His peace?
Day 5: Mindful Influences Shape Our Spiritual Journey
The thoughts we entertain and the influences we allow into our lives significantly shape our spiritual journey. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to focus on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy, inviting the God of peace to walk with us. This intentionality in thought and action requires discernment and a commitment to surround ourselves with godly influences. By filtering what we allow into our minds, we create an environment where God's peace can thrive. This practice not only transforms our own lives but also impacts our communities, as we become beacons of God's love and truth. [45:12]
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the influences in your life today. What changes can you make to ensure that your thoughts and actions align with what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy? How might this shift invite God's peace into your life?
Quotes
"God of justice and peace, our gracious Heavenly Father, we gather at this solemn time this year aware of the costliness of human history in the face of hostility between nations and neighbors you've come to us in Jesus Christ carrying no sword calling us to serve as peacemakers in this time of worship renew in us the hope that you will turn swords into plowshares and lead the world you love away from making war for pride or profit for the power of your spirit renew your promise of peace with justice for all your peoples wherever they may be." [00:09:33] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I know it's a heartfelt prayer, especially when we feel the winds of change and and a dark cloud, may God indeed work in us and through us and through our prayers to shine his light of righteousness and mercy into the hearts of our elected leaders, helping them to be wise and good and honorable, leading in the pathway of peace. May he make us examples of that by his spirit. Amen." [00:11:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"well Paul's making an incredible promise he's he's he's talking to the church in Philippi and he's speaking to them with such tenderness he's saying my brothers and sisters in whom I love and long for my joy and my crown I mean he is he is so affectionate towards these believers and he wants to give them the very best he wants them to know how it is that they might have the peace of God and to have the God of peace he wants to give them this great gift and so while he's languishing in prison he's sending this letter to those he loves it's it's like a last address that someone can give you it's nearing the end of his book and he's trying to kind of sum it all up he says listen I want you to lean in I want you I want you to listen to this this is how you get peace and when he says peace of God it's the only place that we find in the New Testament that particular phrase peace of God and what it means is it's not just a peace it's it's it's having the same peace that God has it's to come into very it's to kind of get into God's skin if you can do that and to notice that within him there is no ripple no worry no doubt no fear no brokenness within the very being of God there is peace that every action and every thought and everything motivated comes from a place and rooting a peace this is the peace of God all -knowing all -powerful ever -present Jesus Christ is the representation of God in the flesh I mean there is always peace and he's saying you can have this very peace this divine peace this God of peace within your soul and then he says not only that but you can have the peace the the God the peace of the God of peace walking by you an intimate fellowship with the creator of the universe and so he's saying this with tender hearts he's wanting them to get what he has and so he begins to say that there's something that we need to do in order to have this kind of peace and so he throws out these impediments and he says I want you to lean in I want you to be in the midst of these imperatives these commands he's he's calling his people this is what you got to do if you want this peace so to these Christians he's saying this this is the pathway this is the direction this is what you need to focus on if you truly want to have the peace of God and then the joy that springs from that peace so all in favor of knowing what he says how it is that we can have the peace that God has in our soul and it's really quite simple. He begins to outline it, and he says, first of all, he deals with conflict." [00:23:30] (0 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so he begins to address this. He says, I entreat, and that word entreat means I beg. I beg Judea, and I beg Sphinx to agree in the Lord. He's saying, listen, I want you to like stop for a moment. I know you have a conflict, and I want you to let the conflict go, and ask the Lord how it is that you should respond to the conflict. And so he says, I entreat, and I beg Judea, and I beg Sphinx to agree in the Lord. Respond to each other. Like, take you out of the equation, and get a referee, the Lord, and ask him what it is that is important. Of course, we all know what's important, right? Jesus would say that we would forgive one another, that we pray for one another, we love one another, that we would love others the way he has loved us. And so we know that, that in the midst of this conflict, he's saying, let Jesus enter in and have his mind." [00:27:09] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You want to have peace? Peace, the peace of God, it's having the focus on God. It's rejoicing in Him. It's like being a scrapbooker. You know those scrapbookers? I mean, they take an event, the engagement of their son, and they get all the pictures, they get all the quotes, they get everything. They remember the whole event and they somehow put it down into these scrapbooking pages. Did you ever see them? And they can relive that They open up that book and they see all of it and they relive it again and again. And not only do they relive it, but they bring you over and you have to relive it. And they'll tell you why they chose, what they chose. And I think that's what rejoicing in the Lord is all about. It's like remembering the Lord and remembering what He's done and who He is and going through the Scripture and getting your data and then going through your life and getting data, going through the life of the church and life of the saints and just like working on that. And He says this is to be an ongoing kind of focus of our life." [00:30:29] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"so he says that's our character and then of course um which which brings me to the already i'm convicted you know like like i'm convicted because i i know sometimes i can get in the middle of a conflict and you know there's a bit of my flesh in there and i'll say i think you're right you know that person's a real idiot you know or what have you i could be like that i don't know but you maybe you're not like that maybe you're holier than i am and there's some and there's some times when you know i'm not really thinking about the lord i'm not thinking about how good he is like i'm thinking about you know my golf game and uh or about like like that i i got my mind is not on the lord 24 7 and what he's done and i know i got a lot of work to do i know there's a lot of work to do and i know i'm loose focus on him and i know i shouldn't my best day i know what i should do but most of my days aren't my best day and i know i'm not always magnanimous i know i'm i can be a little bit surly from time to time and then paul says this this is great he says this he says know that the lord is at hand like what he's saying he's saying like know that this incredible jesus christ is present today like like no when you can't do these things when when you're like in the middle of conflict and you're stuck and and uh when you're not so magnanimous" [00:35:03] (90 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so know that this gracious presence of the living Lord is with you, with me. So we can say, listen, help me, give me wisdom, like, to deal with this conflict. Give me love for this person. I don't love them. Give me, watch over my lips, watch over my heart. Lord, Lord, help me to rejoice in you. Like, help me to know you. Like, is it really true who you are and what you've done? Can you edit my life? Can you point out the things that I should be thanking you for? I get so distracted. I'm always on Twitter, or Facebook, or I'm lost in a Netflix series, and I know that this is not leading me very good. Help me to get back to you. The Lord is near." [00:36:49] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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