Embracing Shalom: Finding Peace in Our Lives
Summary
In this season of Advent, we are reminded of the promise of peace, a theme that resonates through the songs, decorations, and greetings of Christmas. This peace, or "shalom" as described in the Hebrew Scriptures, encompasses more than just the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, harmony, and the well-being of individuals and communities. Yet, as we look around, we see a world that seems to lack this shalom. From international conflicts to personal anxieties, the absence of peace is evident. This disconnect suggests a "supply chain problem" with peace, much like the disruptions we've experienced in other areas of life.
The peace that Jesus offers is distinct from the world's version. It transcends circumstances, surpasses understanding, and is available to everyone. It is an abiding state of being, not limited to special occasions or favorable conditions. However, to experience this peace, we must address the barriers that prevent it from flowing into our lives. One significant barrier is our unresolved past. The past, whether through actions we've taken or experiences we've endured, can disrupt our present peace. Shame and blame often linger, complicating our ability to live in harmony.
To overcome these barriers, we must engage in filtering and forgiving. Filtering involves examining the messages from our past through the lens of Jesus' truth, discarding those that conflict with His teachings. Forgiveness, both of others and ourselves, is crucial. It is not about condoning wrongs but releasing the hold they have on us. This process mirrors the generosity of God, who forgives us and invites us into communion with Him.
As we strive to become people of peace, we are called to make every effort to pursue peace and mutual edification. This journey requires intentionality and practice, but it opens the way for God's peace to flow into our lives and the world around us. Let us embrace this season as an opportunity to make peace with our past and become conduits of shalom in a world that desperately needs it.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Shalom: Shalom is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of wholeness and harmony that encompasses personal well-being and community cohesiveness. This peace is what Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers, yet it often seems absent in our world due to a "supply chain problem" with peace. [43:50]
- Jesus' Peace: The peace Jesus offers transcends circumstances and surpasses understanding. It is available to everyone and is an abiding state of being, not limited to special occasions. This peace is distinct from what the world offers and is rooted in the teachings and life of Jesus. [47:46]
- Making Peace with the Past: Our past, whether through actions we've taken or experiences we've endured, can disrupt our present peace. Shame and blame often linger, complicating our ability to live in harmony. Making peace with the past involves filtering and forgiving. [50:33]
- Filtering and Forgiving: Filtering involves examining past messages through the lens of Jesus' truth, discarding those that conflict with His teachings. Forgiveness, both of others and ourselves, is crucial. It is not about condoning wrongs but releasing the hold they have on us. [54:06]
- Becoming People of Peace: Pursuing peace requires intentionality and practice. By filtering and forgiving, we open the way for God's peace to flow into our lives and the world around us. This journey is a lifelong process, but it is essential for becoming conduits of shalom. [01:06:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Peace
- [01:45] - The Meaning of Shalom
- [03:10] - The World's Lack of Peace
- [05:00] - Supply Chain Problem with Peace
- [06:30] - Jesus' Promise of Peace
- [08:00] - Characteristics of Jesus' Peace
- [10:00] - The Role of the Past in Present Peace
- [12:00] - Filtering Past Messages
- [14:00] - The Power of Forgiveness
- [16:00] - Becoming People of Peace
- [18:00] - Prayer and Closing Remarks
- [20:00] - Announcements and Opportunities
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
2. John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
3. Proverbs 14:30 - "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Observation Questions:
1. What does the term "shalom" mean according to the sermon, and how does it differ from the common understanding of peace? [43:50]
2. How does Jesus describe the peace He offers in John 14:27, and how is it different from the peace the world offers? [47:46]
3. According to the sermon, what are some barriers that prevent us from experiencing peace in our lives? [50:33]
4. What role does forgiveness play in overcoming the barriers to peace, as discussed in the sermon? [54:06]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the concept of "shalom" as wholeness and harmony challenge or expand one's current understanding of peace? [43:50]
2. In what ways does the peace that Jesus offers transcend circumstances and surpass understanding, as mentioned in the sermon? [47:46]
3. How can unresolved issues from the past disrupt one's present peace, and what steps can be taken to address these issues? [50:33]
4. What does it mean to filter past messages through the truth of Jesus, and how can this practice lead to greater peace? [54:06]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any unresolved issues from your past that might be hindering your experience of peace? What steps can you take to address them? [50:33]
2. Consider the concept of "shalom" as described in the sermon. How can you actively pursue this kind of peace in your personal relationships and community? [43:50]
3. Jesus offers a peace that is not dependent on circumstances. How can you cultivate this peace in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [47:46]
4. Forgiveness is a key component of experiencing peace. Is there someone you need to forgive, or do you need to forgive yourself for something? What practical steps can you take to begin this process? [54:06]
5. The sermon suggests filtering past messages through the truth of Jesus. Identify a negative message from your past. How can you reframe it in light of Jesus' teachings? [54:06]
6. How can you become a conduit of peace in your community, actively working towards mutual edification and harmony? [01:06:30]
7. Reflect on the peace that Jesus offers. How can you share this peace with others during the Advent season and beyond? [47:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Shalom as Wholeness and Harmony
The concept of "shalom" in the Hebrew Scriptures goes beyond the mere absence of conflict. It represents a state of wholeness, harmony, and well-being for individuals and communities. This peace is what Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers to the world. However, as we observe the world around us, we often see a lack of this shalom, akin to a "supply chain problem" with peace. The absence of peace is evident in international conflicts and personal anxieties, suggesting that the peace Jesus offers is not being fully realized in our lives. Understanding shalom as a comprehensive state of well-being challenges us to seek this deeper peace in our own lives and communities. [43:50]
Isaiah 32:17-18 (ESV): "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel a lack of shalom? How can you actively seek to bring wholeness and harmony into these areas today?
Day 2: The Transcendent Peace of Jesus
The peace that Jesus offers is distinct from the world's version. It transcends circumstances and surpasses understanding, providing an abiding state of being that is not limited to special occasions or favorable conditions. This peace is available to everyone and is rooted in the teachings and life of Jesus. Unlike the temporary peace the world offers, Jesus' peace is enduring and transformative. It invites us to live in a state of inner calm and assurance, regardless of external circumstances. Embracing this peace requires us to trust in Jesus' promises and to align our lives with His teachings. [47:46]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: What circumstances in your life are currently robbing you of peace? How can you invite Jesus' transcendent peace into these situations today?
Day 3: Making Peace with the Past
Our past, whether through actions we've taken or experiences we've endured, can disrupt our present peace. Shame and blame often linger, complicating our ability to live in harmony. Making peace with the past involves filtering and forgiving. Filtering requires examining the messages from our past through the lens of Jesus' truth, discarding those that conflict with His teachings. Forgiveness, both of others and ourselves, is crucial. It is not about condoning wrongs but releasing the hold they have on us. By addressing these barriers, we open the way for God's peace to flow into our lives. [50:33]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past experiences or actions are still affecting your peace today? How can you begin the process of filtering and forgiving to release their hold on you?
Day 4: The Power of Filtering and Forgiving
Filtering involves examining past messages through the lens of Jesus' truth, discarding those that conflict with His teachings. Forgiveness, both of others and ourselves, is crucial. It is not about condoning wrongs but releasing the hold they have on us. This process mirrors the generosity of God, who forgives us and invites us into communion with Him. By engaging in filtering and forgiving, we align ourselves with God's truth and open the way for His peace to flow into our lives. This practice requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of the past, allowing us to live in the freedom and peace that Jesus offers. [54:06]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Who in your life do you need to forgive, including yourself? What steps can you take today to begin this process of forgiveness and release?
Day 5: Becoming People of Peace
Pursuing peace requires intentionality and practice. By filtering and forgiving, we open the way for God's peace to flow into our lives and the world around us. This journey is a lifelong process, but it is essential for becoming conduits of shalom. As we strive to become people of peace, we are called to make every effort to pursue peace and mutual edification. This involves actively seeking ways to promote harmony and well-being in our relationships and communities. Embracing this calling allows us to reflect God's peace to a world that desperately needs it. [01:06:30]
Romans 12:18 (ESV): "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to become a person of peace in your community? How can you actively promote harmony and well-being in your relationships?
Quotes
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. [00:47:46] (13 seconds)
Peace in the present requires peace with my past. Peace in the present. Today, if you're not experiencing this, it might actually be because you haven't made peace with your past. [00:50:33] (16 seconds)
Our past complicates our ability to experience Jesus' peace. It becomes a problem in the supply chain. And it seems as though it's kind of occurs in two different categories. [00:51:35] (21 seconds)
Filtering is taking the messages that we're going to receive. That you've received. And filtering them through the truth of Jesus and his gospel. [00:54:06] (14 seconds)
Making peace with your past involves taking Jesus' message, the gospel, and filtering all of those things. [00:57:43] (11 seconds)
Forgiveness. Mirroring the generosity of God. Right? God's goal is ultimately not to satisfy injured pride or to justify reward and punishment, but to free us and establish communion with us. [01:01:10] (21 seconds)
So forgiveness becomes a means by which we can actually free up the problems in the supply chain. Filtering and forgiveness. [01:01:58] (11 seconds)
Do the work of making peace with your past, and you will begin to experience peace in the present. You'll become a person of peace. Let's pray together. [01:06:30] (16 seconds)
You can use the process of filtering and forgiving and filtering out those messages that you've carried with you about your worth and value and about the world and others. [01:06:30]
But forgiveness will open up that clogged pipeline of God's peace. It's work. It takes effort. Paul talks about this in Romans 14, 19. He says, therefore, let us make every effort, every effort, effort, effort. [01:07:32] (23 seconds)
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