Finding True Peace in Christ Amidst Chaos
Summary
In our ongoing series, "The Christmas List," we delve into the profound concept of peace, a theme that resonates deeply in our world today. We began by reflecting on a missionary family working tirelessly to bring the gospel of peace to regions often devoid of tranquility. This serves as a reminder of our role in supporting such endeavors, even from afar, through prayer and financial contributions.
Peace is a multifaceted concept, often trivialized in popular culture, yet deeply yearned for in our hearts. We explored various symbols and expressions of peace, from the peace sign to the notion of "shalom." However, true peace is not found in these symbols or in worldly comforts like a Chick-fil-A meal, but in the eternal peace offered by Jesus Christ.
Our lives are filled with peace robbers—health issues, financial burdens, legal troubles, and relational conflicts. These challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and victimized, leading us to seek solace in temporary distractions. Yet, the peace Jesus offers transcends these earthly struggles. It is a peace that persists amidst chaos, rooted in a relationship with the Prince of Peace.
The Bible, filled with stories of turmoil, points us to a peace that surpasses understanding. Isaiah prophesied about a child, the Prince of Peace, who would bring hope during times of national chaos. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, born into a world of Roman oppression and societal strife. Jesus did not promise to eliminate all worldly troubles but offered a peace that endures through them.
To experience this peace, we must first make peace with God, acknowledging our estrangement due to sin. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are reconciled and justified, gaining access to a peace that transforms our lives. This peace is not about external circumstances but an internal assurance that God is with us.
Living in this peace involves a daily surrender to God, choosing joy and trust in Him despite life's challenges. As we embody this peace, it becomes contagious, impacting those around us and pointing them to its divine source. Our call is to maintain this peace, not manufacture it, allowing it to radiate through our lives as a testament to God's glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Peace Beyond Circumstances: True peace is not found in external circumstances or worldly comforts but in a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This peace persists through life's chaos, offering an internal assurance that God is with us. [33:42]
- Identifying Peace Robbers: Health issues, financial burdens, legal troubles, and relational conflicts can rob us of peace. Recognizing these challenges helps us turn to Jesus, who offers a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in reconciliation with God. [30:47]
- Reconciliation with God: The first step to peace is making peace with God, acknowledging our estrangement due to sin. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are reconciled and justified, gaining access to a transformative peace. [39:17]
- Daily Surrender and Joy: Living in peace involves daily surrender to God, choosing joy and trust in Him despite life's challenges. This intentional choice allows us to experience the peace that surpasses understanding. [49:53]
- Radiating Peace to Others: As we embody God's peace, it becomes contagious, impacting those around us and pointing them to its divine source. Our call is to maintain this peace, allowing it to radiate through our lives as a testament to God's glory. [53:24]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - Introduction to Peace
- [03:45] - Symbols of Peace
- [06:10] - Peace Robbers in Our Lives
- [10:00] - Personal Struggles with Peace
- [13:30] - The Source of True Peace
- [16:00] - Biblical Context of Peace
- [19:20] - The Promise of the Prince of Peace
- [22:00] - Making Peace with God
- [25:30] - Living in Peace Through Surrender
- [28:45] - Radiating Peace to Others
- [32:00] - Practical Steps to Peace
- [35:00] - Invitation to Respond
- [38:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
- [40:00] - Go in Peace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "The Christmas List: Peace"
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. Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the symbols and expressions of peace mentioned in the sermon, and how do they compare to the peace offered by Jesus? [27:26]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the "peace robbers" that people face in their daily lives? [30:47]
3. How does the sermon describe the peace that Jesus offers compared to worldly peace? [33:42]
4. What does the sermon say about the first step to experiencing true peace? [39:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Isaiah's prophecy about the Prince of Peace provide hope during times of turmoil, both historically and in our current context? [35:55]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that peace with God transforms our lives, and how is this peace different from simply having a peaceful life? [39:17]
3. How does the concept of daily surrender to God, as discussed in the sermon, contribute to experiencing peace that surpasses understanding? [49:53]
4. What does it mean to "radiate peace to others," and how can this impact those around us according to the sermon? [53:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the "peace robbers" in your life. What specific steps can you take to address these challenges and turn to Jesus for peace? [30:47]
2. The sermon emphasizes making peace with God as the first step to true peace. Have you taken this step, and if not, what is holding you back? [39:17]
3. Consider a situation where you struggle to find peace. How can you practice daily surrender and choose joy in that situation? [49:53]
4. Think of someone in your life who seems to lack peace. How can you embody and share the peace of Christ with them this week? [53:24]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of maintaining peace rather than manufacturing it. What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to maintain peace in your life? [53:24]
6. Reflect on a recent conflict or stressor. How can you apply Philippians 4:6-7 to that situation, and what might change as a result? [49:53]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust God more fully. What is one action you can take this week to demonstrate that trust? [49:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Peace Beyond Circumstances
True peace is not found in external circumstances or worldly comforts but in a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This peace persists through life's chaos, offering an internal assurance that God is with us. In a world filled with distractions and temporary comforts, it is easy to mistake these for true peace. However, the peace that Jesus offers is not dependent on our surroundings or situations. It is a profound, enduring peace that remains steadfast even when life is tumultuous. This peace is rooted in the assurance that God is with us, guiding and supporting us through every challenge. By focusing on our relationship with Jesus, we can experience a peace that transcends understanding, providing us with a sense of calm and stability amidst the chaos. [33:42]
"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." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking peace from external sources rather than from your relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your focus to rely on His peace today?
Day 2: Identifying Peace Robbers
Health issues, financial burdens, legal troubles, and relational conflicts can rob us of peace. Recognizing these challenges helps us turn to Jesus, who offers a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in reconciliation with God. Life is filled with challenges that can easily disrupt our sense of peace. These "peace robbers" can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. However, by identifying these challenges, we can turn to Jesus for the peace that surpasses understanding. This peace is not about the absence of problems but about the presence of God in our lives. By reconciling with God and trusting in His promises, we can experience a peace that remains unshaken by life's difficulties. [30:47]
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)
Reflection: What are the specific "peace robbers" in your life right now? How can you bring these to Jesus and allow His peace to rule in your heart?
Day 3: Reconciliation with God
The first step to peace is making peace with God, acknowledging our estrangement due to sin. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are reconciled and justified, gaining access to a transformative peace. Our relationship with God is the foundation of true peace. Sin creates a barrier between us and God, leading to a sense of unrest and disconnection. However, through Jesus' sacrifice, we are offered reconciliation and justification, restoring our relationship with God. This reconciliation is the first step towards experiencing a peace that transforms our lives. By acknowledging our need for God's forgiveness and accepting His grace, we can enter into a relationship with Him that brings lasting peace. [39:17]
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: Have you acknowledged your need for reconciliation with God? How can you embrace the peace that comes from being justified by faith in Jesus today?
Day 4: Daily Surrender and Joy
Living in peace involves daily surrender to God, choosing joy and trust in Him despite life's challenges. This intentional choice allows us to experience the peace that surpasses understanding. Peace is not a one-time event but a daily choice. By surrendering our worries and fears to God each day, we open ourselves to His peace. This involves choosing joy and trust in Him, even when circumstances are difficult. By focusing on God's promises and His presence in our lives, we can experience a peace that surpasses understanding. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God, who is faithful and unchanging. [49:53]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender to God? How can you choose to trust Him and find joy in His presence today?
Day 5: Radiating Peace to Others
As we embody God's peace, it becomes contagious, impacting those around us and pointing them to its divine source. Our call is to maintain this peace, allowing it to radiate through our lives as a testament to God's glory. The peace we receive from God is not meant to be kept to ourselves. As we embody this peace, it becomes a powerful testimony to those around us. By living in peace, we can impact others and point them to its divine source. Our call is to maintain this peace, allowing it to radiate through our lives as a testament to God's glory. By sharing the peace we have received, we can help others experience the transformative power of God's love and grace. [53:24]
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally share the peace of God with someone in your life today? What practical steps can you take to let His peace shine through you?
Quotes
It's great to see as we continue our series, the Christmas list, that we continue. And talking about peace today, it's incredible to see a missionary family that is bringing peace to a place that is otherwise not known for peace. So let's pray over them today. Dear Father, I thank you for this family. I want to thank for missionaries that are all around the world that are trying to bring the gospel of peace. [00:24:53] (24 seconds)
To your people all around this world. God, I pray for this family, that they would feel our support, that the people here in one of the wealthiest counties of America would be able to minister at a distance to those that are in so need of peace. In Jesus' name, amen. Yes, Pastor Corey shared any of the cash that's left in the black boxes in the back is one way that we can give to their cause. So when we talk about peace, what comes to mind? And I know the word is not the word, but it's the word of God. It's the word of God itself in today's world, especially after watching a video like that, can feel like a punchline. But what are some of the things that come to mind when you think of peace? [00:25:18] (37 seconds)
And by now, you're saying, well, walking into the sermon, I thought I had peace, and that's been robbed. So thanks for that, Kevin. Yeah, well, go in peace. Yeah, yeah, no, no, no. There's more, I promise. There's more to this story. At different stages, you're probably going to face a lot of these different things, a lot of these robbers of your peace. Maybe you're currently facing some of those things, and you're realizing, I hadn't been able to put my finger on the fact that it's the peace that I've been longing for. [00:30:47] (27 seconds)
The peace we're going to be talking about today is not something that could be found in hobbies, not something that could be found in medication, not something that could be found in the world external, because what we're going to be talking about is not the world external, but the source of this peace is eternal. [00:33:42] (18 seconds)
Lord, as we talk of the things that can rob our peace, I pray that we'd recognize that we have an active enemy and the world around us is broken. And if we long for peace external, it's unlikely. Lord, so I pray instead we turn to a peace eternal that's in you and you alone. In Jesus' name, amen. As we talk about longing for peace, I think it's important to recognize that the Bible itself is full of non -peaceful times. There's very rarely a book of the Bible you open and you're like, well, this was written to a great people that were living in a great peaceful time. Pretty much every story in the Bible, pretty much every book of the Bible is written to a people in a time of turmoil. And one of those times is the prophet Isaiah, 2 ,700 years ago. He knows that Assyria has just conquered. And now he's talking about the pending doom that's coming to Judah because of Babylon's conquering of them. And after seeing all this, he's about to write this during that turmoil and during that conquering. And he says in Isaiah 9, 6, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. [00:33:52] (71 seconds)
The government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and here it is, Prince of Peace. [00:35:03] (12 seconds)
The Prince of Peace would, however, reveal a peace that surpasses all understanding. He'd reveal that peace can be had not in the absence of war, of oppression, of destruction, of all these things, but in the absence of war, of oppression, of destruction, of all these things. But a peace that can persist through all of that chaos. [00:37:30] (15 seconds)
Because God won't give you peace around you, he gives you peace within you. But the first step on this path to peace that everyone is longing for, the first step is first is to make peace with Jesus. [00:37:45] (12 seconds)
The first step is to have peace between us, between us and God, who is the Prince of Peace. [00:37:57] (7 seconds)
Jesus offers peace, not by fixing your pain, not by fixing your toddler, not by fixing your teenager, not by fixing your spouse, not by changing your workload, not by any of those things. Instead, he says, I'm giving you peace because I'm paying for a greater peace with a greater expense. [00:43:34] (18 seconds)
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