Finding True Peace in God's Promises This Christmas

 

Summary

The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that true peace and comfort come from God's promises, as highlighted in the story of Adam and Eve and throughout scripture. The Christmas season is a reminder to celebrate the Messiah, who has come and is leading our lives. The speaker urges the congregation to remember the true meaning of the season and the source of their peace and safety.

Offerings are presented as a way for the congregation to give back to God, acknowledging the abundance they have received. The speaker prays for these offerings to be used to grow God's kingdom, inviting the congregation to join in prayer.

The speaker expresses gratitude for blessings and commits time, talents, and treasures to God, hoping they will be used to further His kingdom and bring others to know Him. The congregation affirms this with an "amen."

The perception of Jesus as a warrior figure is discussed, with the speaker imagining Jesus questioning this expectation. Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Messiah is highlighted, emphasizing Jesus as the source of peace and safety. This is related to the speaker's childhood experiences of finding comfort in their parents' promises.

Prayers are offered for those in need of guidance and comfort, and for the family of the deceased, John. The significance of communion is underscored, with the congregation encouraged to partake with joy and thanksgiving.

The speaker reflects on the tendency to seek peace in the future or through material possessions, using a personal experience of Black Friday chaos to illustrate this point. The sermon turns to Jeremiah's prophecy of the Messiah, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the true meaning of the holiday season.

A prophecy about the throne of Israel is discussed, clarifying that true peace and safety are not found in earthly leaders or possessions. The speaker uses the metaphor of snow leopards to illustrate the difficulty in finding true peace and safety.

Gratitude is expressed for life's blessings, including birthdays and anniversaries. Prayers are offered for community members facing health challenges, asking for healing and support for them and their caregivers.

The congregation is invited to participate in communion, with instructions on how to partake in the elements. The availability of gluten-free options and a common cup for blessings is announced.

The characteristics of a snow leopard are related to the things we trust for peace and safety, warning of the potential harm they can bring. The hope found in God's promise of the Messiah is emphasized, and the impact of Jesus's ministry is highlighted through a passage from the Book of Mark.

Key Takeaways:

- The true essence of peace and safety is rooted in the divine promises of God, rather than in human assurances or seasonal festivities. The Christmas season serves as a poignant reminder of the fulfillment of these promises through the birth and reign of the Messiah. This perspective encourages believers to focus on the spiritual significance of the holiday rather than the commercial and material aspects that often overshadow its true meaning.

- Offerings are more than a ritualistic practice; they represent a heartfelt response to God's generosity. By giving back a portion of what they have received, believers participate in the expansion of God's kingdom on earth, reflecting the generosity of the divine nature in their lives.

- The confession of Peter, identifying Jesus as the Messiah, underscores the transformative power of recognizing and affirming Jesus's true identity. This acknowledgment goes beyond mere words, as it encapsulates the hope and assurance found in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of peace and safety for humanity.

- The act of communion is a profound expression of faith, symbolizing the believer's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice and the forgiveness and salvation it brings. Approaching the communion table with joy and thankfulness is an act of worship that acknowledges the deep spiritual nourishment and strength derived from this sacred practice.

- The metaphor of the snow leopard serves as a powerful illustration of the elusive nature of true peace and safety when sought in the wrong places. It challenges believers to discern the often-hidden dangers of misplaced trust and to anchor their hope in the steadfast promise of God's provision through the Messiah.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 33:14-17
- "The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’ For this is what the Lord says: ‘David will never fail to have a man to sit on the throne of Israel."

2. Mark 8:27-29
- "Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’"

#### Observation Questions
1. What promise does God make in Jeremiah 33:14-17, and how is it related to the coming of the Messiah?
2. In Mark 8:27-29, what are the different responses given by the disciples when Jesus asks who people say he is?
3. How does Peter’s declaration in Mark 8:29 differ from the other responses given by the disciples?
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the things people mistakenly seek peace and safety in during the Christmas season? ([35:45])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the promise of a "righteous Branch" from David’s line in Jeremiah 33:14-17 signify about God's plan for peace and safety?
2. How does Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Messiah in Mark 8:29 encapsulate the hope and assurance found in Jesus Christ? ([42:38])
3. Why does the speaker use the metaphor of the snow leopard to describe the elusive nature of true peace and safety? ([37:12])
4. How does the speaker’s personal experience of Black Friday chaos illustrate the tendency to seek peace in material possessions? ([32:06])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the promise of the Messiah in Jeremiah 33:14-17. How does this promise impact your understanding of peace and safety in your life today?
2. Peter’s declaration in Mark 8:29 is a powerful affirmation of Jesus’s identity. How can you personally affirm Jesus as the Messiah in your daily life? ([42:38])
3. The sermon discusses the tendency to seek peace in material possessions or future events. What are some specific ways you can shift your focus from these temporary sources of peace to the eternal peace promised by God? ([36:25])
4. The metaphor of the snow leopard warns of the hidden dangers of misplaced trust. Identify one area in your life where you might be seeking peace and safety in the wrong place. How can you redirect your trust to God’s promises? ([37:12])
5. The speaker emphasizes the importance of offerings as a response to God’s generosity. How can you incorporate a spirit of generosity in your life, not just during the Christmas season but throughout the year? ([46:13])
6. Communion is described as a profound expression of faith. How can you approach the communion table with a deeper sense of joy and thanksgiving in your next participation? ([52:35])
7. The sermon encourages prayers for those in need of guidance and comfort. Think of someone in your community who is struggling. How can you offer them support and remind them of the peace and safety found in God’s promises? ([49:08])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Promises Anchor True Peace
True peace and safety are not found in the world's offerings but in the steadfast promises of God. As the Christmas season unfolds, it's essential to remember that the birth of the Messiah is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is a gift from God that sustains believers through all of life's seasons. [07:40]

Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus this Christmas season to celebrate the peace that comes from God's promises rather than getting caught up in the busyness and commercialism?

Day 2: Generosity Reflects God's Kingdom
Offerings are a tangible expression of gratitude, acknowledging God's generosity by giving back to Him. This act of worship is not merely a duty but a joyful response to the abundance we have received. Through our offerings, we participate in the work of God's kingdom, allowing our resources to be used for His glory and the blessing of others. [07:40]

2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What is one way you can express your gratitude for God's abundance this week through giving, whether it be time, talents, or financial resources?

Day 3: Messiah's Identity Brings Transformation
Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah is a transformative experience that brings hope and assurance. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ reveals the power of understanding Jesus's true identity. This recognition is not just an intellectual assent but a deep, personal acknowledgment that Jesus is the source of our ultimate peace and safety. [07:40]

Matthew 16:15-16 - "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"
Reflection: How does acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah impact your daily life, and in what ways can you share this truth with others?

Day 4: Communion as Joyful Worship
Communion is a sacred practice that invites believers to remember Christ's sacrifice with joy and thanksgiving. This act of worship is not just a ritual but a profound expression of faith, acknowledging the deep spiritual nourishment and strength derived from Christ's body and blood. It is a time to reflect on the forgiveness and salvation that communion represents. [07:40]

1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, what are some aspects of Christ's sacrifice that you are particularly thankful for, and how does this gratitude shape your approach to worship?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Elusive Peace
The metaphor of the snow leopard illustrates the elusive nature of true peace and safety when sought in the wrong places. Just as the snow leopard is difficult to find, so is peace when we look for it in earthly leaders or possessions. True peace is found in the hope and promise of the Messiah, a peace that is not of this world but is a gift from God. [07:40]

Jeremiah 17:7-8 - "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green."
Reflection: What are the 'snow leopards' in your life—those things you mistakenly trust for peace and safety? How can you begin to place your trust in God's promises instead?

Quotes

"It's amazing how at this time of year people are stressed and they lose track of peace." [32:48] (Download)

"The promise is of a messiah, the one who is to come who will bring peace to the Earth, who will bring safety to all people, one who will lead." [33:31] (Download)

"True peace and comfort come in the promise of the Messiah, the one who we celebrate this Christmas season, the one who is already come as a baby, the one who will sit on the throne and is sitting on the throne and leading us each and every day of our lives." [45:32] (Download)

"Our offerings are just a small example, a small giving back to God of things that he's already given to us. As we bring these offerings forward, we pray over them that God will use these to grow and expand His kingdom." [46:13] (Download)

"Gracious Lord, we thank you that we have been given so much, and Lord, we offer back to you a portion of our time, our talents, and our treasures, ourselves. We ask you to use these gifts to grow your kingdom and your reach that others may see, learn, and know of you." [47:03] (Download)

"When Peter says you are the Messiah, he's not just giving a name; he's reiterating the promise and he's telling us where our peace and safety come from. He's saying you are the Messiah, the Savior, the peacegiver, the safety provider; you are all we need and you're all we will ever need." [43:18] (Download)

"Lord, we ask you to be with those in need, to heal them and strengthen them. Surround them in your arms that they know through all of this they are with you and that you are in control." [50:29] (Download)

"Friends, they got it messed up. They are looking for their peace and safety in a leader, but I think we too look for peace and safety in other places as well." [35:06] (Download)

"Peace and safety is sometimes, most of the time not found in those things at all. You see, those things function like a snow leopard." [36:25] (Download)

"Approach the table with joy and Thanksgiving as we receive Christ for our forgiveness and strength." [53:15] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?