Finding True Peace in Unlikely Circumstances
Summary
The sermon delivered on Sunday Worship 12/17/2023 at 10:00 AM, possibly by a pastor whose name is not provided in the title, focused on the theme of "Unlikely Christmas" and the pursuit of peace in a tumultuous world. The speaker began by addressing the people of Nazareth, emphasizing that true peace comes from the Prince of Peace, Jesus, and not from external circumstances. The metaphor of baptism was used to illustrate the transition from death to celebration, and peace was presented as a relationship with Jesus.
The irony of Christmas was highlighted through the contrast of joy and pain, as seen in the celebrations on the main street of a base area juxtaposed with nearby suffering. The speaker reflected on the deeper meaning of Christmas, which includes the joy of the Messiah's coming but also the pain of His death. The story of Herod and Joseph was used to illustrate the secret to finding peace, with the Hebrew word "Shalom" representing God's perfect peace.
The importance of finding peace through Jesus was underscored, with the speaker urging the audience to have peace with others and to forgive, contrasting Herod's death without peace to the peace offered by Jesus. The speaker prayed for those who have not surrendered to Jesus, seeking the peace that surpasses understanding.
The sermon also touched on the act of giving tithes and offerings as a means to draw closer to God, with references to Bible verses that connect our treasure with our heart. The audience was provided with three ways to give their offerings.
A personal story was shared about a military reservist named Lee Bishop, who experienced a surreal Christmas Eve in Afghanistan, which led to reflections on the nature of Christmas for families facing loss. The speaker then discussed how peace is found in a person, Jesus, rather than in solving problems or changing circumstances. The story of Herod's violence contrasted with Joseph's care for Jesus was used to highlight the peace that Jesus brings.
The sermon continued with the assertion that true peace is found in God's plan, not in a physical location or by eliminating threats. The tragic actions of Herod were mentioned to illustrate the futility of seeking peace through violence. The example of Joseph, who left everything to go to Egypt, showed that peace is not dependent on external circumstances.
The story of the Magi and their encounter with Herod was recounted, emphasizing their worship of Jesus and Joseph's obedience to the angel's warning to flee to Egypt, fulfilling prophecy. The speaker also addressed the common misconception that moving to a new location can bring peace, pointing out that peace is not bound by external circumstances.
Finally, the sermon concluded with a focus on the blessings fund and upcoming church events, encouraging the congregation to contribute to projects such as a meal pack for Honduras, a food trailer, and a building campaign, as well as inviting everyone to attend Christmas caroling and Christmas Eve services.
Key Takeaways:
- True peace is not found in the absence of conflict or in the resolution of our problems, but in the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Just as the people of Nazareth were encouraged to find peace by knowing Jesus, we too can experience peace in our lives by cultivating a relationship with Him, regardless of our external circumstances. [57:56]
- The story of Herod and Joseph serves as a powerful reminder that peace is not achieved through power or control, but through surrender to God's will. Herod's attempt to secure peace through violence only led to more unrest, while Joseph's obedience to God's direction brought about the fulfillment of prophecy and the safeguarding of the Messiah. [40:06] [40:44] [41:15] [41:53] [42:34]
- The act of giving, whether through tithes, offerings, or acts of service, is a reflection of our heart's alignment with God's purposes. As we give freely and wholeheartedly, we draw closer to God and experience a deeper sense of peace, knowing that our treasures are invested in His kingdom. [01:03:37]
- The Christmas story, often sanitized and romanticized, is filled with unlikely events and characters that challenge our understanding of peace. The personal story of Lee Bishop and the contrasting experiences of joy and sorrow during Christmas remind us that peace often comes through unexpected and difficult circumstances. [37:42]
- Peace is not contingent upon our environment or the absence of threats. Joseph's willingness to leave everything behind and seek refuge in Egypt, a place not favorable to his people, demonstrates that peace is an internal state granted by God, not a condition of our surroundings. [46:02] [46:43] [47:19] [47:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 2:13-23 - The story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt and Herod's actions.
2. 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."
3. Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What instructions did the angel give to Joseph in his dream, and how did Joseph respond? (Matthew 2:13-14)
2. How did Herod react when he realized the Magi had outwitted him, and what were the consequences of his actions? (Matthew 2:16) [50:51]
3. What prophecy was fulfilled by Joseph taking Jesus and Mary to Egypt? (Matthew 2:15)
4. How does the sermon describe the contrast between Herod's and Joseph's approach to finding peace? [41:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the term "Prince of Peace" imply about Jesus' role in our lives, according to Isaiah 9:6?
2. How does the story of Herod and Joseph illustrate the difference between seeking peace through power and control versus surrendering to God's will? [41:15]
3. In what ways does Philippians 4:7 describe the nature of the peace that Jesus offers?
4. How does the personal story of Lee Bishop in the sermon highlight the irony and deeper meaning of Christmas? [40:06]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to find peace by changing your external circumstances. How did that work out for you? What could you have done differently to seek peace through Jesus instead? [47:19]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of forgiving others to maintain peace. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive to experience God's peace more fully? [01:01:23]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to draw closer to Him? [01:00:46]
4. The act of giving was highlighted as a way to align our hearts with God's purposes. How can you incorporate more acts of giving into your life, and how might this impact your sense of peace? [01:03:37]
5. The sermon contrasts Herod's violent approach to securing peace with Joseph's obedience to God's plan. How can you apply Joseph's example of obedience in your own life, especially in challenging situations? [41:15]
6. Think about the upcoming Christmas season. How can you focus more on the true meaning of Christmas and less on the external celebrations to find peace? [40:06]
7. The sermon mentioned that peace is not found in solving problems but in a relationship with Jesus. What specific problems are you currently facing, and how can you shift your focus from solving them to seeking Jesus' peace? [55:49]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon and apply its lessons to their lives. May your discussions be fruitful and lead to a greater understanding and experience of God's peace.
Devotional
Day 1: Peace in Christ Surpasses Circumstances
True peace is not dependent on life's tranquility but is found in the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This peace is a deep, abiding state that remains steadfast even when external conditions are chaotic or threatening. It is an inner serenity that comes from a relationship with Jesus, not from the resolution of problems or the absence of conflict. [57:56]
Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus to experience His peace in the midst of your current challenges?
Day 2: Surrender Leads to Divine Peace
Peace is not a product of human control or power but a gift received through surrender to God's will. Herod's quest for peace through violence led to turmoil, while Joseph's obedience to divine guidance protected the Messiah and fulfilled prophecy. This teaches that true peace comes from aligning with God's plan, not from our own efforts to secure it. [40:06] [40:44] [41:15] [41:53] [42:34]
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to relinquish control and trust in God's plan for peace?
Day 3: Generosity Reflects Heart Alignment
Our willingness to give, whether through tithes, offerings, or service, is a reflection of our heart's alignment with God's purposes. As we give, we draw closer to God and experience peace, knowing we are investing in His kingdom. This act of giving is an outward expression of an inward grace and commitment to God's work. [01:03:37]
Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: How does your current practice of giving reflect the state of your heart, and what changes might God be calling you to make?
Day 4: Unlikely Peace in Christmas Stories
The Christmas narrative, with its mix of joy and sorrow, reminds us that peace often arrives through unexpected and difficult circumstances. The story of Lee Bishop's surreal Christmas Eve in Afghanistan exemplifies how peace can be found in the midst of loss and hardship. This peace is not about the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus in every situation. [37:42]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
Reflection: Can you recall a difficult time when you experienced God's peace? How might that experience help you comfort others facing similar trials?
Day 5: Peace Beyond Environment
Peace is an internal state granted by God, not a condition of our surroundings. Joseph's journey to Egypt, despite being unfavorable, demonstrates that peace comes from God's presence and not from our physical location or the absence of threats. This divine peace is independent of external circumstances and is rooted in God's eternal promises. [46:02] [46:43] [47:19] [47:59]
Philippians 4:11-12 - "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, through him who gives me strength."
Reflection: How can you seek to maintain a sense of God's peace even when your external environment is challenging or changing?
Quotes
"If you didn't have peace where you are now, you're not going to have peace later in the next place because peace isn't bound by your problems." [52:33] (Download)
"There's always going to be another virus, another health concern, another threat to our economy, another crash in the market, another country that's angry... there's always going to be fights." [52:59] (Download)
"Don't be like Herod, you have Jesus, you have the Prince of Peace, the wonderful counselor, the Mighty God inside you so live with peace inside knowing he overcomes the world." [01:02:04] (Download)
"You don't find Shalom by fixing everything around your world; you find Shalom by accepting the prince of peace in your life." [58:40] (Download)
"It's the joy of a messiah coming to save us and the reminder that it took death for it to be accomplished." [40:44] (Download)
"In the contrast between Herod and Joseph, the father of Jesus, you're going to see the secret to how to find peace in your life." [41:15] (Download)
"The most peaceful place to be is in the plan of God because peace around you in the place you live will never stay peaceful, but if you're in the plan of God, you can have peace." [48:43] (Download)
"You don't find peace in a place; you find peace in the plan of God." [50:51] (Download)
"Peace is not found in a place, it's not found in our problems, it's found in a person, the Prince of Peace. All of us want peace, we just many of us just don't want the prince that comes with it." [55:49] (Download)
"Joseph and his family did not move to Egypt because it was going to be more peaceful; he was giving up his occupation, family support, housing, job, resources, going to a place that does not like Hebrews." [47:59] (Download)
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