LostFound.Part1.Peace.4.6.25.docx

Devotional

Day 1: The Depth of True Peace

True peace, or "shalom," is a profound state of universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight that goes beyond the mere absence of conflict. It is the harmonious weaving together of God, humans, and creation. This peace was lost when sin entered the world, disrupting the perfect harmony that once existed. However, through Jesus Christ, this deeper peace can be restored. As you reflect on your life, consider how you can seek this deeper peace, not just by avoiding conflict, but by pursuing a life that aligns with God's vision of "shalom."

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 are you merely avoiding conflict rather than seeking true peace? How can you invite God's "shalom" into these areas today?

Day 2: The Ripple Effect of Sin

The story of Adam and Eve illustrates how sin disrupted the perfect peace and harmony that existed in creation. This disruption affects every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our work, and even our physical bodies. Sin creates unrest and brokenness, but through Christ, there is hope for restoration and healing. Recognize the areas in your life where sin has caused unrest and seek the peace that Jesus offers, allowing Him to mend what is broken and bring healing to your soul.

Romans 5:12 (ESV): "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where sin has caused unrest. How can you invite Jesus to bring healing and restoration to this area today?

Day 3: Trusting in God's Redemption Plan

Despite humanity's loss of peace, God had a plan to restore it through Jesus Christ. The prophecies of the Old Testament, fulfilled in Jesus' life and ministry, reveal God's unwavering commitment to redeeming His people. Trust in God's eternal plan and find comfort in the knowledge that He is actively working to restore peace in your life and the world. Embrace the hope that comes from knowing that God's plan is perfect and that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: How can you actively trust in God's plan for your life, especially in areas where you feel a lack of peace? What steps can you take to align your expectations with His purposes?

Day 4: Redefining Expectations of Peace

The Jews expected a political savior in Jesus, but He came to offer spiritual peace. This misunderstanding highlights the importance of aligning our expectations with God's purposes. Consider how you might be seeking peace in temporary solutions and instead turn to Jesus for lasting, spiritual peace. Reflect on the ways you might be looking for peace in the wrong places and how you can shift your focus to the peace that only Jesus can provide.

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: Are there areas in your life where you are seeking peace through temporary solutions? How can you turn to Jesus for lasting peace today?

Day 5: Experiencing Peace in the Present

While the full restoration of "shalom" will come in the future, we can experience peace with God today through faith in Jesus. This peace transcends circumstances and provides strength and purpose in life's challenges. Embrace the peace that Jesus offers and allow it to transform your heart and mind, standing guard against the lies and conflicts of the world. Let this peace be your anchor, guiding you through the storms of life with confidence and hope.

Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: How can you allow the peace of Christ to rule in your heart today, especially in the midst of life's challenges? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this peace in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

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In this sermon, we begin an Easter series exploring what humanity lost when sin entered the world and how these losses can be restored through Jesus Christ. The focus of this message is on the loss of peace, both with God and within ourselves, and how Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers a path to reclaim it. The sermon reflects on the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve, highlighting how their disobedience led to the loss of perfect peace and harmony. It emphasizes that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of universal flourishing and fulfillment, known as "shalom." The sermon also discusses how Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, prophesied in the Old Testament, signifies God's plan to restore peace through Christ. Despite the Jews' expectations of a political savior, Jesus came to offer spiritual peace, a peace that transcends earthly struggles and conflicts. The message concludes by inviting listeners to find peace in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and experience the restoration of "shalom" in their lives.

Key Takeaways

1. The Nature of True Peace: True peace, or "shalom," is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight. It involves the harmonious webbing together of God, humans, and creation. This peace was lost with the fall of humanity but can be restored through Jesus. Reflect on how you can seek this deeper peace in your life, beyond just avoiding conflict.
2. The Consequences of Sin: The story of Adam and Eve illustrates how sin disrupted the perfect peace and harmony that existed in creation. This disruption affects our relationships, our work, and even our physical bodies. Recognize the areas in your life where sin has caused unrest and seek restoration through Christ, who offers hope and healing.
3. God's Plan for Redemption: Despite humanity's loss of peace, God had a plan to restore it through Jesus Christ. The prophecies of the Old Testament, fulfilled in Jesus' life and ministry, reveal God's commitment to redeeming His people. Trust in God's eternal plan and find comfort in the knowledge that He is working to restore peace in your life and the world.
4. The Misunderstanding of Peace: The Jews expected a political savior in Jesus, but He came to offer spiritual peace. This misunderstanding highlights the importance of aligning our expectations with God's purposes. Consider how you might be seeking peace in temporary solutions and instead turn to Jesus for lasting, spiritual peace.
5. Experiencing Peace Today: While the full restoration of "shalom" will come in the future, we can experience peace with God today through faith in Jesus. This peace transcends circumstances and provides strength and purpose in life's challenges. Embrace the peace that Jesus offers and allow it to transform your heart and mind, standing guard against the lies and conflicts of the world.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Lost & Found: Peace**

**Bible Reading:**
- Genesis 3:1-6
- Genesis 3:16-19
- Zechariah 9:9-10
- Romans 5:1

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**Observation Questions:**

According to Genesis 3:1-6, what was the serpent's strategy in convincing Eve to eat the forbidden fruit?
In Genesis 3:16-19, what specific consequences did God declare for Adam and Eve after their disobedience?
How does Zechariah 9:9-10 describe the coming of the King, and what does this signify about His mission?
What does Romans 5:1 say about the relationship between faith and peace with God?

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**Interpretation Questions:**

How does the concept of "shalom" as described in the sermon differ from the common understanding of peace today?
In what ways did the fall of Adam and Eve disrupt the "shalom" that existed in creation, according to the sermon?
How does the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9-10 illustrate God's plan for restoring peace through Jesus?
What does the sermon suggest about the difference between the peace Jesus offers and the peace the world seeks?

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**Application Questions:**

Reflect on your personal understanding of peace. How does it align or differ from the biblical concept of "shalom" as described in the sermon?
Identify an area in your life where sin has disrupted peace. What steps can you take to seek restoration through Jesus?
The Jews expected a political savior in Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you might be seeking peace through temporary solutions rather than through Jesus?
How can you actively embrace the peace that Jesus offers in your daily life, especially during challenging circumstances?
Consider a relationship in your life that lacks peace. What practical steps can you take to restore harmony in that relationship?
How can you align your expectations with God's purposes to experience lasting peace, as discussed in the sermon?
What specific actions can you take this week to allow the peace of Christ to transform your heart and mind, guarding against the lies and conflicts of the world?

Sermon Quotes

"People spend their entire lives trying to find what Jesus offers them freely by faith. If you know someone who needs what Jesus has to offer, now is the time to invite them."

"We live in a world filled with broken relationships. More marriages end in divorce than 'till death do us part.' But everything that’s been lost in this world can be found again in the Lord."

"Jesus is the Prince of Peace who made harmony available to humanity again. His resurrection offers hope to the hopeless."

"The peace we find in the Lord is different than the peace we find in the world. It enables us to smile through life’s storms and hold on to our eternal purpose as we experience earthly pain."

"We’ve lost the peace of God because we’ve lost peace with God. But there’s a person in whom all people can find peace with God again."

"God proclaimed His plan for the redemption of his people before Adam and Eve could even process the peace they lost. This is the earliest prophetic reference to Jesus Christ and the Gospel."

"The reason why we lose so many battles is because we choose to fight in the flesh, not faith. When we pray, an all-powerful God who’s never lost a battle goes to war on our behalf!"

"Jesus didn’t come to deliver them from their temporary problem with Rome. He came to deliver them from their eternal problem with God."

"Only Jesus can provide perfect peace. His peace is everlasting. It frees us from sin’s bondage, steadies us in life’s storm, and finds a purpose for our pain."

"Will you find peace in the Prince of Peace this morning? Or will you remain lost in the world? One day, all of creation will have its 'shalom' restored, but you can experience it today!"

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