PEACE

DEFINITIONS OF PEACE:
From the Dictionary1:
1. (n) freedom from disturbance; tranquility, mental calm, serenity, contentment.
2. (n) a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended. Freedom from civil disorder. Freedom from dispute or dissension between individuals or groups.
3. (v) leave – “peace out”

Peace in The Bible2:
The Hebrew word for peace, šālôm, translated in the Septuagint most often by the Greek word, eirēnē, has a wide semantic range including the notions of totality or completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and well-being. -Encyclopedia.com

3 PARTS TO PEACE: Peace with God, peace with ourselves, and peace with others.

1. THROUGH JESUS, WE CAN HAVE PEACE WITH GOD.

Romans 5:1-5 1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. …

Ephesians 2:13-17 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

2. PEACE WITH GOD ALLOWS PEACE WITH OURSELVES.

Philippians 4:6-8 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Psalm 34:12-16 12Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. 14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. …

3. PEACE WITH GOD ALLOWS US TO MAKE PEACE WITH OTHERS.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Romans 14:17-19 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. 19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification

Romans 12:14-21 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider: Galatians 5:16-26; Philippians 4:6-8
Icebreaker: What is your favorite way to relax in the summer?

1. What challenged you from this week’s sermon?
2. Read John 14:23-27 and John 16:32-33. In these passages, what is Jesus telling us about peace? (Before or after group, you might read John 16. John 13-17 are powerful passages from Jesus.)
3. What has been your picture of “peace”? a) When you are peaceful, what is absent? What is present? B) How does your version of peace fit with or differ from what Jesus is saying?
4. What can be peace-stealers for you? (What brings anxiety or frustration?)
5. Look at Colossians 3:15, Matthew 5:9, 1 Peter 3:10-12, Philippians 4:6-7. What is our part in peace? What is God’s part in peace?
6. In what area or relationship will you seek peace as you walk with the Spirit this week? What might that look like for you?