Pastor Matt reminded us that Jesus can provide a deep sense of well-being that will spill over into our relationships. Until we have peace with God, pursuing anything else to just calm us down is a waste of time.
MY STORY
What does a deep sense of peace feel like for you? Describe a time when you experienced this.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and his name shall be called ... Prince of Peace ... (Isaiah 9:6)
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)
Define "sense of well-being. "
What impacts your ability to experience a significant sense of well-being? What types of things attempt to rob you of this peace?
Contrast the peace that the world offers with that the Prince of Peace can provide for you.
What are some of the empty promises of the world's peace that always fail to deliver? What's remains tempting about those promises?
What is deeply authentic about the peace of Christ? How is this type of peace able to transcend life's circumstances?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "The lack of peace we see and experience in this world is just symptoms of a larger disorder … The world is not at peace with God. In other words, we don't see the peace of God in this world (horizontally) because the world does not enjoy peace with God (vertically). "
If the world is not at peace with God, what can we show, through our words and actions, that peace with God is possible? In what ways will the world be able to see God's peace in your life?
In Christ, is it possible to experience a sense of well-being, even if you're feeling an unhappy emotion (like anger, sadness, fear, or even guilt). Why or why not?
How can something you have failed to acknowledge, or own up to, impact your ability experience God's peace?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Can you experience God's peace without necessarily feeling joyful? Why or why not?
This week, reflect on the different emotions you experience, and how those feelings impact your sense of well-being in Christ.
If you have any lingering sin or resentment that you've failed to acknowledge, and you know it's impacting your ability to sense God's peace, just admit to the Holy Spirit what he can plainly see is true about the condition of your heart, own up the dark motives that may linger there, and experience God's forgiveness and peace.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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