BIG IDEA
It seems that everyone is looking for peace right now, and the truth is God made a way for us to have peace with Him. At one time, we were far away, but God brought us close to Him through Jesus. This is the greatest news we will ever hear and the greatest news we will ever share. But, if we want to be people characterized by peace, we first have to have confidence in our peace with God. So, today, we will explore what it looks like to have this kind of confident peace with God in our lives every day.
BREAK THE ICE
Where is the most peaceful place for you to be? Why?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. What comes to mind when you think of the word peace? Why?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Luke 15:11-19. How did the younger son in the story insult his father,
Luke 15:11-19
11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’
3. Read Luke 15:20-24. What stands out about the way the father responds to the son?
Luke 15:20-24
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
4. Read John 14:27. How is God’s peace different from the world?
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.
Application
1. Has there ever been a time in your life when you could relate to the younger son in this story? Why?
2. How does running from God like the younger son in this story affect our peace, specifically our peace with Him?
3. Do you find God’s love and forgiveness when you turn to Him hard or easy to accept? Why?
MOVING FORWARD
Is there an area of your life where you need to reconcile with God and be at peace with Him? Maybe you have found yourself living disobediently and letting sin into an area of your life. It’s time to turn back to God. Share with your group if you feel God nudging you to let go of a particular sin and turn back to Him. After you all have shared, pray together. Confess sin to God and ask Him to help you all turn away from that sin and live in a way that honors Him. Then, be on the lookout for prodigals who need God. Invite them to small group or church this weekend.
Going Deeper
One of the incredible things that Scripture teaches us about peace is that it is an indisputable characteristic of Christ. Even more, He is described as peace. In a world where things often seem incredibly chaotic and anything but peaceful, we can find peace in Him.
Ephesians 2:13-14
1. Read Ephesians 2:13-14 in the New International Version.
2. How does this verse describe Christ?
3. What are the implications of this description of Jesus?
4. How has Christ brought peace?
Isaiah 9:6 and Isaiah 53:5-6
1. Read Isaiah 9:6. Think about what it means to be a prince. What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace?
2. Read Isaiah 53:5-6. How was Jesus the Prince of Peace?
Discuss
Because Christ is our peace, we can hold on to the truth that peace is always available even in the darkest times. Peace is more than the absence of conflict. Peace is the presence of a Savior who will make everything right one day. Make plans to celebrate this peace at one of our services this weekend together as a group, and share a meal together after. This is one of the ways to practice peace in a world desperately in need of peace.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
