Sep. 03, 2023

Peace in the Chaos

Confronting the Chaos Series 

Primary Text: John 14:25-27      

Last Teaching: International Chaos

1)  Nation Against Nation

Matthew 24:4-8:  Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.  You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

DQ 1)  What signs indicate the world is moving closer to the return of Christ?

DQ 2)  How does the Lord prove Himself faithful to those who follow Him when they face hardship and adversity?

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This Week’s Teaching: 

1)  False Peace

Jeremiah 8:11:  They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. "Peace, peace," they say, when there is no peace. 

DQ 1)  How do people today sometimes declare false peace?

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2)  The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7:  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.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. 

DQ 2)  What does it mean that Jesus is the Prince of Peace?

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3)  Divine Peace

John 14:25-27:  “All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Colossians 3:15:  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.

DQ 3)  What is the peace of God?

DQ 4)  How do we experience His peace?

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4)  Peace of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23:  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law. 

DQ 5)  How does the fruit of the Spirit manifest in our lives?

DQ 6)  How can we inhibit the fruit of the Spirit from prevailing in our hearts and minds?

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5)  Transcending Peace

Philippians 4:4-7:  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Isaiah 26:3-4:  You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. 

DQ 7)  How does the peace of God guard your heart and mind?

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