Watchhttps://bibleproject.com/videos/shalom-peace/
Peace
Peace with God
Do you realize that humanity is in open rebellion with Almighty God? We were born into a world at war. Not WWI, WWII, or WWIII—this war began before time.
At some point, rebellion broke out in Heaven as angelic forces joined Lucifer against God. The first humans then joined that rebellion, disbelieving God, and sin entered the world. Ever since that day, the world has been at war with its Creator.
But God… loved us so much! He sent His son, Jesus the Christ (Messiah), to be the perfect Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of all who surrendered to His plan.
The Apostle Paul wrote: “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace.” Because of Jesus’ obedience to the Father, and through our faith in Him, we now have peace with God!
Peace with Self
The war, however, is not over. We exist in a realm still in open rebellion against the Creator. We see this chaos in the world’s physical systems—just watch the news.
The battle is all around us, but much of the fight is in our hearts and minds. Paul reminds us: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
This is actually good news, because the one place in the universe we have control is over our self. God’s ultimate gift in creation was giving humanity the freedom to choose. Thus, Paul states, “Set your mind on Christ…” (Colossians 3:1).
Paul continues teaching us that God’s “peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”(Philippians 4:7b). We are encouraged to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).
Jesus Himself said, “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 14:27).
You have the God-granted authority, opportunity, and freedom to choose to live in peace. We truly discover peace in our hearts and minds when we activate His peace. As we learn to see ourselves through God’s eyes—eyes of love, joy, and peace—we accept Him and all His gifts to us (the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23).
Peace with Other
As we experience peace with God and learn to accept peace within ourselves, that peace—His peace—will inevitably overflow to others.
The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) proclaimed, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
As we abide in Him, He abides in us, transforming our perspective into His, allowing us to be in “perfect peace” when our hearts and minds are set on Christ.
Even in the chaos of the world, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart, we have peace. Why? Because we are safe in the hands of Jesus; we reside in the shelter of the Most High. We have the presence of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God dwelling in us.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (Peace!)” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Discussion Questions:
1. Peace with God: “We were born into a world at war” and peace with God is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
In your own life experience, what does the concept of being “at war” with God look like practically (e.g., in actions, attitudes, or worldview), and how has the transition to having “peace with God” changed your fundamental view of your identity and your purpose in the world?
2. Peace with Self (The Internal Battle):“The one place in the universe we have control is over our self” we are encouraged to “Set your mind on Christ.”
Considering this internal battle against “evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world” (Ephesians 6:12), what is the most significant “unseen” or internal barrier (like anxiety, self-doubt, or un forgiveness) that prevents you from activating and fully accepting the “peace of mind and heart”?
3. Activating God’s Peace: We “truly discover peace in our hearts and minds when we activate His peace.”
What does the practical, daily activation of this peace look like for you?
How do you intentionally “see ourselves through God’s eyes” (eyes of love, joy, peace…) when facing real-world stressors, conflict, or chaos?
4. Peace with Other (The Overflow): Jesus blesses “those who work for peace.”
How does your internal peace (or lack thereof) directly affect your ability to “work for peace” in your relationships and community? Can true peace with others exist without first establishing peace with God and peace with self?
Additions:
Peace Pursuit Quickstart Guide
LINK
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