The Gift of Peace

Luke 2:14 (ESV) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

Isaiah 2:1-5 (ESV) The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ 2 It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3 and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Isaiah 2:2 (ESV) “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”

Psalm 119:33-35 (ESV) Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

Isaiah 2:4 (ESV) ...they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

Romans 15:5-6 (ESV) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (ESV) Be at peace among yourselves.

Romans 12:18 (ESV) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV) Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER AND, IF ONE HAS A COMPLAINT AGAINST ANOTHER, FORGIVING EACH OTHER; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Application: God is filling the world with peace ONE HEART AT A TIME. Has He filled yours?

Verde Discussion Questions

Break It Out:

1. What initially grabs your attention in this sermon? What questions or thoughts arise as you reflect on what it’s saying?

Talk It Out:

2. What does it mean to "become a student of His ways"?

3. In what practical ways can you become a student of His ways?

4. Be honest. Where are you holding on to conflict, resentment or bitterness?

5. How is that working for you?

6. What do you need to do to let go of conflict?

7. What does “walking in the light” mean?

8. What practices can you implement in your life to walk in the light?

Work It Out:

9. What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your life?

10. How can your small group pray for you?