Date: December 1, 2024
Key Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-4, Ephesians 2:14a, John 16:33, Matthew 5:9

Facilitator Questions:
Themes: Is peace even possible? How can we abide in peace?
Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• When you think of peace, what comes to mind? What are some different kinds of peace?
• Read Isaiah 26:1-4. What does a strong city with walls and ramparts for salvation and open gates have to do with peace?
• How do a righteous nation, faithfulness, a steadfast mind and trust in God bring about peace?
• Ephesians 2:14a says, “For He Himself is our peace.” How can our peace be the person of Christ? What does that mean in practical terms?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• John 16:33 says, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Can you give an example of a time when you were in trouble or distress and God gave you peace in the middle of it?
• What do you believe about God’s ability to bring about deep, lasting peace in your life? How do your belief and your actual experience match up?
• What interferes with peace in your life? How can you deal with it?
• Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” Do you see yourself as a peacemaker? How can you cooperate with Jesus to spread peace around you?

Start praying:  Be bold and pray with power.

• Praise God for lovingly creating a strong city of salvation and inviting His people to be with Him forever.
• Thank Jesus for being our peace and for abiding with us as we abide in Him.
• Pray for people throughout our community and our world to come to Jesus, so they will become His friends instead of His enemies.
• Pray that God will enable you and everyone else who is a member of His Body to be a peacemaker, for His glory.

Start doing:  Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Memorize Isaiah 26:3-4. Repeat it daily and pray for its truth to become your reality.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you in practical ways to bring peace into your relationships and activities. Thank Him when you recognize the opportunities. Follow through in obedience, and glorify Him when you see the results.