Peace Possibilities
On May 18, 2025, a profound sermon titled "Peace Possibilities" was delivered, exploring the elusive nature of peace and how it can be genuinely experienced in our lives. This message delves into the misconception that peace is merely the absence of conflict and highlights the deeper, spiritual understanding of peace as a person—Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Key Biblical References
Isaiah 26:3: "He will keep you in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts in you."
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a child is born... Prince of Peace."
Colossians 1:20: "And through Him, God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross."
Isaiah 53:5: "He was wounded for our transgressions... the chastisement for our peace was upon Him."
Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Understanding Peace as a Person
The sermon begins by addressing the common desire for peace among the congregation, highlighting a surprising realization: many people long for peace but rarely experience it. This pervasive longing for peace is not unique to the local congregation but is a reflection of a broader societal yearning. The speaker challenges the congregation to reassess their understanding of peace, suggesting that peace is not merely the absence of conflict or problems but is embodied in a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
The speaker emphasizes that peace comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus, who has already paid the price for our peace through His sacrifice on the cross (Colossians 1:20). This understanding shifts the focus from external circumstances to an internal relationship with Christ, encouraging believers to anchor their peace in the unchanging nature of Jesus.
Living in Peace Amidst Trials
Drawing from Jeremiah 29, the sermon illustrates how God instructed the Israelites to thrive even in captivity. This passage serves as a lesson that peace and prosperity can be found in unexpected places when we align with God’s plans and trust His process. The Israelites were in a foreign land, facing uncertainty and discomfort, yet God’s message to them was one of hope and instruction to build, plant, and increase.
Practical Steps to Embrace Peace:
Seek God’s Perspective: Instead of focusing on the chaos around us, we are encouraged to seek God’s agenda and understand His purpose in our trials. This involves a shift from a self-centered perspective to a God-centered one, recognizing His sovereignty and goodness in all situations.
Pray for Those Who Disturb Our Peace:
By praying for the peace of those who cause us distress, we, in turn, receive peace. This act of intercession aligns our hearts with God’s heart and opens the door for His peace to flood our lives.
Trust in God’s Goodness:
Recognize that God’s plans for us are filled with peace and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). His thoughts towards us are innumerable and are always for our welfare, not for harm.
The Father’s Heart and Our Response
The sermon concludes with a reminder of God’s fatherly love and His countless thoughts towards us, which are more numerous than the grains of sand. This imagery reinforces the message of God’s intimate care and His desire for us to experience true peace. The speaker invites the congregation to see God as a loving Father who invites us to His table, even in the presence of our enemies, offering us strength and peace.
Call to Action:
Engage in Personal Relationship with God: Seek a deeper relationship with God, understanding that peace is found in intimacy with Him. This involves spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and listening for His voice.
Sit at the Table with God:
In the midst of trials, envision God inviting you to a table set before your enemies, where you can experience His peace and strength. This table is a place of encounter and transformation, where we exchange our burdens for His peace.
In closing, the sermon invites everyone to embrace the peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This peace is available in every circumstance, as we align our hearts with God’s eternal promises. The message is a call to trust in the profound peace that Jesus offers, a peace that is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the eternal and unchanging character of God.
Study Guide: Peace Possibilities
Reading
Isaiah 26:3: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 9:6: "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."
Colossians 1:20: "And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Jeremiah 29:4-13: A directive from God to the Israelites in captivity, encouraging them to seek peace and prosperity in their current situation.
Psalm 23:5: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
2 Thessalonians 3:16: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
Warm Up
Reflect on a recent experience where you felt overwhelmed or anxious. How did you respond to that situation, and what role did peace play in your response?
Think about your current understanding of peace. How do you define peace in your personal life, and how does this definition align with your spiritual beliefs?
Share a story or memory when you witnessed peace overcoming conflict or chaos. What elements were present that fostered this peace?
Scripture Exploration
Examine Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7. What conditions are described for experiencing God's peace, and how do these conditions relate to trust and focus?
Analyze Isaiah 9:6. Discuss the significance of each title given to Jesus, especially "Prince of Peace," and how it relates to the overall message of peace in the Bible.
In Jeremiah 29:4-13, God instructs the Israelites to build, plant, and seek the peace of their captors' city. How does this directive challenge or affirm your understanding of peace in difficult circumstances?
Personal Reflection
Reflect on Colossians 1:20 and Isaiah 53:5. How do these verses deepen your understanding of the sacrificial nature of the peace Jesus offers?
Consider the concept of peace as a person, as Pastor Ruth Mehring describes. How does viewing peace in this way alter your approach to seeking peace in your life?
What does it mean to you personally that God's thoughts towards you are "thoughts of peace," as stated in Jeremiah 29:11? How does this influence your perception of God's character and intentions?
Personal Application
Identify an area in your life where peace is absent. What practical actions can you take, inspired by the message of Jesus as the "Prince of Peace," to invite peace into that area?
Jeremiah 29:7 encourages seeking the peace and prosperity of the place where you are. How can you actively contribute to the peace of your community, workplace, or family?
Pastor Ruth Mehring emphasized praying for those who disrupt our peace. Develop a plan to regularly pray for these individuals or situations, and note any changes in your perspective or peace level.
Engage in a discussion with a friend or group about the sermon’s themes. How can understanding God’s peace and thoughts towards us inspire collective action or change within your community?
Reflect on Psalm 23:5, where God prepares a table in the presence of enemies. How can you create "tables" of peace and reconciliation in your life, inviting others into a space of peace and understanding?
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: Share a moment from this week when you felt a sense of peace or calm. What were you doing, and what contributed to that feeling?
Pastor Ruth Mehring emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but is deeply rooted in our relationship with the "Prince of Peace," Jesus Christ. Reflect on Isaiah 9:6, which describes Jesus as the Prince of Peace, and discuss how this understanding shifts our perspective on dealing with life's inevitable challenges and conflicts. How does this perspective help us navigate daily stressors or larger life disruptions?
The sermon highlighted Philippians 4:7, which promises us the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. How can we cultivate a mindset that remains steadfastly focused on God to experience this profound peace, even when life feels chaotic or overwhelming?
Share personal strategies or spiritual practices that have helped you maintain peace in difficult times.
Pastor Ruth shared the story of the Israelites in Jeremiah 29:4-7, where they were encouraged to seek peace and prosperity in a foreign land where they were captives. How can we apply this principle to our own lives when we find ourselves in uncomfortable or challenging situations? What does it mean to "seek the peace of the city" in our context, and how can this perspective transform our approach to community and personal challenges?
The sermon mentioned the importance of trusting God's plan, even when it involves testing, as referenced in 1 Peter 1:7. Discuss how testing can refine our faith and bring us closer to God. Can you share a personal experience where a trial or testing period led to spiritual growth or a deeper understanding of God’s presence in your life? How can we support each other in our faith journeys during times of testing?
Pastor Ruth reminded us of God's thoughts of peace towards us, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11. How does knowing that God has peaceful and hopeful plans for us impact the way we approach both our future and our current struggles? In what ways can this assurance of God's peace and hope influence our decisions and attitudes in daily life?
The sermon introduced the concept of "peace as a person," emphasizing that true peace is found in our relationship with Jesus. How does this understanding affect the way we seek peace in our daily lives and relationships? Discuss how inviting the Prince of Peace into our lives can transform our outlook and interactions with others.
What practical steps can we take this week to ensure we are actively seeking God's peace in our personal lives and within our community? Share any specific actions, prayers, or community initiatives you feel led to pursue. How can we, as a group, support each other in these endeavors and encourage one another to live out the peace that Jesus offers?
Reflect on the sermon's call to pray for those who cause disruptions in our lives. How can praying for peace and prosperity for others, even those we might struggle with, enhance our own sense of peace? Discuss the challenges and potential rewards of adopting this approach in our spiritual practices.
p.s. Here are some links for the Sermon and Study Guide:
The LighthousePeople Video link - https://vimeo.com/showcase/10618586
The YouTube Video link - https://www.youtube.com/@lighthousechurchwalworth/streams
The Facebook Video link - https://www.facebook.com/LighthouseChurchWalworth/videos/713056924501861
