Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
You're Missing A Peace
Scripture
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Main Idea
What so many people want in life, and don’t even know that they are missing, is peace. God promises us peace despite feeling like we are missing something, surrounded by darkness, or struggling to get it "just right."
Peace isn’t found in the absence of problems. Peace is found in the presence of God.
Discussion Questions
- What's one area of your life that you feel like you're missing a peace?
- Do you feel like you need to have things perfect in order for you to experience peace?
- In Philippians 4:6 Paul says that instead of being anxious we should pray about everything thanksgiving. How does this help you when you need the peace of God?
Summary
The world today is chaotic, stressful, and full of things we feel like we're missing. Life's trials and troubles sometimes seem too great to have any peace in our day-to-day living. But God isn't looking for us to have all the answers or have it all together. We'll always be missing a peace when we're seeking perfection. Even in our darkest situations and greatest times of struggle, He will give us peace even if the circumstances don't change. In John 14:27 Jesus tells us He gives us His peace. This is better than any peace the world can promise or deliver.
Take Action
- Pray about who God wants you to invite to our upcoming Christmas services.
- Meditate on one of these Scriptures Pastor Justin shared about Jesus' peace: Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27
- Commit to attending Essentials in the next two weeks.
Announcements
- (Not So) Silent Night youth event on December 15 at 6:00pm
- Empty Chair service on December 20 at 7:00pm you can register here vel.city/emptychair.
