Explore new horizons of a living faith
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Introduction
God’s peace comes as an overwhelming wave that stills the heart in the midst of anxiety. We know this peace comes from God, for we experience it without having seen the causes of anxiety lifted. We look to our Father in heaven who loves us and is able to give peace in the midst of trial. It is because we trust Him, knowing that He has the power to protect us.
Bible Zone
We often think of peace as something which comes with an absence of threat. Our Lord offers us peace that is independent of circumstances. So, how do I find inner peace?
- Jesus promises peace - Peace is given by Jesus as His gift to His people.
- Peace and Circumstances - Jesus’ peace is independent of circumstances.
- The king of peace - God can promise peace because he is King over all creation.
- God is in control - We can depend on God knowing He works for good.
When Jesus was about to be executed, He gave His promise of peace. This is a peace with very different characteristics than people are used to.
- What are the characteristics of the peace that the world offers us?
- How do we come to have this peace that Jesus offers?
- If we have peace, why would we let our hearts be troubled or afraid?
John 14:27 27 "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.
The peace that Jesus offers is His peace, the peace that He demonstrated while He was living on earth. He shows us the secret of His life of peace and invites us to join Him in it. John 16
- In what circumstances does Jesus give peace?
- How did Jesus behave at His trial and execution?
- What are the sources of this peace that Jesus offers?
- Have you experienced this sort of peace from God?
John 16:32-33 32 But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
For someone to offer peace requires that they have authority in order to fulfil what they have promised. Psalm 29:10-11 ends up with the blessing of peace. The context is important.
- What are the characteristics of this God who blesses with peace?
- Why are these characteristics significant in our finding a place of peace?
Psalm 29:10-11 10 The LORD rules over the floodwaters. The LORD reigns as king forever.
11 The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.
Although it does not mention peace, Romans 8:28 is a key statement in understanding what is going on in difficult circumstances, and is therefore a key step towards peace.
- What is God’s purpose for those He has called?
- What does God assure us off when circumstances are difficult?
- Why might being like his Son, require difficult circumstances?
- What attitude do you have in difficulties?
Romans 8: 24 We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it.25 But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.28 And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn* among many brothers and sisters.30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
PEACE FROM GOD
See also Page in Bible Explorer titled - Peace