Group Notes | October 30

Living In Peace
October 30, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Peace. The very word conjures up different emotions and different ideas in everyone. What are some things you think of when someone says you can “live in peace”?

Today, more than ever before, we want to find out how to live peacefully in a world rocked on all sides by chaos. We will look at the instructions given by James as to how we can achieve peace in our lives, and pass it on to those with whom we come in contact.

Focal Passage: James 3:13-18

Discuss:

Serving and Humility

  1. In verse 13, James opens this subject of living in peace by laying out the evidence of the life of a person who understands God’s ways. What are they?
  2. “Proving” that you are wise is an action word, not a thought that crosses your mind. Read Jas. 2:14-17 for a parallel passage. How are you living this honorable life (vs 13)?
  3. How should your service be done? Why?

Pure Heart

  1. There are six actions words in verse 14 that reveal a heart that is full of sin. What are they?
  2. How do verses 14-16 sound like our world today?
  3. How does 1John 2:16 sound like this passage? Do those sins from verse 14 exist in the passage from John?

Desire to Live as Christ Lived

  1. Look at the qualities of godly wisdom found in verse 17. Who do these remind you of? Is it possible for you to live like this?
  2. There is chaos in society because Christians are being silent. Are these traits active choices?

A Changed World

  1. Read Matt. 5:9. What is a peacemaker? What are the two things that will happen when a peacemaker steps in?

Close:

Being a person of peace is so important that it is mentioned in almost every book of the Bible. In 1 Pet. 3:10-12, Peter mentions how important it is that we seek to live in peace. It begins with watching what we say, turning away from evil, and actively seeking peace. You cannot help but have a positive impact on others if you are a peacemaker, and God promises results (verse 18). It takes a prepared person to have the influence to speak peace so that others listen, however. You must fill your heart with God’s wisdom, pray for His words to be in your mouth, show no favoritism, and be sincere. Turn the work over to God, and let Him produce the results after you have planted the seeds!

Memory Verse: Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”

Focal Passage: James 3:13-18; 1 John 1:9; Romans 12:18; John 10:10

 

 

 

 

 

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