LIFEGROUPS: WEEKLY DISCUSSION GUIDE
Week of December 20, 2020
SERIES: Advent
Week #3: Peace
John 14:27
MESSAGE PREVIEW:
At the birth of Jesus, the angels announced to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest and on
earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). It was a declaration that would
change the world. Jesus, the Son of God, the long awaited one had arrived. God had come to
earth and brought peace with him.
This Sunday, we celebrate the third week of Advent and focus on Peace. Pastor Brian will remind
us that there is no peace like the peace of God. Let’s take a look at Jesus’ promise of peace
found in John 14:27 as we preview this weekend’s message.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27
FOUR REALITIES OF PEACE
A. Peace is a fundamental characteristic of the Messianic Kingdom.
- “Peace I leave with you…”
- Jesus gives the disciples a farewell encouragement. He is leaving, but not leaving
them alone. The Holy Spirit will be their helper. - Numbers 6:24-27 // Isaiah 9:6
B. The peace of Christ is transcendent peace. - “…my peace I give to you.”
- Transcendent: above the range of normal or merely physical human experience.
- Romans 5:1
C. The world is powerless to give peace. - “Not as the world gives do I give to you…”
D. We can live with the peace of Christ. - “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
- We can live with the peace of Christ…
a. In times of trouble. (John 16:33)
b. As the ruling authority in our hearts. (Colossians 3:15)
c. As a guard for our hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:7)
There is no peace like the peace of God found in Jesus.
ICEBREAKER QUESTIONS
As you begin your discussion today, take a few minutes and play a little game of Would You
Rather. Have your group members choose one of the two options for each question…which they
would rather choose. They can indicate their answer by either raising 1 finger for the first option or
two fingers for the second option.
Would You Rather:
- Songs: “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby or “Last Christmas” by Wham?
- Pumpkin pie or pecan pie?
- Christmas sweater or Christmas pajamas?
- Give a present or get a present?
- Hot chocolate or egg nog?
- Christmas at the beach or Christmas in the mountains?
- Candy Canes or Chocolate Santas?
- Movies: A Christmas Story or Elf?
- Characters: Rudolph or Frosty?
- Christmas Ham or Christmas Turkey?
- Songs: “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World”?
Now take a few minutes to share prayer requests and pray for your group before beginning the
discussion below.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Ask and discuss the following questions.
Q: Read John 14:27. How would you define the type of peace that Jesus speaks of in this
verse? How is this different from how the world might define the idea of peace?
Q: What does this Advent season and the Christmas story teach us about peace? How can
we practice these lessons in our everyday lives?
Q: Instead of looking to Jesus for peace, we sometimes turn to other things this world has to
offer. What are some of the things we are tempted to look to try and find peace?
Q: How is the peace of Christ far above and better than anything the world has to offer?
Q: Share a time when you experienced the peace of Jesus? How did His peace make a
difference in your life and what you were experiencing?
Q: Read Colossians 3:15. How can we “let the peace of Christ rule” in our hearts? What
other thoughts, feelings, and emotions need to move out of the way for peace to rule?
Q: Read Philippians 4:7. How can peace guard our hearts and minds in Jesus? How can
this make a difference in how we live?
Q: What is your personal “take-away” from this week’s message? What is one specific thing
the Lord spoke to you this week?
Q: What is one specific “action step” you are going to take this week to apply what Jesus
has taught you today?
WRAP-UP:
The holidays are a time where we talk often about peace, but it is also a time where many struggle
to find and experience it in their lives. We all face times and circumstances that can try and rob us
of the peace that Jesus has promised to bring to us. Maybe you, or those in your group are
currently facing one of these times
As you end your group time, encourage your members to reflect on the following question.
Q: Where do you need the peace of Christ this week? What are you experiencing or going
through that is trying to rob you of peace?
Conclude your session by giving group members time to reflect on this question and ask the Lord
to grant them the peace that only He can give. Take time to pray for the group and any needs that
have been shared.
SCRIPTURES FROM THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE:
John 14:27, Luke 2:14, Numbers 6:24-27, Isaiah 9:6, Romans 5:1, John 16:33, Colossians
3:15, Philippians 4:7