Big Idea: Jesus is the reason for the season. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14 (NIV) The enemies of peace: [ ] Worry [ ] Anger [ ] Control [ ] Procrastination [ ] Association [ ] Bitterness To experience peace this Christmas, I will Choose: 1. Inner Peace Through Prayer Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Prayer Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV) Fix My Thoughts Learn 2. Relational Peace By Releasing Others To God “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Healthy Boundaries “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” Romans 12:17 (NIV) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV) “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Romans 12:19-20 (NIV) “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” Titus 3:10 (NIV) 3. Eternal Peace By Accepting God’s Gift “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2 (NLT2) Where am I needing peace this week? To experience peace this Christmas, I will Choose: Inner Peace Through Prayer Relational Peace By Releasing Others To God Eternal Peace By Accepting God’s Gift Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Read Luke 2:11-14 Big Idea: Jesus is the reason for the season. Icebreaker: Which is your biggest enemy of peace? Why? The enemies of peace: [ ] Worry [ ] Anger [ ] Control [ ] Procrastination [ ] Association [ ] Bitterness [ ] To experience peace this Christmas, I will Choose: 1. Inner Peace Through Prayer Read Philippians 4:6-7 How often do you get anxious? Little? Sometimes? Often? How can you pattern your prayer life to help reduce your worry? How much time do you spend in praise and thanksgiving in your current prayer life? Write a prayer about a current situation: Read Philippians 4:8-9 What are some positive things I need to focus my mind on? Fix My Thoughts What can I learning that I can apply in my life today? Learn & Apply 2. Relational Peace By Releasing Others To God Read Ephesians 4:32 How can applying kindness and compassion help me to forgive? Read Romans 12:17-19 Read and discuss Life Application Study Bible Commentary: 12:17 The commands in verses 17-21 relate mainly to dealings with nonbelievers. When people do evil against us, we are never to pay back evil for evil, as much as we might like to (see also 1 Peter 3:9). Instead, we are to do things in such a way that everyone can see we are honorable (see 1 Peter 2:11-12). 12:18 Paul counsels believers to have as peaceful relations as possible with their unbelieving neighbors and associates. In a perfect world, all people could live peacefully together. Realistically this is impossible in our imperfect world. 12:19 Quoting from Deuteronomy 32:35, Paul reminds us that though we may want to avenge ourselves, we must leave that to God. Refusing to take revenge avoids grudges and feuds. God will ensure that his just vengeance will be given.12:20 The opposite of repaying with evil and taking revenge is caring for our enemies. Believers are not simply expected to abstain from evil; rather, they are expected to actively pursue opportunities to care for an enemy’s needs. God invites us to observe our enemies and at the very points of weakness, where a counterattack of revenge might be most effective, we should mercifully meet that need. This will make them ashamed of their actions toward us. Why does “getting even” make things worse instead of better? How does the wording, “as far as it depends on you” help you in conflict resolving? How well do you do at leaving room for God to work? Why? Read Titus 3:10 Is there someone that I need to set a larger boundary to protect my peace? 3. Eternal Peace By Accepting God’s Gift Read Luke 2:14 How do you acquire God’s favor? Read Matthew 11:28-30 Am I still trying to earn God’s acceptance and approval? Am I living daily in a relationship with Jesus? Romans 5:1-2 Have a I placed my complete trust in Jesus for my salvation? Pray Together: