Outward Church

Week 2 - Peace

Day 8 - 14

Day 8 - PEACE video intro

"Peace" is a very common word in English, that means different things to different people. It's also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we'll explore the core meaning of biblical peace and how it all leads to Jesus. READ 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Day 9

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it describes not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of completion, reconciliation, and justice. READ 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 REFLECT -Consider what you have learned in the Bible so far. Name five habits (thoughts, actions, or words) that you believe are pleasing to God. -How do you think these habits could make peace even between enemies?

Day 10

The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of a future King, who would make a covenant of shalom with his people. His reign would right all wrongs and heal all brokenness. READ 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 REFLECT -What words or phrases stand out to you as you observe this passage? -Based on this passage, how does the Prince of Peace govern his Kingdom? -How can you help bring about God’s peaceful rule in the places where you have influence? -Pray to ask the Prince of Peace to govern over and through you this week.

Day 11

The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the arrival of the Prince of Peace, whose reign would lead to eternal shalom. Isaiah’s words were fulfilled with the arrival of Jesus. This is why it is so significant that the angels described Jesus’ birth as “peace on earth.” READ 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:9-15 REFLECT -Why do you think God announced the arrival of the King to no-name shepherds? What does this tell you about the nature of God and his Kingdom? -Imagine being there with the shepherds that night. How would you feel? How would you respond? -Notice the words “highest” and “earth” in the angel’s worshipful announcement. What came from the heights of heaven down to earth when Jesus was born? How is this good news? Let your reflections prompt a prayer to express your feelings of awe and gratitude.

Day 12

Biblical history shows how humanity has chosen its own ways apart from God and suffered as a result. But God wants to be close to humanity, and he knows how painful it is to be separated from him, so he sent Jesus to make peace. Through Jesus, all things can be restored to harmony with God again. READ 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:19-23 REFLECT -According to this passage, what did God want to do and how did he accomplish it through Jesus? -Consider all that Jesus suffered and overcame in order to make a way for humanity to be in God’s holy presence once again. Let your reflections prompt a prayer to express your feelings of awe and gratitude.

Day 13

The apostle Paul says Jesus himself is our peace. Jesus removed all the things that separate humanity from one another and from God and now offers his peace to others as a gift. Jesus’ followers are called to receive, keep, and cultivate this gift of peace, which requires humility, gentleness, patience, and love. READ 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, Ephesians 2:11-15 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 REFLECT -According to this passage, how did Jesus make peace between two sharply divided people groups (Jews and Gentiles), and why (see verse 2:16)? -Do you feel alienated from anyone in your life? Do you want to enjoy peace with this person again? Why or why not? Consider what Jesus did to make peace. What questions and emotions surface as you reflect on this? -Review Ephesians 4:1-3 carefully. How do you think humility, gentleness, patience, and love help to maintain the unity Jesus made for his followers? What happens when one of these virtues is missing? You can’t make choices for others, but what is one practical decision you can make today to cultivate peace?

Day 14

The apostle Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from prison. He knows hardship, but he also knows the peace of God. This is because biblical peace, like hope, is based on a person and not on circumstances. Paul calls followers to rejoice in God at all times, to pray, to give thanks, and to think on what is good and true. Paul shows how these habits can lead to experiencing the peace of God even in the midst of great difficulty. READ 1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:1-9 REFLECT -Make a list of all the instructions Paul gives in Philippians 4:1-9 (i.e. “stand firm in the Lord,” “live in harmony,” etc). -Observe your list and imagine making each one into a habit. What would those habits practically look like in your daily life? How do you think those habits would eventually lead to an experience of God’s peace?