Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the Hebrew word "shalom" (completeness/wholeness) change or deepen your understanding of biblical peace compared to simply thinking of peace as the absence of conflict?
2. The sermon explains that Jesus didn't come to bring world peace, inner peace, or interpersonal peace in the way we often expect. How does this challenge your expectations about what following Jesus should look like in your daily life?
3. Read Luke 2:14 in multiple translations. How does the correct translation "peace on earth to those on whom God's favor rests" affect your understanding of the Christmas story and God's plan?
4. What does it mean that Jesus came primarily to bring peace between us and God rather than to fix our circumstances? How have you experienced this kind of peace in your own life?
5. The sermon states that "from that shalom, all other shalom flows" - meaning peace with God enables other kinds of peace. Can you share examples from your life where your relationship with God has brought peace to other difficult situations?
6. Looking at the practical steps from Philippians 4, which one (joy, consideration for others, living with the end in mind, not worrying, prayer, thanksgiving, or guarding your thoughts) is most challenging for you personally and why?
7. Paul writes "if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). What does it look like to take responsibility for your part in relationships while recognizing you can't control others?
8. The sermon suggests replacing worry with worship - when you start worrying, stop and pray about it. What practical strategies could help you build this habit in your daily routine?
9. How does your consumption of news, social media, and technology affect your peace? What boundaries might God be calling you to establish in these areas?
10. Philippians 4:8 calls us to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. What are some specific, positive things you can intentionally focus on this Advent season?
11. The sermon emphasizes that experiencing God's peace doesn't mean our circumstances, conflicts, or difficult people will change - but we will change. How does this reality both challenge and encourage you?
12. As we wait for Christ's second coming, how can we practically live with "the end in mind" in a way that increases our peace rather than our anxiety?

Discussion Questions

1. Share a time when you experienced God's peace in the middle of difficult circumstances. What made that peace different from simply feeling calm or happy?
2. The sermon explains that shalom means "wholeness" or "completeness" - life's pieces fitting together rightly. What areas of your life feel incomplete or out of alignment right now, and how might peace with God address those areas?
3. How does it change your perspective to know that Jesus said "I came not to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34-36)? What did he mean, and how does this fit with him being the "Prince of Peace"?
4. Many people, like Miss America contestants, desire "world peace." Why do you think we're drawn to that idea, and how is the peace Jesus offers both better and more challenging than what we naturally want?
5. The sermon states that reconciliation with God through Jesus is the foundation for all other peace. How have you seen this play out - or struggle to play out - in your relationships, circumstances, or inner life?
6. Paul gives practical steps for experiencing peace in Philippians 4. Which of these practices (rejoicing, being considerate, remembering Christ's return, not worrying, praying about everything, giving thanks) comes most naturally to you, and which requires the most effort?
7. "Don't worry, worship" is offered as a practical response when anxiety starts. What does it look like to turn worry into worship in real time? Can someone share an example?
8. The sermon challenges us about news consumption, social media, phone usage, and entertainment, saying these can rob us of peace. How do you balance staying informed and connected with protecting your peace and thought life?
9. Read Philippians 4:8 together. What specific things that are "true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable" could you intentionally focus on this week instead of anxiety-producing content?
10. Paul tells us to "tell God exactly what you need" in prayer. Why do you think we sometimes hesitate to be specific and direct with God? How might being more honest in prayer affect our peace?
11. The sermon emphasizes that we're responsible for our thoughts and that our thought life hugely impacts our peace. What practical steps can you take this week to guard your mind and redirect unhelpful thought patterns?
12. How does "living with the end in mind" - remembering Jesus is coming back - change how you approach conflicts, disappointments, or waiting periods in your life right now?