Peace

Main Point: Wise people want peace and pursue it.

Proverbs 3:13-17

It’s possible to live with more peace if we will practice the wisdom that God seeks to impart to us.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. —James 3:13-18

Unwise people choose paths that lead to more conflict and less peace.

Wise people want peace and pursue it by being…
• People of integrity

Wise people want peace and pursue it by being…
• People of integrity
• Persistent in seeking it

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace. —Romans 14:19

Wise people want peace and pursue it by being…
• People of integrity
• Persistent in seeking it
• Considerate of others

Wise people want peace and pursue it by being…
• People of integrity
• Persistent in seeking it
• Considerate of others
• Open to reason

Wise people want peace and pursue it by being…
• People of integrity
• Persistent in seeking it
• Considerate of others
• Open to reason
• Merciful

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. —Proverbs 19:11

Wise people want peace and pursue it by being…
• People of integrity
• Persistent in seeking it
• Considerate of others
• Open to reason
• Merciful
• People who do what is good

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” —Luke 6:27-28

Wise people want peace and pursue it by being…
• People of integrity
• Persistent in seeking it
• Considerate of others
• Open to reason
• Merciful
• People who do what is good
• Impartial

By seeking peace and pursuing it we prepare the field to produce righteousness.
• > “Righteousness can only grow in a climate of peace.” —R. Kent Hughes

How can we become peacemakers?
• Form a relationship with the Prince of Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. —John 14:27

Follow the leading of the Prince of Peace

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. —Colossians 3:15

Takeaway: It is possible to live with more peace through relationship with Jesus.

Discussion Questions
1.How well are you doing at living in a peaceful state of mind this year?

2.What could you do that would increase your level of peace? What’s stealing your peace from you, if anything?

3.Is there a relationship that you need to pray about addressing, or take some action in, that might lead to more peace for you?

4.Which of the 8 things James spoke of in James 3:17, that wise people do, do you want to focus on right now?

Table Discussion Question: Jesus promised to give us peace. Are you experiencing the peace of Jesus in your life today?