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Introduction:

Today things seem so out of alignment. Maybe Christmas doesn’t look like what you thought it would. Maybe your plans don’t seem to be coming together. But one thing is true. No matter what happens around us, our hearts and lives can stay aligned with Jesus and His purpose for our lives.

We can rejoice this Christmas season! Everything about Christmas should remind us to reflect on the attributes of Jesus Christ and the fact that He came to rescue us from sin. As we draw closer to Him this season, Christmas will come together.

In this collection of talks, we will work to align with Jesus because Christmas is all about Him.

December 12 Aligned by Humility
December 19 Aligned by Peace
December 24 Aligned by Hope (Christmas Eve)
December 26 City United Rewind (Online Only)

Text: Luke 2:14; Ephesians 2:14 (New Testament, CSB)

Today’s Takeaway: God’s peace provides calm and rest.

ALIGNED WEEK #2: “Aligned by Peace”

I. GOD’S PEACE IS

Reveal Answer

A. God’s peace is the most

thing in life.

“but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” —Acts 10:35

B. God’s peace should be our

focus.

“Wisdom is supreme ​— ​so get wisdom.” —Proverbs 4:7a

C. God’s wisdom produces the

peace.

1. Peace

   Reveal Answer
   God (spiritual)

   “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” —Romans 5:1

2. Peace

   Reveal Answer
   God (emotional)

   “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7

3. Peace

   Reveal Answer
   others (relational)

   “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” —Matthew 5:9

4. Peace with

   Reveal Answer
   (mental)

   “casting all your cares on Him, because he cares about you.” —1 Peter 5:7
   

II. GOD’S PEACE IS

Reveal Answer

A. God is

to give you peace through Jesus.

“14For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. 17He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.” —Ephesians 2:14;17-20

B. God

your total submission to receive His peace.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:1-2

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God ​— ​who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly ​— ​and it will be given to him. 6But let him ask in faith without doubting” —James 1:5-6

III. GOD’S PEACE SHOULD BE

Reveal Answer

God’s peace is discerned through:

A. The

of God

“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” —Psalm 119:105

B. The

of God

“Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” —Proverbs 11:14

C. The

of God

“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.” —Romans 13:1

D. The

of God

“because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me ​— ​yet many oppose me.” —I Corinthians 16:9

E. The

of God, Jesus Christ

“And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful” —Colossians 3:15

CONCLUSION: Are you aligned to Jesus through peace?

DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:

1. Five times in the New Testament, God is called “the God of peace” (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thess. 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). Look up these passages and discuss them.

2. Which of the 4 types of peace are you most in need of?

3. Why do you think it is so hard for us to submit and receive God’s peace?

4. Which of the 5 ways peace is discerned will you focus on this week?

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