Sermon Title: Blessed Are the Prince of Peace Imitators
Scripture: Isaiah 8:21-9:7(ESV)

We see and understand the world in the light of Christ.

Jesus calls his people to be the light of the world.

The marks of the people of light are
    Joy
    Freedom
    Rest
    Peace

Jesus’ people are to be peace-makers.

Additional Notes:

Isaiah 8:21-9:7(ESV)
21 They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. 22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.

For to Us a Child Is Born
  But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2  The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
    on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
    and the staff for his shoulder,
    the rod of his oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
    and every garment rolled in blood
    will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[f] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called[g]
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.

CG Questions

I. What are your thoughts on this quote from the article “New psychology research indicates hatred toward collective entities inspires meaning in life”?

“I think that any casual observer of human nature recognizes that many prominent cultural figures or political movements gain a lot of steam when they have a clear, identifiable enemy that they are fighting against. I started reflecting more on why this might be, and it occurred to me that having an enemy, someone to hate, might energize people… Hatred might be a powerful motivating force, giving people a clear purpose against a worthwhile enemy—in other words, a life full of meaning.” — A link to the whole article is included.

II. How can you grow into a better imitator of Christ?

III. What do you think of the C.S. Lewis quote: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it, I see everything else”?

IV. As they have received them from Christ, in what ways can Christians give:
    Joy
    Freedom
    Rest
    Peace…?

V. Read James 3:16–18 and Galatians 5:22–23. What are some marks/characteristics of those at peace with God and at peace with themselves?