
PERSEVERANCE
Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
2 Thessalonians 3:13-18
November 24-26, 2023
God gives us “SHALOM”
“Shalom” (translated peace) is possibly the most beautiful word in the Hebrew language. It is used as a greeting and a farewell. The word encapsulates a message of prosperity to those who receive it. The background to the meaning behind the Hebrew letters of “shalom” help us understand God’s purpose in bringing peace to people.
Shalom
attached to
When we
which brings us
Confronting the CHAOS
When something seems confusing in your life because you can’t seem to fix it (strained relationship, toxic work environment, unexplained discouragement), how do you press forward into clarity? How can you experience peace amid all the chaos around you?
To
build truth
To
give
Discussion Questions
Do you have SHALOM?
“Shalom” is used 237x in the Old Testament and the Greek word for “peace” is used 92x in the New Testament. The fact that God talks about “peace” approximately 330x should prove to us how vital this word is to our spiritual health. “Shalom” represents wholeness, harmony, tranquility, completeness, and goodness. Can you describe your life as one that exhibits “shalom”, or are you filled with chaos?
When do we experience CONFUSION and CHAOS?
Confusion occurs when we reject God’s way and instead live a self-centered life (James 3:16; Ex 23:27; Dt 7:23; 28:20, 28:28; Ps 35:26; 71:24; 1 Sam 14:20; Is 41:28-29; Ez 22:5; Micah 7:4-5; Acts 19:32; Rom 1:21-22). What was Jesus’ response when He saw the confused crowd (Mt 9:36)? What stage of your life has been most chaotic? How did you break free from the chaos? Or are you still living in confusion?
Should we ever PRAY for God to CONFUSE evil people?
Have you ever prayed for the Lord to confuse the wicked (Ps 40:14; 55:9)? What does it mean when God brings chaos into a situation to protect His children from evil: Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:11); Midianites (Judges 7:22); Babel (Gen 11:9)?
Do you need to BUILD a BOUNDARY with someone?
Is the chaos from someone robbing you of peace? How can you show love to that person and yet make sure they don’t hurt your heart and overwhelm your mind with bad behaviors? How did the early church handle these issues (Titus 3:10-11; Eph 5:3-7; 2 Tim 3:1-5; Rom 16:17; 2 John 1:10; 1 Cor 5:11)? What does it look like for you to love and care for someone who is not safe, yet protect yourself from chaos?
Do you need to FORGIVE someone?
Could God be withholding peace because you have not released the hurt someone has caused you? Decide that you’ll repeatedly release the hurt until you no longer have strong feelings against them.