1. Read John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (Cf John 14:1, 16:33).
How are we to interpret this passage against the backdrop of the suffering and pain we experience?
2. How does the world offer peace? How does this differ from the Lord’s peace? What would it look like for you to rest in the Lord’s peace today? How can you experience His peace?
3. Todd said, “Anxiety and the presence of God do not go together.” Is your life marked by anxiety or peace? Why?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 :
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Based on this passage, how are we to be an encouragement to others during their time of pain and suffering? Who can you encourage today? Practically speaking, what needs can you help them meet?
4. Todd said, “Every addiction is our attempt to fulfill a God given desire in a God forbidden way.” Do you agree with this statement? Why? What does this say about the condition of our hearts? What does it say about God?
5. Read John 14:1. What must we do in order to experience God’s peace? What do you think it means to “believe” in Jesus?
6. Review the introductions of Paul’s letters. What do they all have in common? Why does “grace” always proceed “peace”? What was Paul trying to communicate about how we can experience the Lord’s peace?
7. What happens when believers fail to look for peace from the Father by looking for peace in the things this world offers? How does this impact our witness for Christ?
8. Read John 14:28. What did Jesus mean when He said the Father is greater than He is? Does it mean He is anything less than God? How are we to understand this passage? What are we to conclude about Jesus’ relationship with the Father?
9. Todd said, “The bible is prophetic so we don’t have to be pathetic.” What did Todd mean by this? How is man “pathetic”?
We hope these discussion questions help you process and apply the Sunday message. We encourage you to answer any of these questions in the comments below as well.
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