Week 1 – The World Will be at Peace
Discussion Guide
World peace is a dream for many of us. Yet when we look at the news, we see chaos, disunity, and violence all around us. World peace was the dream God had for us, yet when Adam and Eve sinned, all of creation changed. This week, we will discuss what God’s Word says about peace and how we should respond.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. In what ways do you intentionally bring peace to the world around you?
2. Why has God made a violent world? Read Genesis 1:31a, Genesis 2:17, and Romans 5:12. Is the above a valid question? How is our world different than when God created it? How does our sin affect others?
3. Read James 4:1-3 and 1 John 2:17. What is the main cause of disunity in our world? How does this apply to wars and to conflicts in our individual lives? How long is the earth going to exist?
4. What do we do?
a. Read Matthew 24:4-8, 36. How can you stay focused? In your personal life, how can you avoid the fear and turn to Jesus?
b. Read Matthew 24:10-13. How can you stay courageous? What emotions do these verses make you feel? How can we overcome the tragedy that will take place on earth?
c. Read Matthew 5:43-44. How does this verse direct you to stay loving?
d. Read Matthew 24:14 and Romans 5:17. What do the passages teach us to do to rest in the Gospel? What is our part in completing the work of the Gospel? How does the Good News (Gospel) of Jesus give us peace, as individuals and as a Christian community?
5. Action Step: Would you commit to setting specific moments to pray throughout the day? Pray for your enemies and the people causing you pain or fear. Would you be willing to be more committed to God this week by spending time with Him, focusing on Jesus, not the news or current situations?
Deeper
When God gave Abraham and Sarah a promise, they lost faith in the process and in Him. God followed through with His promise, but we still feel the effects of their lack of faith today. The mistake they made led to two nations forever pitted against each other. Study how one wrong choice led to so much disunity.
6. Read Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-8. What was God’s promise to Abraham? Did God say when this promise would be fulfilled?
7. Read Genesis 16:1-6. What emotions was Sarah feeling? What did Sarah’s unbelief in the promise of God lead her to do? How did the outcome of her lack of faith lead her to feel?
8. Read Genesis 16:11-12 and Genesis 17:19-21. What did God say about Ishmael and Isaac? How were they each affected by their parents' decisions? Will this conflict end?
9. Read Genesis 21:1-21. How did God care for Hagar and Ishmael? What does this show you about God’s character?