Part 1 – King of Kings and Prince of Peace
Discussion Guide
The time between the last book of the Old Testament and the New Testament is referred to as “the 400 years of silence.” Just from the time that Isaiah prophesied the virgin birth as a sign of the coming Messiah until the birth of Jesus was approximately 700 years. In contemplating this timeline, we find reassurance and hope in the consistency of God's character and His promises. He is steadfast in being who He claims to be and fulfilling what He declares. This week, let's fix our gaze on Jesus and allow the power of His peace to govern our hearts and minds.
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. What has been a surprise and even stressor in your life lately? Do you think it was a surprise to God?
2. Read Genesis 3:15, Micah 5:2, and Isaiah 9:6-7. From the beginning, when sin entered the world, God had a plan to redeem us. What hints or descriptions of the coming Savior do you find in these verses?
3. Read Ephesians 2:14, Colossians 3:15, and Matthew 6:33. Have you felt or noticed the Kingdom of God in your life this week? Where do you find the peace you need in your life? Did you notice any action steps that you need to take? Share them.
4. Read Colossians 3:1-2. How do you seek and set your mind on spiritual things and take your mind off this world? Read Philippians 4:4-7 and share specific attitudes and actions we are to concentrate on having.
5. Read Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:8. What does it mean to keep your mind “stayed”? How do other versions translate this word? What types of things should you meditate on? How can you apply the “4:8” test to your thoughts? If this is difficult for you, consider memorizing this verse: 2 Corinthians 10:5. Whose lofty arguments do you most commonly have to destroy? How can you “take captive” your thoughts?
5. Action Step: first, read Philippians 4:9. How will you put into practice what you have heard? What will you pray passionately about? What will you add to your “DO NOT THINK” list? How will you “set your mind on things above”?
Deeper
6. Read Luke 2:8-19. What things might have been overwhelming to Mary? Amid utter chaos, how did Mary gain and maintain peace?
7. Read Luke 12:22-31. In these verses, Luke’s account of the “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus warns us about setting our hearts on issues/needs that cause us to worry. When we worry, how is this a problem of the heart? What does He teach us is the cure for this? How do you seek His kingdom in a time of worry?
8. Read John 14:26-27. What kinds of things does the world promise will give us peace? Does “following Jesus” guarantee peace? How does “hanging out with Jesus” change you?
9. Read Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 139:14, and 1 Peter 5:7. What thought patterns can destroy our peace? How do you overcome them? What can you “cast” on Jesus?
10. Read John 16:33. How do you live “in Me” as Jesus says? Where does your time really go? Examine your life priorities and determine if you are really pursing Jesus...or something else?