Week 1 – The World Will be at Peace
Leader 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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
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?
Leader’s Note: We live in a fallen world. But the world was created good, in fact “very good.” Sin came into the world through the choices Adam and Eve made. Instead of blaming God, we need to apologize to Him and repent of calling Him evil, uncaring, and unjust.
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?
Leader’s Note: God created a perfect world, but our sinful natures, wants, and desires have created chaos. We argue, quarrel, even murder and go to war because of our envy, covetousness, and jealousy. Though this world we live in is temporary, God is forever, and we are eternal beings, also. It will “all work out in the end.”
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?
Leader’s Note: Be intentional about being in the Word of God and knowledgeable about what the Bible says. Jesus Himself said He did not know the day or the hour of His return and the end of times. Don’t get sidetracked. Don’t make up timelines. Focus on living for Jesus, being transformed into His likeness, and spending time with Him.
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?
Leader’s Note: We can experience terror when we think about all the tribulations that will come in the end times, yet if we “endure” and keep our eyes on Him, we can be courageous. We will be saved, if not in this life, then eternally with Him. Remember: God is still in control. He is still on the throne. Do not let fear reign. Fear + ignorance leads to chaos and evil.
c. Read Matthew 5:43-44. How does this verse direct you to stay loving?
Leader’s Note: By praying for and caring for our enemies, we help bring about the peace of God and the Kingdom of God, for Jesus is our Peace. When we act like Him, we help bring about His presence, His rule, and His reign.
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?
Leader’s Note: First, we must be about the business of sharing His Good News. Then we must personally trust that it saves us: from eternal death, but also by the grace that takes away our sin. Notice the phrase that we will “reign in life” by the righteousness of Christ: even if we are suffering trials, wars, earthquakes, and more.
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
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
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?
Leader’s note: God promises Abraham a son. There is not a specific date or time on when God would fulfill this promise, but God repeated this promise several times.
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?
Leader’s Note: Sarah was tired of waiting, impatient, and fearful that God was not going to use her and give her a son. Her disbelief led her to use (and abuse) Hagar, so that she became pregnant with a son by Abraham. While this was Sarah’s own idea, she became envious of Hagar giving birth to Ishmael, causing the start of a rivalry. God wanted to use Abraham and Sarah under their marriage covenant. God doesn’t need to break His own rules to make a miracle happen.
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?
Leader’s Note: Though Sarah and Abraham modified God’s plan for the worse, God cared for the child of their disbelief. He made Ishmael also a great nation, as he too was the son of Abraham. When God had the opportunity to let Ishmael perish and “reset” the plan, He was instead both loving and just.