Part 1 – King of Kings and Prince of Peace
Leader 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
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. 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?
Leader’s Note: When sin entered the world, we became broken. We lost our close relationship with God and our peace. But God immediately promised a Savior who would crush (defeat) Satan, though Satan would also injure Jesus (on the cross). Micah foresees a Ruler from Bethlehem who is from ancient days, and Isaiah teaches us His Names: Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He also stresses His rule and reign.
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.
Leader’s Note: We should be unified, thankful, and seeking God’s plan and kingdom above all else. Sometimes, serving others puts the focus on others and on God’s kingdom instead of our own needs and worries.
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.
Leader’s Note: The Colossians verses tells us to think of the heavenly things, not focus on this earth. Philippians gives us more specific instructions. Rejoice in the Lord and give praise in all things; be gentle and reasonable. Remember the Lord is coming soon! He is near to you. Stop worrying; be prayerful and thankful.
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?
Leader’s Note: “Stayed” can also be translated “rely,” “depend,” or “focused.” Those actions all show our trust. We are to think also of good, edifying things: true, pure, honorable, and more. Nothing catty, sleazy, questionable, or even scary. Don’t let that stuff into your mind! Our minds justify, deny, and validate every sinful thing we think or do. We must fight the battle with ourselves, not others. We CAN take captive our thought life and control it through the power of the Spirit of God living within us.
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
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.
6. Read Luke 2:8-19. What things might have been overwhelming to Mary? Amid utter chaos, how did Mary gain and maintain peace?
Leader Note: The trip to Bethlehem, the birth in a manger, and the visit of strange shepherds with live animals doesn’t seem like the perfect “birth experience.” Yet, God sent the shepherds with their story of seeing the angels and hearing that the Christ was born. Not only did God confirm to Mary that she really was caring for the Messiah, but she was WITH the Prince of Peace Himself. Jesus is our peace (Ephesians 2:14).
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?
Leader’s Note: Worry is the result of focusing on earthly things and “what I need” instead of focusing on God. He teaches us to set our hearts on seeking Him and His Kingdom. We seek His kingdom by having deep fellowship with God, having a quiet time, and being in prayer with Him, obeying what He tells us in that time, studying the Bible, serving Him and others. We need to abide in that place of His presence.
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?
Leader Note: Financial security, a plan/having control, a relationship, nicer car, popularity, successful career, or acclaim. Maybe knowledge or education seems like the answer. “Believing in Jesus” is not a guarantee that you will experience peace. You can’t just say a prayer and then have all the fruit of the Spirit. It takes time with Jesus to gain His peace, to buff off our roughness, and to calm our souls. If you want to grow in an area, it takes being around people that exhibit that quality. Jesus IS peace! He promises to give peace to us.
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?
Leader Note: The battle for peace in chaos must begin in our minds. The Holy Spirit will help us control our thoughts and bring to remembrance Jesus’s teachings and precepts. Don’t compare; don’t create unreal expectations. Don’t put yourself down. Worry and “what ifs” can destroy our peace. Inability to let go of control, bitterness, or negativity. Seize your thought patterns and replace with God’s Word. Memorize a verse, get with Jesus, ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. You can cast EVERY care and worry on Jesus, and He will carry it, taking the angst from you when you leave it with Him.
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?
Leader Note: There is nothing wrong with pursuing a great family life, provision for your family, or success at work. But if pursuing Jesus is not your number one priority, you will not have peace or the strength to accomplish the other good priorities in our lives.