Message-Based Study Guide

for Small Groups and Individuals

Greater Than—Jesus Gives Us Peace Colossians 3:1-17; Romans 5:1 Philippians 4:7; Romans 12:18 June 13-19, 2021

And I got a peaceful easy feelin’ And I know you won’t let me down ‘Cause I’m already standin’ On the ground (from by Jack Tempchin)

The song above, made popular by The , is about the peace the singer experiences in his relationship. Yet, despite his confidence, he still fears the voice that “keeps whisperin’ in my other ear, tells me I may never see you again.” There is a relationship you can be confident in, with a God who will remain with you. A relationship in which there are no Lyin’ Eyes, and that will last for The Long Run. A relationship that will give you a true Peaceful Easy Feeling.

Answer and discuss the following question with your group

1. We all make mistakes, but when facing them we often try to explain them away or justify why we are not to blame. Describe a time you tried to avoid the consequences of a mistake. How would you have felt if the burden to excuse your actions had suddenly been lifted?

Read the following excerpt out loud An excerpt from the StoneBridge message, “Jesus Gives Us Peace”

Listen to what Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (NIV) And the word Jesus used for peace here as he spoke is traced back to “shalom.” So when Paul says in Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts,” he is talking about shalom there, a full restorative peace, reconciliation, everything is made right. And this peace that Jesus gives us—shalom—has three parts: peace with God, peace within, and peace with others.

Read Colossians 3:1-11; Romans 5:1 and Philippians 4:7 and answer/discuss the following questions

2. Sin separates us from God, and we are not able to reconcile or restore our relationship with God by ourselves. Based on Colossians 3:1-4 and Romans 5:1, how are we made right with God, despite our sin?

3. Based on Romans 5:1, what is the nature of our relationship with God after we decide by faith to follow Christ? Is the faith Paul describes an intellectual belief or a dedication of the heart shown by surrender and obedience? Explain.

Greater Than – Lesson 5, page 1 Message-Based Study Guide

for Small Groups and Individuals

4. Explain how knowing God is in control and wants the best for you can give you inner peace, despite the circumstances around you. What does Paul mean in Philippians 4:7, by saying we can experience “the peace of God”?

Read the following excerpt out loud An excerpt from the StoneBridge message, “Jesus Gives Us Peace”

When Paul says to let peace rule in our hearts, it means to govern, that peace is the decision maker for our actions. Will I choose to look for a fight or choose to be a peacemaker? In my marriage. In my work. We must let peace govern and rule in our hearts, that we make choices and relationships according to hearts of peace. This is also a great picture of what the Church should be! What our collective witness as believers should look like.

Read Colossians 3:12-17 and Romans 12:18 and answer/discuss the following questions

5. Compare and contrast how our relationships with others would be affected by a “me first” attitude, on the one hand, and letting the peace of Christ “rule in your hearts”, on the other hand.

6. Can doing your part to make peace with someone you disagree with give you peace, regardless of whether you ultimately reach agreement or reconcile? Explain.

Reflection and Wrap-up

7. Given our ability to be reconciled to God only through Christ, as explored in this lesson, would you say you are at peace with God or still at odds? If you are not at peace, what can you do this week to accept God’s gift of grace? Do you want a true Peaceful Easy Feeling?

8. What practical steps can you take this week to establish peace with someone you have disagreed or had conflicts with? Explain how forgiving someone you have disagreed with can result in peace, even if it does not result in reconciliation.

Pray Together as a Group

Additional Study

If you have time during your Small Group or you want to study more about the message topic, read and consider the following passages:

Greater Than – Lesson 5, page 2 Message-Based Study Guide

for Small Groups and Individuals

● John 14:27

● 2 Corinthians 5:19

● Numbers 6:24-26

Just Thinking

● Jesus is a peacemaker.

● “Set your sights on the realities of heaven” (Colossians 3:1).

● We cannot make peace with God on our own terms. Faith is not a negotiation; it is a surrender.

● God carries us on eagles’ wings and brings us to himself (Exodus 19:4).

Greater Than – Lesson 5, page 3