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WEEK 2 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

December 7, 2025

Advent, Whispers in the Dark: Peace.

Introduction:

Peace in Advent is the gentle stillness that reminds us God is near. It is the quiet courage to trust His promises, the calm that settles our hearts, and the hope that light is coming. In the waiting, His peace holds us, guides us, and prepares us for Christ’s arrival.

Bottom line:

 Something To Talk About:

  1. Jesus does not just bring peace – He is our peace. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, we often seek peace in fleeting moments or external circumstances. Yet, Jesus offers us something far deeper: He Himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14 ESV). This divine peace transcends all understanding, calming our hearts and minds amid life’s storms (Philippians 4:7). When we invite Jesus into our lives, we find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). In His presence, anxiety diminishes, and we are anchored in hope. Let us cultivate a relationship with Him, allowing His peace to flow through us as we navigate challenges, reflecting His love and serenity to the world around us.
  2. Peace is found in the middle of the unfinished stories: In the midst of our unfinished stories, it’s easy to feel unsettled. Yet God invites us to find peace where uncertainty reigns, to present our anxieties to Him in prayer, and to allow His peace to guard our hearts. Remember, the journey is part of His divine plan, shaping us into who we are meant to be. Take a moment to breathe and release your burdens to Him. Trust that every chapter—complete or incomplete—contributes to a beautiful narrative. Embrace the process, knowing that God is at work, weaving His grace through even the most tangled threads of our lives.
  3. Peace before the breakthrough shapes us more than peace after it: In our journey of faith, we often long for peace after a breakthrough, yet it’s the peace we experience before that truly shapes our character. Before the resolution arrives, God invites us to trust Him in the midst of uncertainty. This pre-breakthrough peace cultivates resilience, deepens our faith, and refines our perspective. It teaches us to lean on Him, understanding that His presence is our greatest comfort. As we embrace this peace before the storm calms, we grow spiritually, learning to find joy in the struggle and strength in surrender. Let this transformative peace prepare us for the blessings ahead, anchoring our souls in Him.
  4. The peace of Jesus is fundamentally different from the world: The peace of Jesus transcends the fleeting calm the world offers. While worldly peace hinges on circumstances—momentary joys, security, or achievements—Christ’s peace is rooted in His unwavering presence. In John 14:27, He assures us, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” This divine peace remains steady amid chaos and uncertainty, providing a deep-seated assurance that God is in control. It invites us to release our anxieties and trust in His promises. As we cultivate this intimacy with Jesus, His peace will guard our hearts and minds, empowering us to navigate life’s storms with confidence

Discussion Questions:

  1. When you think of “peace,” what comes to mind first—quiet circumstances, emotional calm, or something else? How does the biblical idea of peace expand or challenge that definition?
  2. Where in your life do you most need the peace of Christ right now? What emotions, fears, or uncertainties make it difficult to receive His peace?
  3.  Jesus said, “My peace I give to you.” What is the difference between His peace and the peace the world tries to offer? How have you experienced that difference?
  4. What does Ephesians 2:14 (Jesus as our peace) mean for you personally?
  5.  Think about a time when God gave you peace even though your circumstances didn’t change. What helped anchor you during that season?
  6. Why is it so difficult to find peace when our story (life) is in a state of flux, and we can’t see the outcome?
  7. Peace is not only received but practiced. In what relationships or situations is God inviting you to be a peacemaker this Advent? What might that practically look like?
  8.  Advent asks us to slow down and make room for Jesus. What practices or habits help you cultivate inner peace during this busy season? Conversely, what tends to disrupt or steal your sense of peace?
  9. How does the promise that Christ will come again shape your understanding of peace today?
  10. If someone asked you, “Why does Jesus matter for peace?” what would you say? How would you explain His peace to someone who is struggling?
  11.  What is one intentional step you can take this week to walk in the peace of Christ?

Take one thing home with you:

Sharing Peace with Others in Advent

Advent invites us not only to receive Christ’s peace but to become carriers of it. In a hurried world, peace spreads through small, faithful acts—listening without rushing, forgiving without demanding repayment, and offering kindness without expecting recognition. Jesus entered a turbulent world with gentle strength, reminding us that peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God. As we reflect on His coming, we are called to reflect His calm, His compassion, and His courage. This week, ask God to help you share His peace with others.