GROUP GUIDE: Philippians 4:2-9

Advent is a long-standing church tradition that reminds us of that if we are under Christ’s righteousness we experience several “already but not yet” things in this world, such as: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. In other words, we know that we have these things in Christ but when we look at the world around us it clear that many people live without Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. However, as Christians, we know that we can live in the world because of the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love found in Christ and His work on the Cross. Advent also reminds us that these things will be ours for eternity. This is a glorious truth. May we remember and celebrate it this holiday season.

As we continue in our Advent series, we took time this week to remind ourselves of the peace that only comes from being in relationship with Jesus. In Philippians chapter 4, we are reminded that because of the peace found in Christ it is completely possible for mankind to have peace with each other. This truth is especially exciting when it comes to two Christians who are struggling to have unity with each other. This is because when Christians have unity together, ultimately, they find that unity in Christ. Many of us know what it is like to have biological family members who do not know God and at the same time we find ourselves being more connected with other people who do know God, even though we are not biologically related to them. It is the peace of Christ that unites!

When we consider peace in light of this Passage, we must also remember that is impossible to be at peace if you are not first at peace with God. Try as you might, you will never have true peace apart from understanding the free gift of salvation that comes from God and the joy of being in right relationship with him. All around, especially during the holiday season, we see people grasping for peace wherever they can find it. But if we are in Christ, we understand that peace is not something that we can buy or obtain in any way. Even more, may we rest in the fact that we do not have to make peace with God because He has already reached out and made peace with us.

Lastly, may God remind us that peace is not the absence of bad stuff but true peace is the presence of God. Amen and amen.