Sermon Recap
This past Sunday, Pastor Rob unpacked "The Way of Peace," as we continued on the second leg of the Narrow Way series. It focused on how, as followers of Jesus, we are called to live a lifestyle empowered by the Holy Spirit, not just subscribe to a belief system. Despite the turmoil of the world around us, we can experience supernatural peace. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and not to worry—a command that challenges us to release fear and anxiety. The Gospel was never meant to offer us worldly comfort, wealth, or safety; instead, it was designed to transform us from the inside out. Jesus reminds us in John 14:27 that the peace He gives is different from the world's—His peace sustains us even in the middle of conflict.
The sermon emphasized that Jesus never panicked, even in the face of trouble. His peace is an impartation of what is in Him, and we too can walk in that same peace. Five key truths about peace were highlighted: (1) Peace fills our minds when we fix them on God (Isaiah 26:3), (2) Peace brings healing and restoration (Isaiah 57:19), (3) Peace destroys division between people (Ephesians 2:14), (4) Peace guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7), and (5) Peace rules and governs our hearts (Colossians 3:15). In both the Old Testament (Shalom) and the New Testament (Eirene), peace is not just the absence of trouble but the presence of wholeness, restoration, and confidence in Christ’s presence.
The main passage, Mark 4:35-38, illustrated this truth through the story of Jesus and His disciples caught in a violent storm. The disciples, though obedient to Jesus' instructions, found themselves in a sudden, relentless, and overwhelming storm. This mirrors our own struggles in life—unexpected challenges that come out of nowhere, trials that seem to never end, and burdens that feel too heavy to bear. Yet, while the disciples were panicked and fearful, Jesus was asleep, resting in perfect peace. His response revealed that peace is not determined by external circumstances but by what we are full of—if we are full of Jesus, we will be full of His peace.
The sermon concluded with four key takeaways from the story: (1) Storms do not always mean we are disobedient—sometimes, we face trials because we are following God. (2) This storm was not natural but spiritual—Satan opposes us when we are stepping into our divine purpose. (3) Despite the storm, the disciples still reached their destination—trials cannot stop God’s assignment. (4) Jesus’ question to the disciples (“Why are you afraid?”) was not meant to shame them but to teach them to trust His peace. Whether Jesus calms the storm or not, He cares, He is present, and He will use every storm for our good and His glory. The challenge for us is to learn to rest in Him, knowing that peace is not the absence of trouble but the certainty of His presence in the midst of it.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
How does Jesus' definition of peace differ from the world's definition, and how can we apply His peace to our daily lives?
In Mark 4:35-38, the disciples found themselves in a storm because of their obedience to Jesus. How does this challenge the way we often interpret difficult circumstances in our lives?
Jesus was able to sleep through the storm while His disciples were panicking. What does this reveal about the source of true peace, and how can we cultivate this kind of trust in God?
Have you ever experienced a season where challenges kept coming one after another, much like the storm in Mark 4? How did you respond, and how might you approach a similar situation differently by resting in Jesus' peace?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the peace that Jesus gives, a peace that is not dependent on my circumstances but is rooted in Your presence. When the storms of life arise, help me to trust in You rather than give in to fear and anxiety. Teach me to rest in Your promises, knowing that You are always in control. Fill my heart with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and let it guard my mind in every situation. No matter what I face, I choose to fix my eyes on You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Life Application
Fix Your Mind on God’s Promises Daily: Set aside intentional time each day to meditate on scriptures about peace, such as Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27, and Philippians 4:7. Write these verses down, pray over them, and declare them over your life. When anxiety or fear arises, consciously shift your focus to God’s truth rather than your circumstances.
Practice Resting in God During Challenges: The next time you face a stressful situation, instead of reacting with fear or worry, pause and pray for God’s peace. Remind yourself that Jesus is present in the storm, just as He was in Mark 4. Make it a habit to trust God’s plan even when the situation seems out of control, knowing that His peace sustains you regardless of circumstances.
Don’t Forget
Register for our marriage event taking place April 4th-5th
Additional Resources
Discussion Guide Index| Sermon Playback & Video | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App