Small Group Resources

August  31 - September 6

Sermon Series: Beatitudes

Week 3: Peacemakers

Ice Breaker, If Needed

If you were forced to be in a talent show, what would your talent be?

Discussion Questions

1. What is peace? Much like the word “love”, how is the word “peace” watered down and poorly defined by our society? Why isn’t peace simply the absence of strife or drama? Why isn’t true peace found in avoiding difficult people or situations? What is the danger in faking peace? How have you faked peace? What was the outcome? 

2. Read Matthew 5:9. What is a peacemaker? Why are peacemakers called “sons of God”? What qualities would you expect a child of God to exhibit? How does a peacemaker differ from a peacekeeper? 

3. Read Psalm 34:12-14 and 1 Peter 3:10-11. Why is peace something to be actively, intentionally pursued? Why are humility and courage essential qualities in a peacemaker? What traits do you observe in people from the Bible, or in your own life, you would describe as peacemaking? Share strategies for peacemaking you have learned and implemented. 

4. Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Who is our struggle against? What is spiritual warfare? What kind of armor must we put on to stand firm in our faith? Focus on verse 15. Why did Paul pair protecting our spiritual “feet” with peace? What do feet do? What can feet with good shoes do? What would shift in your life if you treated peace as a crucial part of your spiritual armor?

5. Who is the Prince of Peace? What happens to you and through you when you remain near to the author of peace? What must you lay down to fully experience the peace He has for you? Read John 14:27. Are you at peace? How can you be a peacemaker if you aren’t at peace with Jesus?