Anchor Verses:

John 14:27, Genesis 50:20, Philippians 4:6–7

Focus Statement:

True peace is not freedom from problems or the illusion of control, but freedom in Christ—trusting God’s purposes, remembering His mercies, and walking reconciled with others.

The World’s Peace vs. God’s Peace

  • Worldly peace = escape, control, or destruction (cancel culture, isolation, violence).
  • God’s peace = untroubled heart despite conflict and suffering (John 14:27).
  • Jesus demonstrates this peace even while facing the cross.

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The Example of Joseph

  • Betrayed by brothers, enslaved, slandered, imprisoned, forgotten—yet God was with him (Gen. 39:21).
    Joseph interprets dreams by God’s power (Gen. 41:16).
  • He forgives his brothers, recognizing God’s greater plan (Gen. 50:20).
  • Joseph names his sons to reflect forgetting debts and finding fruitfulness in hardship (Gen. 41:50–52).
  • Forgiveness and gratitude release him from bitterness and lead to reconciliation.

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Choosing Gratitude and Prayer

  • Scripture calls us to pray about everything and thank God in all circumstances (Phil. 4:6–7; 1 Thess. 5:16–18).
  • Gratitude keeps us from bitterness and remembers God’s faithfulness.
  • Trials become opportunities to trust God’s purposes and to grow in endurance (Rom. 5:3–5).

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Remaining Unstained by the World

  • The world offers cravings, pride, and corruption (1 John 2:16).
  • God calls us to holiness, self-control, joy, peace, and gentleness (Rom. 12:2).
  • Like Lot, living by worldly standards leads to loss; living by God’s Word brings life (Deut. 11:18).

Walking it Out – Christ Our True Peace

  • Psalm 23 reminds us of God’s presence in every circumstance.
  • Trust in the Lord, not in people, possessions, or power (Ps. 146:3–6).
  • Choose daily whom you will serve (Josh. 24:15).
  • Christ unites all in Himself—no division in His Kingdom (Gal. 3:28).
  • Jesus is the way, truth, and life, preparing a place for us (John 14:1–6).
  • Our hope is secured in His return (Rev. 22:6–7).

Sermon Questions

  1. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” Where are you most tempted to seek the world’s version of peace—escape, control, or distraction—instead of resting in Christ’s gift of peace?
  2. In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” How can gratitude and prayer reshape the way you view your trials right now?
  3. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” What step can you take this week to live reconciled—with God, with others, or even with yourself—trusting that God can redeem what was meant for harm?

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