Adults 4th quarter 2024
November 24, 2024
GOLDEN TEXT
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” ( John 14:27 )
PRACTICAL TRUTH
The Peace of the Lord Jesus brings quiet and calm to our soul, especially in difficult moments of life.
DAILY READING
Monday – Phil 4:9 The God of peace is with us at all times
Wednesday – Mt 5.9 Peacemakers are blessed
Thursday – Rm 5.1 Through Christ we have peace with God
Saturday – Phil 4.6,7 The peace of God surpasses all understanding
Suggested Hymns: From the Christian Harp
CLASS BIBLE READING
Numbers 6:24-26; Philippians 4:6,7; 1 Peter 3:10,11
Numbers 6
24- The Lord bless you and keep you;
25- The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26- The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Philippians 4
6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7- And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 3
10- For he who would love life and see good days must refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
11- Let him turn away from evil and do good. seek peace and pursue it.
LESSON PLAN
1- INTRODUCTION
In this lesson, we will see that the Bible describes a peace that surpasses all human understanding. This peace is part of God's plan for humanity. Unfortunately, it was interrupted in the Garden of Eden because of original sin. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, promised to rescue it, reconciling humanity once again with God through his sacrifice on the cross. While with his disciples, the Lord Jesus said that this peace would always be available to his disciples and classified it as a peace different from that promised by the world. This peace brings calm to the heart in the face of the afflictions of this world.
2- LESSON PRESENTATION
A) Lesson Objectives:
I) To emphasize that peace is part of God's plan for humanity;
II) To point out that the peace of the world is illusory and consists of superficial promises;
III) To list the characteristics of the peace promised by the Lord Jesus.
B) Motivation: Human beings are continually compelled to seek peace for their afflictions. This peace is often offered in a deceptive way by the world. But the peace that our Lord Jesus offers is sublime and true. It is worth noting that receiving the peace of Christ does not mean experiencing the complete absence of conflicts or adversity, but rather that this peace leads the believer to overcome the afflictions of this world with good courage (cf. John 16:33). Therefore, reflect with your students on how they deal with afflictions. Reinforce that the peace of God gives us the tranquility to believe that God continues to be in control of all things.
C) Suggested Method: The third topic of the lesson highlights the peace that Jesus promised. This peace is in keeping with the Kingdom of Peace that will be established by Him, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. In fact, followers of the Kingdom can still enjoy this peace today. To reinforce understanding about the peace that surpasses all understanding, organize a concept map with your students. Highlight the word PEACE on the board or make a card. Students will be tasked with listing the effects of this peace on Christian life. As they express their thoughts, organize the information so that the concept of peace is expanded and explained in light of the Bible.
3- LESSON CONCLUSION
A) Application:Having the peace of God in one's heart has been misunderstood by many believers. There are those who think that enjoying true peace is living fully without facing problems, challenges or adversities in life. However, the Gospel announced by Jesus characterizes peace as a resource that encourages and encourages the believer to be of good cheer. As I close the class, I endorse that the Lord Jesus stated that true peace can only be found in Him and, therefore, He strengthens us so that we can overcome the world through faith.
4- SUBSIDY FOR THE TEACHER
A) Ensinador Cristão Magazine. It is worth getting to know this magazine that brings reports, articles, interviews and support resources for Adult Bible Lessons. In issue 99, p. 40, you will find a special resource for this lesson.
B) Special Aids: At the end of the topic, you will find aids that will support you in preparing your class:
1) The text “THE SPIRIT AND THE WORLD”, located after the first topic, explains the peace of Christ based on the new relationship with God;
2) The text “THE RESTORATION OF PEACE”, located after the second topic, highlights that peace with God requires that we be united to Christ through faith.
INTRODUCTION
The Lord Jesus is identified in the prophecy of Isaiah as the “Prince of Peace”. From his principality comes the peace that every human being needs. Therefore, in this lesson, we will study the promise of peace that is present in the Word of God. We will see how peace is represented in God’s plan, as well as how it is presented from the perspective of the world and, mainly, the peace that Jesus promised to each of his followers.
Keyword: Peace
I- PEACE IN GOD'S PLAN
1- The meaning of peace. In the dictionary, we find the following synonyms for the word “peace”: “tranquility”, “rest”, “silence”, “quietness”. In the Old Testament, we find the word “shalom” for “peace”, which has the meaning of security, well-being, health, prosperity, peace ( Nm 6.26 ); representing all that is best for life. In the New Testament, in Greek, the word “peace” is “eirene”, with a similar meaning, however, emphasizing the idea of quietude and rest ( Phil 4.6 ).2- Peace in the priestly blessing. Verses 24-26 of Numbers 6 express the priestly blessing over the children of Israel. Among the blessing of protection, benevolence and mercy, there is the blessing of peace (v.26). The meaning of peace that the Hebrew word shalom carries is completeness, satisfaction and complete happiness. This is a blessing in which anxiety, tension and strife would have no place among the children of Israel. Peace, in Numbers 6, reveals a state of complete satisfaction in God which the Jewish people will be able to enjoy during their pilgrimage through the desert and upon entering the Promised Land.
3- The Peace of the Lord. The Golden Text brings with it the Peace of the Lord Jesus, which reminds us of one of the main characteristics of the Messiah: “the Prince of Peace” ( Isaiah 9:6 ). This peace of the Lord Jesus is the subject of the apostle Paul in Philippians, when he exhorts the church not to be anxious about recent events, because the peace of God strengthens us and protects our hearts and feelings in Christ, our Lord (Philippians 4:6,7). The apostle Peter also reflects the same teaching of Jesus in the sense of living a life with a perspective of peace, restraining the tongue so as not to enter into strife and lies, turning away from evil, seeking peace with others ( 1 Peter 3:10,11 ). Therefore, as peace reigns in our lives, we must seek to have this peace with other people.
SYNOPSIS I
If peace reigns in our lives, we must seek to have that peace with other people.
THEOLOGICAL HELP
“THE SPIRIT AND THE WORLD
[…] Jesus leaves peace to the disciples. How does this fit in with what comes before, and what is the meaning of what comes before, and what is the meaning of ‘peace’? The Spirit comes by the name of Jesus (v. 26), that is, through the redemptive work of Jesus. ‘Peace’ in this context refers to what Paul calls ‘justification’ and ‘reconciliation’. That is, because of the work of Jesus, people are in a new relationship with God. Such a relationship is made real when a person believes in Jesus. This new relationship is expressed simultaneously in two ways. On the one hand, a person has a new standing before God because of the work of Jesus. Jesus is in heaven with the Father, declaring that He has made peace with God for sinful people. (Note that this is the advocacy part of the Comforter, but in heaven.) On the other hand, the Spirit brings this peace to the believer. This is when reconciliation and justification become personal. (Note that this is the other advocating part of the Comforter, who affirms and assures the believer that he has a right standing with the Father in heaven. […] This idea of peace is embedded in the idea of shalom (the Hebrew word meaning ‘peace’), which has a long history and is loaded with rich meaning. This idea had gathered together the end-time meaning associated with the Messiah. The term shalom signified the presence of God’s salvation, of wholeness of mind, body, and soul, with people being in right relationship with one another. In the resurrection appearance in John 20:19-23, Jesus speaks peace to the cowardly disciples. There, as here, He comforts them in the midst of a very terrifying time. Thus, for the second time (cf. John 14:1) He says, ‘Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’ (v. 27b)” (Pentecostal Bible Commentary — New Testament. Vol. 1. Matthew — Acts. January: CPAD, 2003, p. 583)
2- The “peace” of the works of the flesh. The Letter to the Galatians presents a list of “works of the flesh” that often express the illusion of a false peace in people’s lives, and many confuse pleasure and the delights of life with peace ( Gal 5:19-21 ). In truth, it is a satisfaction that occurs through the senses and, soon, one returns to the previous stage of need. Thus, those who live in the practice of the Works of the Flesh imagine that they enjoy a supposed peace and, as a consequence, think that they live a happy life. How wrong they are! It is impossible to enjoy the true peace that the Lord Jesus offers when living in the practice of sin. Those who live like this are deceiving themselves, serving the will of the World, the Flesh and the Devil ( Eph 2:3 ).
3- A false peace. Teaching the church in Thessalonica about the Day of the Lord, the apostle Paul wrote: “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. and they shall by no means escape” ( 1 Thess 5.3 ). Here we are reminded of a false peace that will exist in the Great Tribulation. A superficial, fragile and only apparent peace. Those who commit to false peace will not know how to discern the times of opposition both in the present and in the future. But with Jesus, we enjoy a true and lasting peace.
SYNOPSIS II
With Jesus Christ, our Lord, we enjoy a true and lasting peace.
2- A redemptive promise. In Genesis, peace was disturbed because of the Devil’s strategy, which deceived the first couple, making them disobey God’s command ( Genesis 3:1-7 ). In this context, God promised to redeem mankind through the “seed of the woman” (Gen. 3:15). This promise was fulfilled in Christ, reconciling us and establishing our peace with God ( Rom. 5:1 ). At the same time, the wall of separation was torn down and all enmity between Jews and Gentiles was undone, so that He made both peoples one Church ( Eph. 2:14,15 ). Therefore, in the New Testament there are several references that show us that the peace of Christ is within reach of all who believe in Him. This peace will be with us ( Phil. 4:9 ), will dominate our hearts ( Col. 3:15 ), and, as peaceful people, we will enjoy true happiness ( Matt. 5:9 ).
3- A promise that surpasses all understanding. The peace that surpasses all understanding calms us in the face of life’s concerns (Phil. 4:6). This peace will calm our hearts and strengthen us to withstand the storms before us, just as happened with the apostle Peter who, even while imprisoned in a typical first-century prison, slept a deep and peaceful sleep ( Acts 12:5-7 ). This episode is in full agreement with what the Lord Jesus promised: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” ( John 16:33 ). Even in the face of afflictions and struggles, we can trust in the Lord and experience the peace that only He can give us. Therefore, let us trust in the promises of Jesus, as well as in His providence!
SYNOPSIS III
The peace that surpasses all understanding is a peace that calms us in the face of life’s concerns.
THEOLOGICAL HELP
TO RESTORING PEACE
“[…] Experiencing peace with God requires that we be united to Christ by faith. The first step is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This ‘belief’ is more than just an intellectual assent or acceptance. It is an active trust by which a person accepts Christ’s sacrifice for sins and surrenders control of his or her life to Christ’s leadership. A person who responds to Christ in this way is forgiven and justified (i.e., made right with God) through faith (Rom. 3:21–28; 4:1–13; Gal. 2:16). Along with faith, we must follow God’s directives and obey His commandments in order to live in peace (Lev. 26:3, 6). The Old Testament prophets frequently declare that there is no real peace for the wicked (Isa. 57:21; 59:8; Jer. 6:14; 8:11; Ezek. 13:10, 16). In order that we might continually experience God's peace, He has given us the Holy Spirit, who develops His character and purposes in us, which involves the peace of God (Gal. 5:22; cf. Rom. 14:17; Eph. 4:3). With the Spirit’s help, we should pray for peace (Ps. 122:6, 7; Jer. 29:7; Phil. 4:7, note), letting peace direct our hearts (Col. 3:15), desiring and seeking peace (Ps. 34:14; Jer. 29:7; 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Pet. 3:11), and doing our best to live in peace with others (Rom. 12:18; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13; Heb. 12:14)” (Pentecostal Study Bible, Global Edition. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2022, p. 1288).
CONCLUSION
We have seen that God’s peace has to do with well-being, rest, and quiet, even in times of great torment. We contrast this perspective of peace with that of the world that understands peace as the mere absence of war or limited periods of pleasure. We learn that the Peace of God is a profound, elevated and eternal virtue. It is not something fleeting, but a permanent state, independent of circumstances. It is the peace that Jesus promised.
REVIEWING THE CONTENT
1- Write about the concept of peace.
If peace reigns in our lives, we must seek to have that peace with other people.
THEOLOGICAL HELP
“THE SPIRIT AND THE WORLD
[…] Jesus leaves peace to the disciples. How does this fit in with what comes before, and what is the meaning of what comes before, and what is the meaning of ‘peace’? The Spirit comes by the name of Jesus (v. 26), that is, through the redemptive work of Jesus. ‘Peace’ in this context refers to what Paul calls ‘justification’ and ‘reconciliation’. That is, because of the work of Jesus, people are in a new relationship with God. Such a relationship is made real when a person believes in Jesus. This new relationship is expressed simultaneously in two ways. On the one hand, a person has a new standing before God because of the work of Jesus. Jesus is in heaven with the Father, declaring that He has made peace with God for sinful people. (Note that this is the advocacy part of the Comforter, but in heaven.) On the other hand, the Spirit brings this peace to the believer. This is when reconciliation and justification become personal. (Note that this is the other advocating part of the Comforter, who affirms and assures the believer that he has a right standing with the Father in heaven. […] This idea of peace is embedded in the idea of shalom (the Hebrew word meaning ‘peace’), which has a long history and is loaded with rich meaning. This idea had gathered together the end-time meaning associated with the Messiah. The term shalom signified the presence of God’s salvation, of wholeness of mind, body, and soul, with people being in right relationship with one another. In the resurrection appearance in John 20:19-23, Jesus speaks peace to the cowardly disciples. There, as here, He comforts them in the midst of a very terrifying time. Thus, for the second time (cf. John 14:1) He says, ‘Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’ (v. 27b)” (Pentecostal Bible Commentary — New Testament. Vol. 1. Matthew — Acts. January: CPAD, 2003, p. 583)
II – THE ILLUSORY PEACE OF THE WORLD
1- A deceptive peace. Many seek peace in addictions, in substances both illegal and legal, in gambling, in nightclubs, in false religions. Throughout history, people have always sought to fill a gap in their lives with that which has no capacity to fill them. Others understand that peace is merely the absence of war, difficulties and problems. The Bible reveals that the peace of the world is deceptive because it is not based on what is eternal, heavenly and divine, but on what is temporal, earthly and purely human ( John 14.27 ). What Jesus offers comes from eternity and, therefore, fills all our needs regardless of the circumstances we live in ( John 7.38 ). The peace of the Lord Jesus is not deceptive, but true and sublime.2- The “peace” of the works of the flesh. The Letter to the Galatians presents a list of “works of the flesh” that often express the illusion of a false peace in people’s lives, and many confuse pleasure and the delights of life with peace ( Gal 5:19-21 ). In truth, it is a satisfaction that occurs through the senses and, soon, one returns to the previous stage of need. Thus, those who live in the practice of the Works of the Flesh imagine that they enjoy a supposed peace and, as a consequence, think that they live a happy life. How wrong they are! It is impossible to enjoy the true peace that the Lord Jesus offers when living in the practice of sin. Those who live like this are deceiving themselves, serving the will of the World, the Flesh and the Devil ( Eph 2:3 ).
3- A false peace. Teaching the church in Thessalonica about the Day of the Lord, the apostle Paul wrote: “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. and they shall by no means escape” ( 1 Thess 5.3 ). Here we are reminded of a false peace that will exist in the Great Tribulation. A superficial, fragile and only apparent peace. Those who commit to false peace will not know how to discern the times of opposition both in the present and in the future. But with Jesus, we enjoy a true and lasting peace.
SYNOPSIS II
With Jesus Christ, our Lord, we enjoy a true and lasting peace.
III- THE PEACE THAT JESUS PROMISED
1- The Prince of Peace. The Prophet Isaiah received a divine revelation of the characteristics of the Messiah promised to Israel and the world. One of His main characteristics is that He is “The Prince of Peace” ( Isaiah 9:6,7 ). The coming of the Messiah will bring a peace that the world has never known. The Gospels present the Lord Jesus, our Savior, as this “Prince of Peace”. His disciples can enjoy this peace that only He can give today. His principality assures us of true peace ( John 14:27 ), which should accompany us, as followers of Jesus, wherever we set our feet ( Matthew 10:12,13 ).2- A redemptive promise. In Genesis, peace was disturbed because of the Devil’s strategy, which deceived the first couple, making them disobey God’s command ( Genesis 3:1-7 ). In this context, God promised to redeem mankind through the “seed of the woman” (Gen. 3:15). This promise was fulfilled in Christ, reconciling us and establishing our peace with God ( Rom. 5:1 ). At the same time, the wall of separation was torn down and all enmity between Jews and Gentiles was undone, so that He made both peoples one Church ( Eph. 2:14,15 ). Therefore, in the New Testament there are several references that show us that the peace of Christ is within reach of all who believe in Him. This peace will be with us ( Phil. 4:9 ), will dominate our hearts ( Col. 3:15 ), and, as peaceful people, we will enjoy true happiness ( Matt. 5:9 ).
3- A promise that surpasses all understanding. The peace that surpasses all understanding calms us in the face of life’s concerns (Phil. 4:6). This peace will calm our hearts and strengthen us to withstand the storms before us, just as happened with the apostle Peter who, even while imprisoned in a typical first-century prison, slept a deep and peaceful sleep ( Acts 12:5-7 ). This episode is in full agreement with what the Lord Jesus promised: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” ( John 16:33 ). Even in the face of afflictions and struggles, we can trust in the Lord and experience the peace that only He can give us. Therefore, let us trust in the promises of Jesus, as well as in His providence!
SYNOPSIS III
The peace that surpasses all understanding is a peace that calms us in the face of life’s concerns.
THEOLOGICAL HELP
TO RESTORING PEACE
“[…] Experiencing peace with God requires that we be united to Christ by faith. The first step is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This ‘belief’ is more than just an intellectual assent or acceptance. It is an active trust by which a person accepts Christ’s sacrifice for sins and surrenders control of his or her life to Christ’s leadership. A person who responds to Christ in this way is forgiven and justified (i.e., made right with God) through faith (Rom. 3:21–28; 4:1–13; Gal. 2:16). Along with faith, we must follow God’s directives and obey His commandments in order to live in peace (Lev. 26:3, 6). The Old Testament prophets frequently declare that there is no real peace for the wicked (Isa. 57:21; 59:8; Jer. 6:14; 8:11; Ezek. 13:10, 16). In order that we might continually experience God's peace, He has given us the Holy Spirit, who develops His character and purposes in us, which involves the peace of God (Gal. 5:22; cf. Rom. 14:17; Eph. 4:3). With the Spirit’s help, we should pray for peace (Ps. 122:6, 7; Jer. 29:7; Phil. 4:7, note), letting peace direct our hearts (Col. 3:15), desiring and seeking peace (Ps. 34:14; Jer. 29:7; 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Pet. 3:11), and doing our best to live in peace with others (Rom. 12:18; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13; Heb. 12:14)” (Pentecostal Study Bible, Global Edition. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2022, p. 1288).
CONCLUSION
We have seen that God’s peace has to do with well-being, rest, and quiet, even in times of great torment. We contrast this perspective of peace with that of the world that understands peace as the mere absence of war or limited periods of pleasure. We learn that the Peace of God is a profound, elevated and eternal virtue. It is not something fleeting, but a permanent state, independent of circumstances. It is the peace that Jesus promised.
REVIEWING THE CONTENT
1- Write about the concept of peace.
In the Old Testament, we find the word “shalom” for “peace”, which has the meaning of security, well-being, health, prosperity, peace (Nm 6.26); represents all that is best in life. In the New Testament, in Greek, the word “peace” is “eirene”, with a similar meaning, however, emphasizing the idea of stillness and rest (Phil 4.6).
2- What does peace in Numbers 6 reveal?
Peace, in Numbers 6, reveals a state of complete satisfaction in God which the people will be able to enjoy in their pilgrimage through the desert.
3- Why can we say that the peace the world offers is deceptive?
The peace of the world is deceptive because it is not founded on what is eternal, heavenly and divine, but on what is temporal, earthly and purely human.
4- How do the Gospels present the Lord Jesus?
The Gospels present the Lord Jesus, our Savior, as this “Prince of Peace.”
5- According to the lesson, what is the peace that surpasses all understanding?
The peace that surpasses all understanding is a peace that calms us in the face of life's concerns.
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