Introduction to Hearts and Minds Message Series

Written by the Apostle Paul, the first seventeen verses of Colossians chapter three is like a “how-to” guide for following Jesus. This nine week, Hearts and Minds message series will unpack and explore these practical "how-to's" and inspire us to live them out.

Introduction to Let Peace Rule message

Jerry Seinfeld says death is the second greatest fear. Public speaking is the first. So, at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy. Fear is a powerful motivator. Probably far more of our decisions are motivated by fear than we realize. We stay at a job we dislike out of fear. We don’t go certain places out of fear. We wear or don’t wear certain clothes, get certain haircuts, play certain sports, talk to certain people, out of fear.
What if we could be different? What if, on a daily basis, we were guided, not by feelings of anxiety and tension but instead, were guided by feelings of peacefulness?
Our text today offers us a solution to lives choked by fear.

1. Let

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. v15

“Let” may be the most powerful word in this verse. This is the first time this word has been used in fifteen verses of direction, instruction and teaching. In verse one, we are told to set our hearts on things above. Set is an instruction, possibly a command. In verse five, we are told to put to death earthly things, an instruction, a direction, a command. In verse twelve, we are instructed, directed, commanded to clothe ourselves with compassion.
Now we are encouraged that we "let" something happen. The word “let” implies choice.

Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. There was a lot of emphasis on letting or choosing to allow peace into our hearts. Have you ever thought you might have a choice about having peace?
2. What are the implications for other emotions? Do we let ourselves be afraid, angry or frustrated?

2. Let Peace

Let the peace of Christ... v15

This peace doesn’t focus on the absence of trouble. It is unrelated to our circumstances; it is a goodness of life that is not touched by what happens on the outside. You may be in the midst of great trials and still have the peace of Christ.
It’s a strange twist that the very thing that we most want, or that will be best for us, is often what we are most resistant to. No one else can tell us what will give us peace. This is something we all have to determine for ourselves, and once we do, it’s our job to fight for it.

Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. What do you think about the idea of being able to let yourself have peace instead of some negative emotion in any given situation, conversation or event?
2. Can you thing of a recent time when you chose a negative emotion instead of peace? What was the outcome?
3. Can you think of a recent time when you chose peace instead of a negative? What was the outcome?
3. Do you think there a difference is between the peace of Christ and peace in general? Why or why not?

3. Let peace rule

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. v15

Rule or reign means to be governed, guided, swayed by the peace of Christ.

Letting peace rule:
- Can disrupt our sense of identity.
- Can challenge our defenses.
- Can cause us anxiety.
- Can stir up guilt.
- Can force us to face pain.

Some possible rules to live by...
1. If we have to answer now, the answer is no.
2. My spouse and I have to agree.
3. Don’t start down a road until you’ve decided to go down that road.

Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. Can you think of any implications of deciding to do things only when you have peace about it?
2. Talk about these Next Steps -
A. Think of a time when you lived or made a decision out of fear, anxiety, or anger. What did that feel like in your stomach? What were some of your symptoms? How did that decision effect your closest relationships?
B. Think of a time when you lived or made a decision based on the peace of Christ in your heart. Answer the same questions and compare your answers.
C. Lastly, think of a situation or decision in your life right now. Consider which of the above descriptions best fits what you are feeling about this situation or decision.

Next Steps:

1. Think of a time when you lived or made a decision out of fear, anxiety, or anger. Write down what that felt like in your stomach. What were some of your symptoms? How were your relationships with your closest people?
2. Think of a time when you lived or made a decision based on the peace of Christ in your heart. Write down your answers to the same questions and compare your answers.
3. Lastly, think of a situation or decision in your life right now. Consider which of the above descriptions best fits what you are feeling about this situation or decision.
4. Pray, “Lord, in the situation or decision I have in my life right now, help me let the peace of Christ rule.”