Kenya has been undergoing a tough time since the general election for parliamentarians and the presidency. Many felt cheated, a feeling that is common in many other countries in Africa. The election fiasco stirred tribalism tendencies within the Kenyan people. Violence broke out and the entire country was in chaos for more than one month. Many lost their property through looting and utter destruction just because they hailed from a different community.

The church was not untouched by this event, as we underwent a period of self-examination in which we had to be honest with our own feelings. The conclusion was obvious: we needed to change. Otherwise our personal expectations with respect to the election would poison our own souls. We needed the peace of God. This Bible Talk was written to address this need. The central question that rings in our ears during difficult times is: Where is God when life hurts? We will look at having the peace of God during good and bad times.

Opening Question:

Have you ever been involved with conflict?

Read Philippians 4:2-3

What was going on between these two women? A disagreement.

How did this affect the church?

Was it acceptable for them to remain in that state? Why?

How is this related to the issue of joy in the subsequent verses? Stress, unhappy, anxiety, worry, anger, sickness …

Were these women really focused on the fact that their names were written in the book of life?

What does it take for you to lose your focus?

Read Philippians 4:4-7

What is Paul’s prescription for conflict? Rejoice always, pray, with thanksgiving.

Is this possible? How?

What can you rejoice about today?

How do these compare with modern psychology?

Which of these produces a long lasting solution- God’s way or man’s way? Why?

How can you know that someone is rejoicing in the Lord?

In what areas has your gentleness been challenged this week? How did you fare?

Read Philippians 4:8-9

What are some things we allow into our thoughts that eventually rob us of peace?

What is Paul’s solution to our thought pollution?

If he was to visit you today, what would he comment about your leisure time, reading material, movies, and television viewing?

God desires peace for us and he has a way out. We must follow it his way and not our way. Things may seem far away from anything peaceful but God is working.

CHALLENGE:

Are you experiencing the peace of God that transcends all understanding or do you find yourself always in arguments and fights? Are your thoughts anything to be proud of or would you be ashamed to share what you are involved in day after day?

Follow God’s way and see how many awesome things he’s doing and will do in your life.

HAVE A PEACEFUL WEEK!

Your brother,
William Auki

This lesson originally appears on the website DisciplesToday.net