Sermon Study Guide | Sermon: Waging Peace |
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-4, 15, 26 | Date: September 21, 2025

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

We live in a world where outrage often feels like the default setting—online, in politics, even in our personal relationships. This week’s message reminds us that the real war is not against one another but against the forces that would keep us divided and bitter. Think about your own life: when have you felt the pull to respond with anger or withdrawal or silence instead of choosing true peace? How did that affect your relationships and your heart? Share with your group

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

Read Ephesians 4:1–4 together.

• What does it mean for you, personally, to “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling” God has given you?
  
  
• Which of the five ways to “wage peace” feels the hardest for you right now and why?
  
  
  • Don’t Sacrifice Your Presence
    
    
  • Stand Your Ground on Unity
    
    
  • Don’t Concede Your Hope
    
    
  • Don’t Surrender Your Voice
    
    
  • Don’t Arm Yourself with Anger
    
    
• Ephesians 4:15 calls us to “Speak the truth in love”. How does this differ from how truth is often spoken in today’s polarized culture? Can you give an example?
  
  
• In Ephesians 4:26 we read “In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger…” 
  
  • What does healthy anger look like? Can you give an example?
  • How can it move us toward peace instead of division?
    
    
• The message reminded us that our unity is not uniformity—it’s the Spirit of God that holds us together. How does this encourage you when you encounter brothers and sisters in Christ who see the world differently than you?

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

• Think about your online presence: what would it look like to “wage peace” the next time you’re tempted to comment, repost, or argue?
  
  
• Is there a relationship where you need to take the first step toward reconciliation, even if it’s just sending a text or making a call? What’s stopping you?
  
  
• Where do you sense cynicism or hopelessness creeping into your view of the world? How can you intentionally choose hope this week?
  
  
• Consider one concrete way you can use your voice to speak truth in love—whether in your workplace, with your family, or among friends.

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. In a world that feels increasingly divided, help us remember that our true battle is not against each other but against the enemy who delights in our division. Teach us to stay present with one another, to stand firm in unity, to hold onto hope, to speak the truth in love, and to lay down anger before it poisons our hearts. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we might bring peace into our homes, our neighborhoods, and our world. May we be people who wage peace in Your name. Amen.