1. “The assemblies had peace”
Missions-in-Focus Week: 2015
Discussion Session 1

2. 1. What are some of the primary reasons that peace and unity are so important?
Psalm 120:6-7
1 Cor. 14:33
Ps. 133
John 17:20
Ps. 34:14
Matthew 18:19
John 14:27
Acts 4:32-33
Ph. 1:27-30
Ps. 133; dwell together in unity…there the Lord commanded a blessing. These are God’s thoughts, not man’s. HE adds the blessing.
Eph.4:13-14 Danger of counterfeit. Opponents are also of one accord.
Peace is also part of the fruit of the Spirit.

3. 2. What characteristics could be considered as evidence that we are pursuing and enjoying peace?
Romans 14:19
Matthew 5:9
Ph. 2:1-5; lowliness of mind
Prov. 28:25; humility
When there’s strife, how do we deal with it? Prov. 18:13>Matthew 18
Romans 12
Eph. 6:15
Heb. 12:14; holiness and peace are connected.
Heb. 12:11; chastening
James 3:18; fruit of righteousness is sown in peace; the word pursue is similar to the word persecute (Saul persecuting the church)

4. 3. How does a peaceful atmosphere imply appreciating one another rather than just tolerating one another?
Romans 14:17
Ps. 122:8 take into consideration my brethren
Ps. 122:6; prayer is necessary for peace
Col 3:12-16
Phil. 2:3 consider the other as more excellent than thyself; the meekness of Christ

5. 4. Why is it said that conditions of peace are not times for relaxation but for preparation?
Ps. 23 the sheep feed when there’s peaceful conditions
Eph. 5:15-16
Eph. 6:11-13
Praying without ceasing; lack of that is a root for lack of peace
Eph. 4:3
In an evil day there will be attacks from without and that may lead to a root of bitterness within

6. 5. What can we learn from the book of Philippians about links between the Holy Spirit and unity?
There was a difficulty in Philippi;
Three mentions of the Spirit:
1:19; The Spirit of Jesus Christ
2:1; fellowship of the Spirit
3:3; worship God in the Spirit (by the Spirit of God)