Over the weekend, we began a brand-new series called “Crash and Learn,” where we are talking about how to live at peace with God and ourselves. You see, it has been said that every human being is born searching for something. People try to find meaning in relationships, career success, financial gain, and other things. These things, however, will never truly satisfy. What each person is searching for is peace with God, the only One who can truly ever satisfy our longing, searching hearts.
Where is a place you go to find peace?
1. Read Matthew 5:3. Summarize the person described by Jesus in this passage of Scripture.
Matthew 5:3
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”
2. What is the reward for those who are “poor and realize their need” for God? Why?
3. Read Luke 18:9-14. Compare the Pharisee's prayer with the tax collector's prayer. How is the tax collector an example of someone who was "poor and realized [his] need" for God?
Luke 18:9-14
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
4. What was Jesus’ response to the two prayers prayed by these men? Why?
1. What keeps people from recognizing their need for God?
2. Why is recognizing our need for God critical to have peace with God?
3. Who do you relate to more in the parable Jesus told in Luke 18, the Pharisee or the tax collector? Why?
Regardless of where we are on our faith journeys, each one of us needs to acknowledge our need for God. We need Him every hour of the day. We cannot live this life and find peace with Him on our own. Spread out for the next 5 to 10 minutes and pray. Talk to God about your need for Him. Acknowledge your dependence on Him for salvation and everyday life. Each one of us desperately needs Him every single day.
Throughout our Bible study together, we have recognized the importance of acknowledging our need for God. One of the greatest needs we have is forgiveness of sins. For the next few moments, we will walk through how to find peace with God as we confess our sin, turn from it, and live in light of the forgiveness Christ offers when we turn to Him.
If we want to find peace with God, we have to confess our sins to Him. While concealing our sins is tempting, there is no peace or freedom in doing so. Freedom is found when we confess our sins to God and ask for His forgiveness. Confessing our sins is our first step in finding the peace with God that everyone is searching for.
1. Read Proverbs 28:13.
Proverbs 28:13
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
2. Based on this Scripture, why is confessing our sins the better way to live?
3. How have you found the truth from this passage of Scripture to be true in your own life?
4. What holds people back from confessing their sins, and why?
Anyone can say the words, "I'm sorry," but genuine sorrow over our sins is evident through our behavior. You see, if we are truly sorry for the sin we have committed, we will turn away from it. That is precisely what repentance is: turning away from our sins and living differently.
1. Read Acts 2:32-38, a passage in which Peter shared the gospel shortly after Jesus' death and resurrection.
Acts 2:32-38
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand 35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’ 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
2. How are we to respond to the good news of the hope available through Jesus Christ, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. In your own words, what does it mean to repent?
4. How does repentance reveal genuine remorse over our sin?
Many people hold on to shame for their sin, even after confessing it to God and repenting. In light of what God has done and because of His great forgiveness, we do not have to live in shame over our sins and mistakes. Instead, we can live in light of the freedom that is available through Christ.
1. Read 1 John 1:9.
1st John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
2. What does this passage of Scripture reveal about God?
3. Describe the extent of God’s forgiveness, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. What would it look like to live like we believe that God truly forgives us if we turn to Him?
Take some time now to follow Scripture's teaching about finding peace with God. Get alone and pray. Confess your sin to God. Be specific and name the sins you are struggling with. Tell God you are sorry for your sin, knowing it separates you from God. Then, repent. Commit to turning away from that sin, living differently, and refusing to give in to that sin going forward. Thank Him for His extravagant forgiveness and ask Him to help you live in light of the great forgiveness that He offers.
©2026 Sagebrush Church
