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Peace Through Integrity

Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart! PROVERBS 15:11 NLT

The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. PROVERBS 20:27 NLT

Integrity is the pathway to peace

My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. PROVERBS 3:21-26 ESV

My integrity brings peace to my home

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. PROVERBS 20:7 NLT

In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. PROVERBS 14:26-27 ESV

She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. PROVERBS 31:21 ESV

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. PROVERBS 31:25 ESV

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. PROVERBS 30:5 ESV

My integrity brings me peace financially

Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it. PROVERBS 15:16 ESV

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. PROVERBS 28:6 ESV

Integrity can restore peace in my relationships

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ROMANS 12:18 NIV

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. PROVERBS 28:13 NLT

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. PROVERBS 10:9 ESV

Integrity brings peace into my future

But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster. PROVERBS 1:33 ESV

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. PROVERBS 29:25 ESV

Being real with God can bring me peace for eternity

The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. PROVERBS 19:23 ESV

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. PROVERBS 18:10 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, offering to God any burdens from your day. Invite God into this space, asking him to help you be real with yourself and him during this time. As you consider your integrity, and specifically the areas where you have fallen short, picture Jesus’ blood on the cross covering these shortcomings. Ask God if there is any unconfessed sin in your life; as he reveals these things, confess them to him right now, inviting the blood of Jesus over these areas as well. Next, ask God to reveal any areas in your life where you are not living with full integrity. Invite him to change your heart in these things, and ask him for the strength to make choices that reflect a life of integrity. Finally, ask God to offer his peace over your life, reminding you of Jesus’ complete sacrifice on the cross. Spend time thanking God for this, writing down your reflections in the space below, and sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine your personal integrity and Jesus’ sacrifice for you on the cross. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH SELF: How would you define integrity? How have you seen it modeled (for better or worse)?
  3. REAL WITH SELF: How has past sin robbed you of peace in your life? What fears stand in the way of confessing these to someone you trust?
  4. REAL WITH GOD: Jesus stood in our place on the cross, taking our sins upon himself, and exchanged our lack of integrity with his unbreakable integrity. How could a more intentional awareness of this empower us to live with more integrity?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: Our finances can be easy targets for places where we make compromises. Why do you think this is? How could more financial discipline/integrity have a ripple effect on other areas of your life?
  6. TAKE ACTION: The practice of silence can often bring unexpected things to the surface. Bringing them to God, rather than stuffing them, can often bring unexpected healing. What steps can you take to practice intentional moments of silence this week?