Sunday November 29, 2020
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)- Turn and Read
WHAT IS PEACE? The tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot.
Exemption from the rage and havoc of war!
Wholeness, completeness, contentment.
Can you describe your life as peaceful? Especially when it seems you’re under attack from the enemy.
It’s interesting that Paul mentions PEACE as part of our armor when we’re involved in conflict!
Peace isn’t about what’s going on around you, it’s about what’s going on IN YOU!
The Bible never tells us there’s going to be “PEACE ON EARTH!”
Matthew 10:34 (NKJV)- “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)- And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
THE TRUTH ABOUT PEACE
I. God is Peace
1 Thessalonians 5:23(NLT)- “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way,.”
Philippians 4:9 (NLT)- “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
II. The Peace of God comes when you are at Peace with God
Romans 5:1 (NLT)- “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”
Romans 15:33(NLT)- “And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.”
III. Peace is not the absence of something but the Presence of Someone
Isaiah 9:6(NKJV)- “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Hebrew- (Prince of Peace) SAR SHALOM
SAR- The one in charge, Lord, chief, general
SHALOM- rest, tranquility, wholeness, contentment
John 14:27 (NLT)- “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE
Peace is not the absence of something but the presence of someone!
HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE THIS PEACE?
- Get Under the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Acts 10:36(NIV)- “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”
A lot of people want the package without the Lordship! We want a Savior but not a LORD!
You’ll never experience His peace until He’s in charge of your life!
Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT)- ““Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.”
Surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!
II. Bring Jesus into Every Situation
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)- “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
III. Keep Your Mind on Jesus
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)- “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”
CONCLUSION: Let’s bring this full circle.
Ephesians 6:15(NLT)- “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
Romans 16:20 (NLT)- “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”