Jesus our Peace-The Prince of Peace
Notes
Transcript
Peace, Shalom, Eirene
Peace, Shalom, Eirene
Peace (Oxford) Freedom from disturbance; tranquility; A state or period in which there is no war or war has ended.
Peace in Hebrew: Shalom: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace (Hebrew dictionary)
Peace in Greek: Eirene, refers to inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ (Nelson’s bible dictionary)
Illustration: Trying to find inner peace in outer circumstances. (drugs, relationships).
(Transition) this series is yes, another topical one. I do invite people to join us for bible classes on Sunday 9:30 or Wednesday 6:00 for expository teaching. - - - in a world that so needs peace, even Christians are in need of inner peace, tranquility more than ever. This series will address this kind of peace.
Everyone wants it, not everyone has or enjoys it
The wicked do not have inner peace
Turn to and read Isa48:22
22 “There is no peace for the wicked,” says the Lord.
Sin keeps peace from people (Isa59:2), takes peace from people (Gal5:19-21), prevents true peace of mind (turn to and read Isa57:20-21)
20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea, For it cannot be quiet, And its waters toss up refuse and mud. 21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
(transition) - The wicked are in dire need of peace, inner peace and tranquility
The troubled follower, disciple
You remember Martha (Lk10:41-42)?
The one choked out by the cares of this world (Lk8:14)
The one who succombs to the ways of world, to be rich, to think can buy peace, tranquility (turn to and read 1 Timothy 6:10–11)
10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
(Transition) Even the saved, the redeemed, the righteous, need inner peace and tranquility, or reminded of it where it comes from.
The concerned, worrisome servant
Paul with his worries for the brethren (ref: 2Cor2:12-13) - like Paul worrying for Titus. - (turn to and read 2Cor7:5)
5 For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.
then turn to and read (2Cor11:28-29)
28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?
The distressed, concerned like Epaphroditus who searched out Paul and got sick to the point of death (ref: Php2:25-26)
Or the leaders who were filled with sorrow when meeting with Paul a last time (ref: Act20:37-38)
(Transition) even the most dedicated servants can find they are in need of peace, inner tranquility at times.
Jesus our Prince of Peace came to bring peace
He will be called Prince of Peace (Have everyone turn to (Isa9:6-7)
6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
Spoken promise through the prophet Isaiah.
Announced by heavenly host (ref: Lk2:8-14) would bring peace among men.
Even Jesus said I leave peace with you (ref: Jn14:27). that you may have peace (ref: Jn16:33).
It was the peace that the apostles preached that was made available through Jesus Christ (ref: Act10:36).
(Transition) Our Prince of Peace offers peace, inner peace, tranquility that the world and the church need that the world cannot give. Jesus is the giver of peace, true peace. Over the next several weeks we will look at the peace Jesus offers
Peace our Prince of Peace Offers
Peace with God; Jesus made the way for sinful man to have peace with Holy God. (turn to read Rom5:1)
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Our starting place of peace is with God and from God and is available through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace with mankind: Jesus removes barriers between man (turn to read Gal3:28)
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Jesus the way maker, the peace maker makes peace between mankind.
Peace with and within oneself; that is unfazed by the world (turn to read Php4:6-7)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace that is beyond comprehension, and understanding!
Peace within families; may we be seekers of this (turn to read Col3:18-21)
18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.
The biblical teaching, the teaching of Jesus leads to peace in the family.
Peace with the brethren, with each other (turn to read 1Pt3:8-12)
8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 10 For, “The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. 11 “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. 12 “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
Jesus teaching (His doctrine) leads to harmony among believers, brethren.
Peace within the church; as Copeland says “the cure for denominationalism.” (turn to and read Jn17:20-23)
20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.
Peace through the prayer of Jesus is the cure for denominationalism
Peace with enemies (turn to read Mt5:44)
44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Jesus shows us how to have peace with all people, even those difficult people we may consider our enemy.
Do you have peace? (conclusion/Invitation)
Is there sin that is disturbing you?
Are there too many things, priorities choking out the peace available to you?
Are you filled with worry, anxiety about others that is stealing your peace?
(Invitation) (prayer) (Exit)