Making Peace With God

b. Eirene (Greek) - often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ - Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

[Peace is a quality and virtue that is sorely needed in the world and church today, for...]

I. NOT EVERYONE ENJOYS PEACE

A. THE WICKED...

1. "There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked" - Isa 48:22

2. The sins of the wicked separates one from God - Isa 59:2 “but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”

3. Sinful conduct destroys friendships and familial relationships - Ga 5:19-21

4. Sin prevents true peace of mind - cf. Isa 57:20-21 “20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” “

-- The wicked are in dire need for peace

B. THE TROUBLED DISCIPLE...

1. Even faithful disciples can become troubled - e.g., Martha, Lk 10:41

2. Disciples lose their peace when they:

a. Fail to simplify their priorities - Lk 10:42

b. Become choked by cares, riches, and pleasures - Lk 8:14

c. Succumb to the desire to be rich - 1Ti 6:10-11

-- The righteous are often in need of peace

C. THE CONCERNED SERVANT...

1. Who worries about their brethren, like Paul - 2Co 2:12-13; 7:5; 11:28-29

2. Who becomes distressed with concern, like Epaphroditus - Php 2:25-26

3. Who sorrows when hearing bad news, like elders - Ac 20:37-38

-- Even the most dedicated servants finds themselves in need of peace at times

[But wherever there is a need for peace, we have good news, for...]

II. JESUS CAME TO BRING PEACE

A. AS FORETOLD...Isaiah; Zacharias; and the Heavenly Host

1. By Isaiah, the Messianic prophet - Isa 9:6

2. By Zacharias, at the birth of John - Lk 1:76-79

3. By the heavenly host, at the birth of Jesus - Lk 2:8-14

-- The Prince of Peace came to bring peace to men of good will!

B. AS PROCLAIMED… By Jesus; By His Apostles

1. By Jesus Himself, to His disciples - Jn 14:27; 16:33

2. By His apostles, as they taught the lost - Ac 10:36

-- The Prince of Peace offers peace that the world cannot give!

[What is that peace? In anticipation of lessons to follow, let's briefly list...]

III. THE PEACE THAT JESUS OFFERS

PEACE WITH GOD…B. Johnson April 7th

PEACE WITH MANKIND…T. Padgett April 14th

PEACE WITH ONESELF…H. Sherrod April 21st

PEACE WITH FAMILIES…C. Banks April 28th

PEACE WITH BRETHREN…T. Padgett May 5th

PEACE WITH RELIGION…H. Sherrod May 12th

PEACE WITH ENEMIES…B. Johnson May 19th

PEACE WITH GOD…

1. Jesus makes it possible for us to be a peace with God

2. Consider Ro 5:1

Romans 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

-- Without peace with God, no real peace is possible

[We now examine more closely the peace Jesus offers, beginning with "Making Peace With God"...]

IV. THE NEED FOR PEACE WITH GOD

A. HE IS THE GOD OF PEACE...

1. God is often identified as "the God of peace" - e.g., Ro 15:33

2. He is the source of true peace - cf. Ro 15:13; 1Co 1:3

3. It is His peace that can guard our hearts - Php 4:7

-- To know God is to truly know peace!

B. SIN ALIENATES MAN FROM GOD...

1. Sin separates man from God so that He will not hear - Isa 59:1-2; cf. 1Pe 3:12

English Standard Version Chapter 59

59 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,

or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;

2 but your iniquities have made a separation

between you and your God,

and your sins have hidden his face from you

so that he does not hear.

English Standard Version Chapter 3

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

2. God will not let the wicked enjoy peace - e.g., Isa 57:19-21

English Standard Version Chapter 57

19 creating the fruit of the lips.

Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the LORD,

“and I will heal him.

20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea;

for it cannot be quiet,

and its waters toss up mire and dirt.

21 There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

3. "There may be the appearance of joy, and there may be temporary prosperity. But there is no abiding, substantial, permanent happiness..." - Barnes

-- Without God, there can be no true peace!

[As often stated: "No God, no peace; know God, know peace". For sinners alienated from the God of peace...]

V. JESUS MAKES PEACE WITH GOD POSSIBLE

A. JESUS MAKES PEACE THROUGH JUSTIFICATION...

1. Justified by faith, we have peace with God - Ro 5:1

2. Justification means "not guilty", and this comes through grace and redemption - Ro 3:24

3. Redemption comes through Jesus' blood, as a propitiation for sin - Ro 3:25; cf. 1Jn 4:10

4. Thus God becomes the justifier of the one who has faith in Christ - Ro 3:26

5. Such faith in Christ is an obedient faith - Ro 1:5; cf. He 5:9

-- Justification through faith in Christ leads to peace with God!

B. JESUS MAKES PEACE THROUGH RECONCILIATION...

1. Remember, sin separates man from God - Isa 59:2

2. But God reconciles man back to Himself through Jesus Christ - 2Co 5:18

3. Indeed, the apostles were given a ministry of reconciliation - 2Co 5:18-19

4. As ambassadors of Christ, they implore us to be reconciled to God - 2Co 5:20

-- When one obeys the gospel of Christ, they are reconciled to God!

[Through justification by faith in Christ, we are reconciled with the God of peace! What kind of peace does God offer those who have been reconciled with Him...?]

VI. THE PEACE OF GOD

A. DESCRIBED...

1. God offers perfect peace - Isa 26:3

2. He offers peace like a river - Isa 48:18

3. He is willing to fill us with peace - Ro 15:13

4. He is willing to give us peace always, in every way - 2Th 3:16

-- Wonderful is the peace that only God can provide!

B. ENJOYED...

1. By those whose minds are stayed on Him, who trust in Him - Isa 26:3; cf. Col 3:1-2

2. By those who heed His commandments - Isa 48:18

3. By those who believe - Ro 15:13

4. By those who let it rule in their hearts - Col 3:15

-- Those who believe and obey are the true recipients the peace of God!

CONCLUSION

1. Have you obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ...?

a. Believe in Jesus as the Son of God who died for your sins! - Jn 8:24

b. Repent of your sins, choosing to live for God! - Ac 17:30

c. Confess your faith in Jesus as Lord! - Ro 10:9-10

d. Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins! - Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16; Ga 3:27

e. Remain faithful to Jesus! - Mt 28:19-10; Re 2:10

2. You will be justified by faith, reconciled to God...

a. You will be at peace with God! - Ro 5:2

b. His peace can now rule in your hearts! - Col 3:15

Look to the gospel of Jesus Christ if you want peace with the God of peace...!

"The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace." - Ps 29:11

"The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." - Num 6:24-2

Related Media

Related Sermons