Peace

  

Scripture Text

 John 14:27

Intro: Everyone is seeking peace in their lives. There are two types of peace according to Jesus. There is the peace that the world offers and there is the peace that Jesus gives.

1. There is the peace of the world. This is a peace of escapism, of avoiding trouble, of refusing to face things, of unreality. The peace of the world depends on circumstances. World peace at its best is temporary. World peace tries to control everyone, and so the peace the world gives always ultimately fails. It never brings real peace. The world’s peace tries to fix the lack of peace but fails to see that the root of the problem is sin itself in our human nature, something that can only be healed by Christ—not by money, regulation, or reform. Without dealing with the symptoms of sin in mankind's nature won't bring peace.

2. There is the peace that Christ brings. John 14:27 (NKJV)  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. The peace Jesus brings is not like the world's peace. The Hebrew word is shalom. It means much more than freedom from conflict. It means experiencing the highest good, enjoying the very best, possessing all the inner good possible. It means wholeness and soundness. It means prosperity in the widest sense, especially prosperity in the spiritual sense of having a soul peace that blossoms and flourishes. There are four types of peace from Christ.

a. First, there's a bosom peace. Romans 5:1  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a peace deep within the soul. It is a calmness of mind, a composure, a peace in our heart that is calm in the face of bad circumstances and situations. It is more than feelings, its more than attitude and thought. It comes from a personal relationship with God the Father.

b. Second, there's the peace of conquest. John 16:33 ^These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
It is the peace independent of conditions and environment; the peace which no sorrow, no danger, no suffering, no experience can take away. The peace of Jesus Christ—the peace that is in Him—is lasting. It is an overcoming peace, a peace that overcomes the trials and tribulations of the world, no matter what they are, even the terrible trials of sin and death.

c. Third, there's the peace of assurance. Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. It is the peace of complete confidence; the peace with a sure knowledge that our life is in the hands of God and that as this scripture says all things will work out for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

d. Fourth, there's the peace of intimacy with God. Philippians 4:6-8 (NKJV) 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

 It is the peace of the highest good. It is the peace that settles the mind, strengthens the will, and establishes the heart. Its a peace that helps us think on the positive good things of God's word.

Conclusion: Are you struggling right now with some situation or circumstance? Are you troubled in your soul? Take this outline home. Read and meditate on these scriptures. It will bring peace in the midst of your storm.

Invitation: If you have never experienced the peace of having your sins forgiven, right now confess your sins to Christ, ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life to take charge of you and give you His peace.