Embracing Christ's Enduring Peace and Leadership

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Leaves Us His Enduring Peace

Jesus promises a peace that is not fleeting or conditional, but one that remains with us through every circumstance, no matter how troubled our hearts may become. This peace is not like the world’s, which is often self-serving or temporary, but is a deep assurance that God is working all things together according to His good plan. Even when life brings news we do not want to hear, or when anxiety and fear threaten to overwhelm us, Jesus’ peace is steadfast, unremovable, and cannot be overshadowed by any trouble. He calls us to anchor our hearts in this peace, trusting that He has already secured our well-being and future. [43:35]

John 14:27 (ESV)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Reflection:
What is one specific worry or fear that is troubling your heart today? Take a moment to name it before God, and ask Him to help you receive and rest in the peace that Jesus has already given you.

Day 2: The Holy Spirit Comes Because Jesus Goes

Jesus’ departure was necessary so that the Holy Spirit could come and dwell within us, empowering us to live with intimacy and strength that we could never achieve on our own. The Spirit’s presence is God’s own life in us, guiding, comforting, and transforming us from the inside out. Though it may be hard to understand why Jesus had to leave, His going means we are never alone; we are filled with the very presence of God, equipped for every challenge and called to a deeper relationship with Him. [47:31]

John 14:16-18 (ESV)
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Reflection:
In what area of your life do you most need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s help today? How can you intentionally invite the Spirit to guide or strengthen you in that area?

Day 3: Jesus Prepares a Place for Us

Jesus’ leaving is not abandonment, but preparation—He goes to ready a place for us to dwell with Him forever, ensuring that our future is secure and our hope is anchored in eternity. Heaven is not yet complete without us, and Jesus’ promise is that He will return to bring us home, where we will feast at His table and experience the fullness of His victory over evil. This assurance transforms our present struggles, reminding us that every hardship is temporary and that our ultimate home is with Him. [48:17]

John 14:1-3 (ESV)
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

Reflection:
How does knowing that Jesus is preparing a place for you in eternity change the way you face today’s challenges? What is one way you can live with that hope in mind?

Day 4: Jesus’ Victory Over Satan Is Our Security

Though Jesus says that Satan is coming, He makes it clear that the enemy has no power over Him—and by extension, no ultimate power over us. Jesus’ departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit mean that we are not left vulnerable, but are instead empowered to stand firm, knowing that Christ’s victory is our victory. Even when evil seems to press in, we are seated at the Lord’s table, safe and secure, able to watch as Jesus defeats every enemy once and for all. [49:44]

Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV)
"Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords."

Reflection:
When you feel threatened or overwhelmed by evil or adversity, what would it look like to remember and claim Jesus’ victory in that moment? Is there a specific situation where you need to trust that the enemy has no power over you?

Day 5: Ministry Is a Calling to Trust in Christ’s Peace

Serving others, whether as a deacon, pastor, or faithful friend, is not a separate part of life but a calling that can be heavy and demanding. Yet, God equips those He calls, and the peace Jesus leaves is the anchor for every moment of ministry—especially when the burdens are great or the needs are overwhelming. Ministry is not about our own strength, but about leaning into the peace and presence of Christ, trusting that He is working through us and sustaining us for every good work. [56:36]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection:
Who is one person you can serve or encourage this week, trusting that Christ’s peace will sustain you even if the situation is difficult? How can you pray for God’s peace to fill you as you step out in ministry?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness, a commissioning of new leadership, and a reminder of the enduring peace Christ gives to His people. We welcomed new faces into our church family, honored the sacrificial service of those entering military service, and set apart Steve Booth for deacon ministry through the laying on of hands. These moments are not just traditions, but living testimonies of God’s ongoing work among us.

At the heart of our time together was Jesus’ promise in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or fearful.” Jesus spoke these words to His disciples as He prepared to leave them, knowing the sorrow and confusion His departure would bring. Yet, He assured them—and us—that His leaving was not abandonment, but the necessary step for the Holy Spirit to come, for heaven to be prepared, and for the ultimate victory over evil to be secured.

We reflected on the reality that life brings news we do not want to hear: departures, losses, and uncertainties. Jesus’ own departure was deeply troubling for His followers, but He reframed it as a gift. His peace is not a fleeting feeling or a temporary fix, but a lasting, unshakeable assurance that God is orchestrating all things according to His good plan. The world’s peace is conditional and self-serving, but Christ’s peace is abundant, enduring, and rooted in the very character of God.

Even as Jesus acknowledged the coming of Satan, He declared that the enemy has no power over Him. This is not a reason for fear, but for confidence. The presence of the Holy Spirit within us means we are not left vulnerable, but empowered to stand firm, knowing that Christ’s victory is our victory. As we set apart leaders for ministry, we do so with the understanding that their strength and effectiveness come not from themselves, but from the peace and presence of Christ.

In every season—whether in celebration, in service, or in struggle—we are called to anchor our hearts in the peace Jesus has given, trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ’s Peace Is Not Like the World’s Peace The peace Jesus gives is fundamentally different from what the world offers. While worldly peace is often transactional, temporary, and self-serving, Christ’s peace is enduring, abundant, and rooted in God’s faithfulness. It is a peace that remains even when circumstances are uncertain or painful, because it is anchored in the unchanging character of God. [43:35]
2. The Necessity of Jesus’ Departure Jesus’ departure was not a loss, but a divine necessity. By leaving, He made way for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, for heaven to be prepared, and for the fullness of God’s plan to unfold. What feels like absence is often the doorway to a deeper presence and greater purpose in our lives. [47:31]
3. The Reality of Spiritual Opposition and Christ’s Victory Jesus did not shy away from acknowledging the reality of evil and spiritual opposition. Yet, He declared that the enemy has no power over Him. This truth empowers us to face spiritual battles with confidence, knowing that Christ’s victory is decisive and that we are secure in Him, no matter what comes against us. [49:44]
4. Ministry Is Life, Not a Compartment Serving in ministry—whether as a deacon, pastor, or faithful member—cannot be separated from the rest of life. It is not a job to clock in and out of, but a calling that permeates every moment. The burdens and joys of ministry are real, but God equips and sustains those He calls, providing peace and strength for every challenge. [55:14]
5. The Power of Sacred Community and Blessing Moments of commissioning, prayer, and blessing are not mere rituals, but sacred acts that set people apart for God’s purposes. The laying on of hands, the prayers of the church, and the support of the community are means by which God imparts grace, encouragement, and spiritual authority for the journey ahead. [56:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Mission and Giving
[04:45] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[08:30] - Deacon Ordination Introduction
[12:00] - Blessing for James Entering Military Service
[17:40] - Prayer for Protection and Calling
[22:00] - Worship: How Great Thou Art
[27:15] - Opening John 14:27
[37:18] - The Pain of Departure
[39:23] - Why Jesus Had to Leave
[41:56] - The Gift of Peace
[43:35] - The Nature of Christ’s Peace
[47:31] - The Coming of the Holy Spirit
[49:44] - Christ’s Victory Over the Enemy
[54:05] - Charge to the New Deacon
[56:36] - Laying on of Hands and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 14:27-31 (ESV) — 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.
30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,
31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

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## Observation Questions

1. According to John 14:27, what is the difference between the peace Jesus gives and the peace the world offers?
2. In verse 28, why does Jesus say the disciples should rejoice that He is going to the Father?
3. What does Jesus say about the “ruler of this world” (Satan) in verse 30, and what does that mean about Jesus’ authority?
4. In the sermon, what were some of the real-life examples given of news or situations that trouble our hearts? ([45:57])

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## Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes that His peace is “not as the world gives”? What does that mean for believers facing hard times? ([43:35])
2. The sermon says Jesus’ departure was necessary for the Holy Spirit to come and for heaven to be prepared. How does this change the way we view times when God feels absent? ([47:31])
3. Jesus openly acknowledges the coming of Satan but says, “He has no power over me.” How should this shape our confidence when we face spiritual opposition? ([49:44])
4. The sermon talked about ministry not being a separate compartment of life but something that touches everything. What are some ways this truth might challenge our current approach to serving or leading? ([55:14])

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## Application Questions

1. Think about a recent situation that troubled your heart. How did you respond, and what would it look like to anchor yourself in Christ’s peace in a similar situation next time? ([45:57])
2. The world’s peace is often described as temporary or self-serving, while Christ’s peace is lasting and rooted in God’s faithfulness. Where do you most often look for peace, and how can you shift your focus to the peace Jesus offers? ([43:35])
3. Jesus’ leaving made way for the Holy Spirit to come and for God’s bigger plan to unfold. Can you recall a time when something that felt like a loss or absence in your life actually led to deeper growth or blessing? How did you see God at work? ([47:31])
4. When you think about spiritual opposition or evil in the world, do you tend to feel fearful or confident? How does knowing that “the enemy has no power over Jesus” change your outlook? ([49:44])
5. The sermon described moments of commissioning, prayer, and blessing as sacred and powerful, not just rituals. How can you be more intentional about praying for and encouraging others in your church family, especially those stepping into new roles or challenges? ([56:36])
6. Ministry is described as “life, not a compartment.” Is there an area of your life where you tend to separate your faith from your daily actions? What is one step you can take this week to let Christ’s peace and calling shape that area? ([55:14])
7. The church gathered to lay hands and pray for new leaders and those entering military service. Who in your life could use a word of blessing or encouragement right now, and how can you reach out to them this week? ([56:36])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion: — Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for anyone facing troubling news, new callings, or spiritual battles. Ask God to anchor each heart in the peace Jesus gives, and to empower the group to serve and bless others with confidence in Christ’s victory.

Sermon Clips

He then says next, he's leaving because in order for him, in order for the Holy Spirit to come, he's got to go. So in order for us to have the very spirit life of God to live in us, Jesus, who's living among us, has to go. [00:40:15] (18 seconds) #SpiritComesThroughJesusLeaving

Praise the Lord Jesus does not give to us like the world gives. The world gives in a very stingy fashion. People will give to you to take advantage of you. When the world gives, they can cheat you out of stuff. When the world gives, they can undermine you of things that are important. When the world gives, the world gives very selfishly. But not the Lord. He gives abundantly. He gives graciously. He gives with mercy. The Lord gives with thoughtfulness, with great attention, with a great plan. [00:43:29] (32 seconds) #JesusLeavesSoSpiritComes

Because here in these verses, Jesus is saying to us, hey man, I'm leaving, but what I'm leaving behind to you is peace. What I'm leaving behind to you is the security that God's going to work everything just the way he planned it. God's going to orchestrate everything. That's what Hebrews believed about peace. [00:44:07] (21 seconds) #ObedienceInDivineLove

he says, hey, I am leaving you with peace. I am leaving you with the security that God's working all the things according to his will and good plan. And by the way, when I give peace, man, I'm not giving peace like that B12 shot you got to go back and get every month, because you got to know it just, it works its course, right? That's what, I got to go back and do that this week. It works. No, Jesus is saying, when I give peace, it stays. My peace endures. My peace perseveres. My peace, my peace not only stays with you, it is stuck to you. It can't be erased. It can't be removed. It can't be overshadowed or overpowered. My peace, I give to you. [00:44:35] (49 seconds)

And by the way, when I give peace, man, I'm not giving peace like that B12 shot you got to go back and get every month, because you got to know it just, it works its course, right? That's what, I got to go back and do that this week. It works. No, Jesus is saying, when I give peace, it stays. My peace endures. My peace perseveres. My peace, my peace not only stays with you, it is stuck to you. It can't be erased. It can't be removed. It can't be overshadowed or overpowered. My peace, I give to you. [00:44:48] (38 seconds) #VictoryInChristsReturn

So therefore, what you're getting ready to hear, you can't let your heart get troubled. You can't let your heart get all bound up in worry. You can't let your heart get all anxious. And church, listen, you know I'm honest, right? I wish seven days out of the week, all seven days, I am showing you verse 27, because there are some days that get me troubled. Some days get me troubled. [00:45:26] (31 seconds) #MinistryIsLifeCalling

In chapter 14, verses 18 through 25, Jesus has to go so the Holy Spirit will come. In order for us to have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us, for us to know the Lord so intimately, Jesus has to leave. He has to go so that he could finish a place for us to live with him forever. In other words, heaven was incomplete. And in order for it to get complete, in order for us to sit around the table of the Lord, Lord. and watch him defeat the enemy once and for all, hey, he has to go. And he is going to come back and get us. [00:47:44] (43 seconds) #ClingingToPeaceInMinistry

But here's the last one. He has to go. I'm going to mess y 'all up. Because Satan is coming. You're going to say, wait a minute, Chris. That don't sound encouraging. No, you missed this, right? Look at the text with me in verse 30. I will not talk with you much longer because the rule of the world is coming. Period. Period. Then what does it say? She said it. He has no power over me. [00:49:36] (31 seconds)

Okay, so check this. Jesus is leaving and he's leaving with us his spirit to live within us and transform us. This means he is saying, hey, I'm leaving. Satan is coming. That is not meant to discourage. If we put the whole puzzle piece together, this is meant to empower us. It don't matter what Satan does. It don't matter what Satan throws at us. It don't matter the punch Satan may land on us. It don't matter how he might scar us. We are full of God's spirit and therefore we can overpower instead be overpowered. [00:50:07] (39 seconds)

And then when you read all of Revelation 19, you find out Satan gets bound up and destroyed, man, and we are seated at the Lord's table. It is the perfect understanding of the 23rd Psalm when we sit at the Lord's table and we are sitting and feasting with the Lord as the enemies are surrounded us. And we are at peace and at joy because the enemies can't touch us. The enemies can't touch us. [00:51:48] (30 seconds)

``I'm just curious, if we're going to be seated at the Lord's table, feasting on the Lord's feast, and we see Christ coming triumphantly to end this war, and if we're going to be like, there goes that man. There goes that man. Hey, man, there goes that man, right? Because in this moment, church, you need to understand what Jesus is leaving. He is not leaving us in despair. He's leaving us in victory. [00:53:30] (30 seconds)

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