Embracing the True Peace of Christ
Summary
In this message, we explore the profound promise of peace that Jesus offers, especially during the Christmas season when the word "peace" is so prevalent in our decorations yet often absent from our hearts. Despite the chaos and anxiety that can dominate our lives, Jesus promises a peace that is not of this world—a peace that transcends understanding and is rooted in His very nature as the Prince of Peace. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives, offering tranquility and wholeness even amidst turmoil.
The message delves into the dual nature of the peace Jesus provides: peace with God and the peace of God. Peace with God is made possible through Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection, which reconciles us to God and removes the barrier of sin. This peace is foundational, assuring us of our standing with God and our eternal future. The peace of God, on the other hand, is a daily experience of God's presence that guards our hearts and minds, especially when we fix our thoughts on Him and trust in His promises.
We are reminded that peace is not found in the absence of problems but in the presence of God. This peace is described as "shalom shalom," a perfect and unbroken peace that encompasses complete well-being. It is a peace that is available to us when we lean not on our own understanding but on God's truth and goodness. The paradox of peace is that it is found in surrender, not control. By releasing our grip on the things we cannot control and trusting in God's sovereignty, we open ourselves to the peace that only He can provide.
Ultimately, the message calls us to examine where we are leaning—on our own abilities or on God's promises—and to choose to lean on Him, trusting that He will keep us in perfect peace. This peace is a promise for all who are in Christ, a peace that the world cannot give or take away.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Promise of Peace: Jesus offers a peace that is not of this world, a peace that transcends understanding and is rooted in His nature as the Prince of Peace. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives, offering tranquility and wholeness even amidst turmoil. [01:43]
2. Peace with God and the Peace of God: Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we are reconciled to God, removing the barrier of sin and assuring us of our standing with Him. The peace of God is a daily experience of His presence, guarding our hearts and minds when we fix our thoughts on Him and trust in His promises. [08:52]
3. Shalom Shalom - Perfect Peace: The peace Jesus offers is described as "shalom shalom," a perfect and unbroken peace that encompasses complete well-being. It is available to us when we lean not on our own understanding but on God's truth and goodness. [16:16]
4. The Paradox of Peace: True peace is found in surrender, not control. By releasing our grip on the things we cannot control and trusting in God's sovereignty, we open ourselves to the peace that only He can provide. [20:23]
5. Leaning on God's Promises: We are called to examine where we are leaning—on our own abilities or on God's promises—and to choose to lean on Him, trusting that He will keep us in perfect peace. This peace is a promise for all who are in Christ, a peace that the world cannot give or take away. [28:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:43] - The Promise of Peace
- [03:29] - Is Peace Possible Today?
- [04:22] - Advent and the Peace Candle
- [08:52] - Peace with God
- [12:37] - The Good News of Jesus
- [16:16] - Shalom Shalom: Perfect Peace
- [17:41] - Leaning on God
- [18:53] - Trusting in the Lord
- [20:23] - The Paradox of Peace
- [22:29] - Jesus, the Lord of Peace
- [23:05] - When Peace is Removed
- [24:20] - Counterfeit Peace
- [25:06] - Paul's Words on Peace
- [28:05] - Leaning on God's Promises
- [29:13] - Prayer for Peace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Promise of Peace
Bible Reading:
1. John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
2. Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
3. Philippians 4:6-7 - "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."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to John 14:27, how does the peace that Jesus offers differ from the peace the world gives? [01:43]
2. In Isaiah 9:6, what are the titles given to Jesus, and what significance does the title "Prince of Peace" hold in the context of the sermon? [04:22]
3. How does Philippians 4:6-7 describe the process of obtaining the peace of God, and what role does prayer play in this process? [25:06]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the difference between worldly peace and the peace of God? [24:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to have "peace with God" and "the peace of God," and how are these two types of peace interconnected? [12:37]
2. How does the concept of "shalom shalom" or perfect peace challenge our understanding of peace in the midst of life's problems? [16:16]
3. The sermon mentions the paradox of peace being found in surrender rather than control. How does this paradox manifest in everyday life? [20:23]
4. How does leaning on God's promises, as opposed to our own understanding, influence our experience of peace? [18:53]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current situation in your life where you feel anxious or troubled. How can you apply John 14:27 to find peace in this situation? [01:43]
2. Consider the areas of your life where you might be trying to maintain control. What steps can you take to surrender these areas to God and experience His peace? [20:23]
3. Identify a specific promise of God that you can lean on this week. How will focusing on this promise help you experience "shalom shalom"? [16:16]
4. Think about a time when you felt the peace of God despite difficult circumstances. What did you do to maintain that peace, and how can you replicate that in future challenges? [25:06]
5. How can you incorporate prayer and thanksgiving into your daily routine to guard your heart and mind with the peace of God, as described in Philippians 4:6-7? [25:06]
6. Are there any relationships or situations where you are leaning on your own understanding rather than God's truth? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus? [18:53]
7. How can you encourage someone else in your life to experience the peace of God? What specific actions or words can you use to support them in their journey? [29:13]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Promise of Peace
In a world often filled with chaos and anxiety, Jesus offers a peace that is not of this world. This peace transcends human understanding and is deeply rooted in His nature as the Prince of Peace. It is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives, providing tranquility and wholeness even amidst turmoil. This divine peace is a profound promise, especially relevant during the Christmas season when the word "peace" is frequently seen in decorations but often absent from our hearts. Jesus' peace assures us that despite external circumstances, we can experience an inner calm that is anchored in His eternal presence. [01:43]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite the presence of God to experience His peace today?
Day 2: Reconciliation and Daily Assurance
The peace Jesus provides is twofold: peace with God and the peace of God. Through Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection, we are reconciled to God, removing the barrier of sin and assuring us of our standing with Him. This foundational peace with God secures our eternal future and relationship with Him. The peace of God, on the other hand, is a daily experience of His presence, guarding our hearts and minds when we fix our thoughts on Him and trust in His promises. This daily assurance is a reminder that God's peace is available to us every moment, offering comfort and strength in our journey of faith. [08:52]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: How can you intentionally fix your thoughts on God's promises today to experience His peace in your daily life?
Day 3: Shalom Shalom - Perfect and Unbroken Peace
The peace Jesus offers is described as "shalom shalom," a perfect and unbroken peace that encompasses complete well-being. This peace is available to us when we lean not on our own understanding but on God's truth and goodness. It is a peace that surpasses all human comprehension, providing a sense of wholeness and harmony in every aspect of our lives. By trusting in God's wisdom and surrendering our own limited understanding, we open ourselves to this divine peace that brings true fulfillment and contentment. [16:16]
Isaiah 32:17 (ESV): "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stop relying on your own understanding and start trusting in God's truth and goodness?
Day 4: The Paradox of Peace through Surrender
True peace is found in surrender, not control. By releasing our grip on the things we cannot control and trusting in God's sovereignty, we open ourselves to the peace that only He can provide. This paradoxical peace invites us to let go of our need for control and instead embrace a posture of surrender to God's will. In doing so, we discover a deeper sense of peace that is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in our trust in God's perfect plan for our lives. [20:23]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto tightly that you need to surrender to God today to experience His peace?
Day 5: Leaning on God's Promises for Perfect Peace
We are called to examine where we are leaning—on our own abilities or on God's promises—and to choose to lean on Him, trusting that He will keep us in perfect peace. This peace is a promise for all who are in Christ, a peace that the world cannot give or take away. By anchoring our lives in God's promises, we find a steadfast peace that remains unshaken by life's challenges. It is an invitation to trust in God's faithfulness and to rest in the assurance that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. [28:05]
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV): "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all."
Reflection: How can you actively lean on God's promises today to experience His perfect peace in your life?
Quotes
"Jesus said, peace, I leave with you. Not just any peace, he says, but my peace, I give you. I do not give as the world gives. This is a different kind of peace. This is only a peace that heaven can give. I don't give like the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." [00:01:43]
"Peace on earth is literally God's promise. Son, Jesus coming to earth, he is Prince of Peace. In fact, in the Hebrew, Prince of Peace is made up of two Hebrew words. They're the words Sar Shalom. Sar Shalom. What does Sar mean? Sar actually means the one in charge. It means the Lord. It means the chief or the general." [00:08:52]
"Jesus was born of a virgin, therefore he didn't have a physical earthly father. He was born of a virgin, but was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He was conceived. Who was his father? It was the heavenly father. So he didn't have a sin nature. Instead, he was born without sin, and the Holy Spirit dwells within him." [00:08:52]
"Peace isn't found in the absence of problems, but peace is found in the presence of God. It's a perfect peace. And the Bible calls it in the New Testament, a peace that goes beyond our human understanding." [00:16:16]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge God, lean on him, and he will make your paths straight. This is powerful. Don't lean on your own logic, your own wisdom, your own understanding." [00:18:53] (17 seconds)
"Whenever peace is disconnected from the prince of peace, it becomes a false comfort that never, ever lasts. And that's why the words of Paul in the New Testament, I've alluded to this verse multiple times, from a Roman prison, if you can imagine, he's chained up in prison, potentially gonna die." [00:24:20] (21 seconds)
"Peace with God is through faith in Jesus. The peace of God is for those whose minds are fixed on him. So if you're leaning on yourself today, today, lean this way with me and let's depend on the power and the presence of God's truth." [00:28:05] (20 seconds)
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