Embracing True Peace: Wholeness Through Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Peace with God through Justification in Christ

True peace begins with being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ, moving from enmity to harmony and fellowship. Before salvation, we are described as "children of wrath," separated from God by our sin. But when we repent and believe in Jesus, we are justified—declared holy and righteous—and become children of God. This peace is not something we earn by our own efforts or good works; it is a gift of grace, secured by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. If you struggle to believe you are truly forgiven, remember that your peace with God is not based on your performance but on Christ’s finished work. Rest in this truth and remind yourself daily that you are no longer condemned, but fully accepted and loved by God. [07:40]

Romans 5:1 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Is there a sin or regret from your past that still makes you feel distant from God? Take a moment today to confess it and thank Jesus for making you right with God—then rest in the peace He has given you.

Day 2: Peace Within Ourselves through Prayer and God’s Promises

God offers an inner calm that surpasses understanding, rooted in trust, prayer, and gratitude. When anxiety or self-doubt creeps in, we are invited to bring every concern to God in prayer, with thanksgiving—even in the midst of hardship. Filling our minds with Scripture anchors us in God’s promises and reminds us that we are not alone, even in our darkest moments. The peace of God is not dependent on circumstances but is a supernatural guard over our hearts and minds in Christ. Make it a habit to turn to God in prayer and immerse yourself in His Word, allowing His peace to fill you from within. [12:57]

Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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: What is one worry or anxious thought you can bring to God in prayer today, trusting Him to guard your heart with His peace?

Day 3: Peace with Others through Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Christ breaks down barriers of hostility and calls us to pursue unity, reconciliation, and forgiveness with others. In Christ, we are made one family, no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints. We are called to take the initiative to reconcile quickly when there is conflict, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to speak gently and listen well. This is not always easy, especially when we have been hurt, but entrusting justice to God and practicing humility in our relationships is the mark of mature faith. Let go of grudges, seek restoration, and allow Christ’s peace to rule in your relationships. [23:25]

Ephesians 2:13-18 (ESV)
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father."

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with? What step can you take today to move toward peace in that relationship?

Day 4: Peace as the Fruit of the Spirit

Peace is not just a feeling but a supernatural result of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. As we walk in step with the Spirit—inviting Him to guide our thoughts, words, and actions—we are transformed from the inside out. This journey of sanctification means confessing our sins quickly, practicing spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and Sabbath rest, and allowing the Spirit to nurture peace within us. The evidence of peace in your life is visible to others and is a testimony of God’s presence. Make it a daily rhythm to seek the Spirit’s guidance and cultivate His peace in all you do. [29:24]

Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: Before you begin your day, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His peace and guide your actions—how might this change the way you respond to challenges today?

Day 5: Peace as a Calling and Mission

Peace is not only something we receive but also a calling and mission to carry into the world. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, reflecting His peace in every relationship and situation. This means standing for justice with gentleness, promoting biblical peace in our communities, and sharing the gospel of peace so others can find reconciliation with God. In tense situations, ask how you can reflect Christ rather than fueling conflict. Remember, you are sent to bring the good news of peace to those who need it most. Your story of how Jesus has changed your life can be the invitation someone else needs to experience true peace. [37:51]

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Reflection: Where is God calling you to be a peacemaker today—at home, at work, or in your community? How can you intentionally bring Christ’s peace into that situation?

Sermon Summary

Peace is often misunderstood as simply the absence of conflict or stress, but in the biblical sense, it is so much more. True peace is not just a void where chaos is absent; it is a fullness, a wholeness, and a restoration that God pours into our lives. From Genesis to Revelation, peace is a thread woven throughout the entire story of Scripture—a metanarrative that reveals God’s desire for wholeness in our relationship with Him, with ourselves, and with others.

The foundation of peace begins with being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Before salvation, we are described as “children of wrath,” but through repentance and faith, we are justified and become children of God. This peace with God is not something we earn by our own efforts; it is a gift of grace, secured by Christ’s finished work on the cross. We are called to rest in this truth daily, reminding ourselves that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Peace also takes root within ourselves. God offers an inner calm that transcends circumstances, rooted in trust, prayer, and gratitude. Even in the darkest moments, Scripture provides hope and solidarity, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Rest and self-care are not luxuries but necessities, modeled by Jesus Himself, who withdrew to rest and encouraged His disciples to do the same.

Our peace with God and within ourselves naturally extends to our relationships with others. Christ breaks down barriers of hostility, creating unity among all people. We are called to pursue reconciliation quickly, forgive as we have been forgiven, and approach difficult conversations with humility and gentleness. This is the mark of spiritual maturity and the evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives.

Peace is also a fruit of the Spirit, a supernatural result of walking in step with the Holy Spirit. It is cultivated through confession, spiritual disciplines, and a willingness to let God transform our hearts. Finally, peace is a calling and a mission. We are commissioned to be peacemakers in a broken world, to stand for justice with gentleness, and to share the gospel of peace so that others may find wholeness in Christ.

As we approach the Lord’s Table, we are invited to examine our hearts, release our burdens, and receive the peace that only Christ can give. This peace is not just for us, but for the world around us, as we become living invitations to know Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

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Key Takeaways

1. Peace with God is the Foundation of Wholeness True peace begins with reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Before salvation, we are estranged from God, but through repentance and faith, we are justified and become His children. This peace is not earned by our works but is a gift of grace, and we are called to rest in the assurance that there is no condemnation for those in Christ. [08:54]
2. Inner Peace is Rooted in Trust, Prayer, and Scripture The peace God offers transcends circumstances and is cultivated through prayer, gratitude, and meditating on His Word. Even in seasons of darkness or anxiety, Scripture reminds us that we are not alone and that God’s promises are steadfast. Rest and self-care are spiritual practices that honor God and sustain our well-being. [14:11]
3. Peace with Others Requires Reconciliation, Forgiveness, and Humility Christ’s work breaks down barriers and calls us into unity with others, making us fellow citizens with the saints. Mature faith is demonstrated by pursuing reconciliation quickly, forgiving as we have been forgiven, and approaching conflict with humility and a willingness to listen. This is not easy, but it is the path to true relational peace. [19:22]
4. Peace is a Fruit of the Spirit, Cultivated by Walking with God Peace is not merely a personality trait or a fleeting feeling; it is a supernatural fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It grows as we walk in step with the Spirit, confess our sins, and practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and Sabbath rest. The evidence of peace in our lives is a testimony to the Spirit’s transforming power. [27:49]
5. Peacemaking is a Calling and a Mission for Every Believer We are not only recipients of peace but also ambassadors of it. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, to stand for justice with gentleness, and to share the gospel of peace with a broken world. Our lives and our words are meant to be living invitations for others to encounter the wholeness and restoration found in Christ. [35:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:23] - The World’s View vs. Biblical Peace
[03:39] - Peace as Wholeness and Metanarrative
[05:11] - Peace with God: Justification and Reconciliation
[06:53] - Repentance and Resting in Grace
[08:54] - No Condemnation: Daily Gospel Reminders
[09:52] - Peace Within: Prayer, Gratitude, and Scripture
[12:57] - The Power of God’s Word in Dark Times
[14:11] - Rest and Self-Care as Spiritual Practices
[17:13] - Guarding Sacred Spaces for Rest
[18:25] - Peace with Others: Unity in Christ
[19:22] - Pursuing Reconciliation and Forgiveness
[23:25] - Speaking Gently and Listening Well
[25:37] - Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit
[29:24] - Walking in Step with the Spirit
[31:18] - Confession and Spiritual Disciplines
[33:41] - Peace as Calling and Mission
[35:11] - Peacemaking in a Broken World
[38:51] - Sharing the Gospel of Peace
[44:55] - Communion: Receiving the Peace of Christ
[46:03] - Closing Prayer and Commission

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 5:1 — "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

2. Philippians 4:4-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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."

3. Ephesians 2:13-18
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility... And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father."

Observation Questions

According to Romans 5:1, what is the basis for our peace with God?
In Philippians 4:6-7, what are the specific actions Paul says lead to the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds?
From Ephesians 2:13-18, what does Paul say Jesus accomplished between groups that were once divided?
The sermon described peace as more than just the absence of conflict. What words or images did the pastor use to describe biblical peace?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon said, “True peace is not just a void where chaos is absent; it is a fullness, a wholeness, and a restoration that God pours into our lives.” Why is it important to see peace as something positive and active, rather than just the absence of trouble?
The pastor mentioned that before salvation, we are “children of wrath,” but through Christ, we become “children of God.” How does this change in identity affect the way a believer experiences peace?
In Philippians 4, Paul connects prayer, thanksgiving, and peace. Why do you think gratitude is so closely tied to experiencing God’s peace, even in hard times?
The sermon emphasized that peace with others requires reconciliation, forgiveness, and humility. Why do you think these are so difficult, and what does it reveal about our need for God’s help?

Application Questions

The pastor said, “Rest and self-care are not luxuries but necessities, modeled by Jesus Himself.” What is one practical way you can guard time for rest this week, and what might you need to say “no” to in order to do it?
Is there a relationship in your life right now where you need to pursue reconciliation or forgiveness? What is one step you could take this week to move toward peace with that person?
The sermon encouraged us to “remind ourselves daily that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What is one way you can remind yourself of this truth each day, especially when you feel guilt or shame?
The pastor shared about reading Lamentations during a dark time and finding hope in Scripture. Is there a passage of Scripture that has brought you peace in a difficult season? If not, what is one verse you could memorize or meditate on this week?
The sermon challenged us to be peacemakers in a broken world, standing for justice with gentleness. Where do you see an opportunity in your community, workplace, or family to bring peace or stand up for what is right? What would it look like to do this with humility?
The pastor asked, “How often do you ask the Holy Spirit to help you?” What would it look like for you to invite the Holy Spirit into your daily routines, decisions, or relationships this week?
As you approach communion or times of worship, what burdens or anxieties do you need to release to Jesus in order to receive His peace? How can the group pray for you in this?

Sermon Clips

When you are forgiven for your sins, it is a gift from God, it is a gift of grace, you can't do enough, anyway, to satisfy that wrath. But Jesus did, he paid that price on the cross. So rest in the finished work of Christ, you are saved by grace, not performance. [00:08:33] (21 seconds)

In the darkest moments of my life, when I was diagnosed with severe depression and struggling, this is going to sound really weird, but for whatever reason, the Holy Spirit led me to the book of Lamentations. And anybody that knows the Old Testament, Lamentations is not a feel-good book. It's not. And I'm reading about somebody who is saying like it felt as if they had fallen down on the road and were chewing on gravel covered in dust. And in that moment, I went, that's me. You mean there was somebody in the Bible thousands of years ago who felt the same way I did? And in the way that only God can work, all of a sudden, I had hope by reading a horrible passage. Why? Because I wasn't alone. [00:13:23] (63 seconds)

If you want to understand how to be a mature Christian this is where we actually have to dig deep in order to have peace with others pursue reconciliation quickly. Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew therefore if you're presenting your offering at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you leave your offering there before the altar just leave it and go first be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your offering. In other words Jesus is saying don't let conflicts linger but take the initiative to restore them. [00:20:58] (43 seconds)

When we're talking about forgiveness, when we forgive people, we are to do it in such a way that we let go of that junk and we trust God to handle it. You know God, right? The eternal father, the creator of the universe, the guy that knit you together in your mother's womb, whom we entrust, all of humanity, mankind, and salvation. That little guy. I think we can trust him to make all things right. We don't have to sweat the small stuff. We can forgive and move on. [00:22:54] (44 seconds)

Peace is a supernatural result of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life. It's His work in us. I can tell you, this may get some of you uncomfortable, I can usually tell within 10 minutes of talking with somebody where they're at on their walk with Christ. You speak it. You speak it because it's you, because you live your life, and you just go about living it, and you come in the church, and you'll talk to me, and you're all wound up, you're tense, you're hostile, right? Or you're bitter, or all this. Well, what are you doing in your journey to transition from that, where you don't have peace, into a place where you do have peace? What are you doing to achieve that? It's evident. If you didn't know it, it's evident. [00:28:08] (65 seconds)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Period. So if there's these moments where we're weak, we must confess our sins quickly as we learn how to become sanctified. And more importantly, we don't want to allow our sins to block us from a relationship with Jesus because that's how Satan works. Ah, see, that salvation thing, that didn't really hold. Don't believe that for a second. Nothing, nothing can separate you from the love of God. [00:32:16] (48 seconds)

Christians are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the peace of Christ in a broken world. That's a universal calling. If we're to be like Jesus, then we have to learn how to be peacemakers. Meaning it's up to you and I to bring peace into a broken and fallen world. [00:35:11] (25 seconds)

We live out peace in a falling world when we stand for justice with gentleness. The prophet Micah says, says this, he has told you mortal one what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice to love kindness and walk humbly with your God. Promote biblical peace in all relationships and also in your community. We're called to be peacemakers. That also means that we do justice. [00:37:17] (41 seconds)

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Everyone. It doesn't say which one, it just says everyone will be saved. But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the scriptures say how beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring the good news. You are called to share the gospel of peace with the world. Go tell the world. How did Jesus change your life? [00:39:00] (50 seconds)

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