Finding True Peace Through Faith in God
Summary
In the midst of life's storms and uncertainties, individuals are often searching for peace. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but is deeply rooted in the presence of God. The concept of peace is multifaceted, encompassing both peace with God and the peace of God, which are distinct yet interconnected aspects of spiritual tranquility.
Peace with God is described as an objective state, external to oneself. It is achieved not through personal merit or actions but through faith in Jesus Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This peace is a reconciliation with God, a surrendering of one's life to divine grace. It is a foundational peace that comes from the acceptance of Jesus Christ as one's savior, acknowledging that He died for humanity's sins and rose again, offering eternal life and a restored relationship with God.
On the other hand, the peace of God is a subjective, internal experience that transcends understanding. It is a sense of calm and well-being that persists regardless of life's circumstances. This peace is not something that can be manufactured by human effort; rather, it is a gift from God, distributed by Jesus and made accessible through the Holy Spirit. It is a peace that allows individuals to say, "It is well with my soul," even amidst trials and tribulations.
The narrative of Jesus in the upper room with His disciples illustrates the profound gift of peace He offers. As He prepared them for His impending crucifixion, He promised the Holy Spirit as an advocate and coach who would remind them of His teachings and bring peace to their minds and hearts. This peace is not something the world can give; it is unique to the divine and stands in stark contrast to the temporary and often destructive ways people seek peace through external means.
The scriptures provide guidance on how to maintain this peace in one's life. Philippians 4:6-9 encourages individuals not to worry but to pray about everything, express gratitude to God, and focus thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This practice leads to experiencing God's peace, which guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It is an active process that requires intentional effort to filter out noise, investigate truth, and exclude the enemies of peace such as fear, anger, guilt, frustration, worry, and feelings of inadequacy.
The concept of peace is further illustrated through the story of Don and Carol Richardson, missionaries to the Sawi people of New Guinea. Their experience with a tribe that valued treachery highlights the transformative power of the peace of God in even the most hostile environments. The Sawi's eventual understanding and acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice as the ultimate peace child is a testament to the universal need for and availability of God's peace.
In summary, peace is a complex and profound aspect of spiritual life that encompasses both a reconciled relationship with God and an internal state of tranquility that can withstand life's storms. It is a gift from God, made possible through Jesus Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. It requires active participation to maintain, through prayer, gratitude, and a focus on godly virtues. This peace is available to all who seek it, transcending cultural boundaries and personal histories.
Key Takeaways:
- Peace with God is an objective state of reconciliation achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, not by personal accomplishments or goodness. It is a surrender to God's grace, acknowledging the need for divine intervention in one's life. This peace is foundational to the Christian faith and is the starting point for a transformed life. [01:01:05]
- The peace of God is a subjective, internal experience that surpasses all understanding. It is a divine gift that provides an inner tranquility and the ability to navigate life's challenges with a sense of calm and assurance. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in a deep trust in God's sovereignty. [01:04:26]
- Maintaining peace requires active engagement with spiritual practices such as prayer, thanksgiving, and meditating on virtues. These practices help filter out the noise of the world and focus the mind on God's truth, leading to a sustained experience of God's peace. [01:05:32]
- The story of the Richardson family's mission to the Sawi people illustrates the universal longing for and power of God's peace. It shows that peace can break down barriers and transform the most unlikely hearts, demonstrating the reach and impact of the gospel message. [01:08:45]
- The peace of God is not just a personal experience but has social implications. It can lead to reconciliation and harmony among people, as seen in the celebration of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for peace and justice. This peace has the potential to create change in communities and nations. [46:57]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:25-27: "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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. Philippians 4:6-9: "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. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
3. Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to leave with His disciples in John 14:27? How is this peace different from what the world offers? [52:39]
2. According to Philippians 4:6-7, what are the steps to experiencing God's peace? [01:03:44]
3. In Romans 5:1, what is the basis for having peace with God? [01:00:08]
4. How did the Sawi people initially react to the story of Judas betraying Jesus, and why was this significant? [01:09:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to give us "His peace" as opposed to the peace the world gives? How might this impact a believer's response to life's challenges? [52:39]
2. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit as an Advocate and Coach in John 14:26 provide comfort and peace to believers? [51:57]
3. In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul lists virtues to focus on. How do these virtues contribute to maintaining the peace of God in one's life? [01:04:23]
4. Reflecting on the story of the Richardson family and the Sawi people, how does the peace of God transform hostile environments and relationships? [01:08:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). What specific fears or anxieties are troubling your heart today? How can you surrender these to Jesus? [52:39]
2. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to pray about everything and express gratitude. What is one specific worry you can turn into a prayer this week? How can you practice gratitude daily? [01:03:44]
3. Romans 5:1 speaks of peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you experienced this peace? If not, what steps can you take to seek reconciliation with God? [01:00:08]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of filtering out noise and focusing on godly virtues (Philippians 4:8-9). What are some distractions in your life that you need to filter out to experience God's peace more fully? [01:04:23]
5. The story of the Sawi people shows the transformative power of God's peace. Is there a relationship or situation in your life that needs God's peace? How can you be an agent of peace in that context? [01:08:19]
6. Reflect on the idea of Jesus as both Savior and Lord. How does recognizing Jesus as Lord change your approach to daily challenges and decisions? [01:01:37]
7. The sermon highlighted the need to actively engage in spiritual practices to maintain peace. What specific spiritual practice (e.g., prayer, meditation, scripture reading) will you commit to this week to cultivate peace in your life? [01:04:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Reconciliation Through Divine Grace
Reconciliation with God is not a result of human effort but a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the foundational peace that comes from accepting Christ's sacrifice, acknowledging His death and resurrection for the redemption of sins. This peace is the cornerstone of a transformed life and the first step towards true spiritual tranquility. [01:01:05]
Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does understanding peace as a gift from God, rather than something earned, change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
Day 2: The Gift of Inner Tranquility
The peace of God is a profound inner calm that defies human understanding and remains steadfast, even in tumultuous times. This divine tranquility is not contingent on external circumstances but is a manifestation of God's presence within, offering assurance and strength to face life's challenges. [01:04:26]
Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: When have you experienced the peace of God in a situation that seemed overwhelming? How can you seek this peace in current challenges?
Day 3: Cultivating Peace Through Spiritual Practice
Maintaining the peace of God in our lives requires intentional spiritual disciplines. Prayer, thanksgiving, and meditating on virtues are not passive activities but active engagements that help us focus on God's truth and filter out life's distractions. This disciplined approach guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to live in the fullness of God's peace. [01:05:32]
Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can incorporate prayer, gratitude, and reflection on virtues into your daily routine to maintain God's peace?
Day 4: Transformative Power of God's Peace
The story of the Richardson family and the Sawi people exemplifies the transformative power of God's peace. It shows that this peace can overcome cultural barriers and change hearts, demonstrating the gospel's reach and impact. God's peace is not limited by our backgrounds or circumstances but is universally accessible and powerful. [01:08:45]
Ephesians 2:14-15 - "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations."
Reflection: Can you think of a situation in your life or community where God's peace could bring transformation? How might you be an agent of that peace?
Day 5: Social Implications of Divine Peace
The peace of God has profound social implications, leading to reconciliation and harmony among individuals and communities. It inspires action towards justice and unity, as exemplified by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. This peace is not just a personal experience but a catalyst for societal change, reflecting the heart of the gospel. [46:57]
James 3:18 - "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."
Reflection: How can you actively pursue peace in your relationships and community, and what steps can you take today to promote reconciliation and understanding?
Quotes
1) "Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God." [01:00:26] (Download)
2) "The peace of God is objective. It's outside of us. It's something that happened when we raised up our white flag and surrendered and said, I give up." [01:00:26] (Download)
3) "I can't get peace with God by myself. That's why Jesus had to come." [01:01:05] (Download)
4) "Jesus as Savior brings peace with God. Jesus as Lord brings peace of God." [01:01:05] (Download)
5) "You've asked him to forgive your sins and to give you hope, but you've never moved beyond that." [01:01:51] (Download)
6) "If I have a Lord, I say, okay, it's all yours. My car, my house, my finances, my life, my hope, my dreams, they're all yours." [01:02:33] (Download)
7) "Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and then thank him for all he's done." [01:03:49] (Download)
8) "His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." [01:04:26] (Download)
9) "The real peace of God is that when I'm in a storm and everything is around me, it's blowing, and everything is pushing, that I am able to stand with peace." [55:18] (Download)
10) "I can stand with an inner tranquility that I know that God's going to bring it out right." [55:18] (Download)
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