Christian Life Church
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV
PRINCE OF PEACE DECEMBER 18, 2022
SCRIPTURE
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV
INTRO
1/ What is peace?
“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.” John 14:27, NIV
True peace is internal completeness & calm that transcends all things external.
Faux peace is incomplete, momentary, & easily lost.
2/ Where is peace found?
Peace is not found in the absence of problems. It is found in the presence of God.
PEACE WITH GOD & THE PEACE OF GOD
1/ We are given an opportunity to have eternal peace with God.
Many people want the peace of God without having peace with God.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… Romans 5:1, NIV
Once we have peace with God, we have access to the peace of God!
2/ We are given an opportunity to have external peace with others.
The Tradition of “Passing the Peace”.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matt 5:9, NIV
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy… Hebrews 12:14, NIV
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18, NIV
3/ We are given an opportunity to have inner peace.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13, NIV
THE ADMINISTRATOR OF PEACE
1/ In one sense, Christ came to bring peace.
And He will be called… Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6, NIV
“…and on earth peace…” Luke 2:14, NIV
2/ In another sense, Christ came to disturb peace.
“I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34, NIV
As the Administrator of Peace, God will disrupt faux peace to bring true peace.
PEACE DISTURBED
When God allows my peace to be disturbed, it’s to give me a greater measure of peace.
1/ My inner peace may be disturbed because of sin.
When I kept silent (about my sin), my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Psalm 32:3-4, NIV
2/ My inner peace may be disturbed because God is shifting things.
When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. Acts 16:7, NIV
3/ My inner peace may be disturbed because of enemy attack.
Then Job replied: “If only my anguish could be weighed, and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas…” Job 6:1-2, NIV
4/ My inner peace may be disturbed because of circumstance.
The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. Acts 27:20, NLT
5/ My inner peace may be disturbed because of false beliefs/thinking.
Most of the great people of God have fallen into this trap (Moses, Elijah, etc.).
PEACE PURSUED
Peace must be pursued! Sustaining peace requires action on our part.
1/ Sustained peace is found in His presence.
Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29, NLT
“If you want to get warm, you must stand near the fire. If you want to be wet, you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.” C.S. Lewis
2/ Sustained peace is found in His promises.
Much of our peace is dependent upon what we believe & focus upon.
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6, NIV
Remember the cow chewing cud.
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. Philippians 4:8-9, NIV
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV
3/ Sustained peace is found in His praises.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 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. Phil 4:4,6-7, NIV
This is not a denial of reality. It is fixing attention on the realest reality!