On Sunday, we talked about experiencing peace that leads to joy. Some of us are stressed out. No peace. Just anxiety and tension. Some of us are spending money we don’t have to find happiness. We might feel pressured by what the culture around us says we must have to be fulfilled. Some of us have relationships that need healing.
The reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus came to give us PEACE. 700 years before Jesus was born in a smelly barn in Bethlehem, the Prophet Isaiah communicated the peace that Jesus would bring to a lost world:
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus was born into a time of difficulty, persecution and darkness.
1. Peace with God (Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:14-15)
Our greatest need is the peace that comes from God’s forgiveness. People that have an absence of God, have an absence of peace. We do not find peace with God by trying to earn His love, but through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We are justified by faith. You can’t have the peace of God until you have peace with God.
2. Peace with yourself (Colossians 3:15, Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27)
Internal peace is promised through God’s presence. God produces peace from the inside out. We begin to see God’s peace in our own hearts as we begin to relinquish control. Control is an illusion anyway. The Holy Spirit reminds us of who we are in Christ and comforts us when we are discouraged. His peace is a gift that comes with a promise!
3. Peace with others (Ephesians 4:3, Romans 14:19, Hebrews 12:14)
Peace with God and ourselves should flow into every relationship in our lives. We are to make every effort to live at peace with others. (And if you’re wondering, “every effort” in the Greek means every effort.) Peace doesn’t happen naturally. Conflict happens naturally and easily. Jesus has called us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The word peace (Shalom) literally means to, “restore, to make complete.”
Which area in your life is robbing you of peace?
Peace with God
Peace with yourself
Peace with others