“Our Lord’s Loving Legacy: His Peace”
John 14:27
Our Lord, nearing the end of His time in this world does His utmost to communicate comfort to His soon to be bereft disciples. Even with the full fury of Satan in His sight, His thoughts are primarily upon the welfare of His Sheep. Among the various comforts He presents to them, one of the last He gives them, as part of His will, is His “peace.” To a worldly heart, “Jesus’ peace” may not seem such a high quality gift. I believe that is because their experience of peace is so superficial and fleeting. Peace to a non-believer is not a substantial thing at all. Yet, when a Christian receives the “peace of Christ,” he or she receives something substantial indeed.
What is it that makes the “peace” of Christ such a valuable gift?
I. It is “peace” with God – Romans 5:1
1. Many do not value this peace because they do not realize that God is angry with them – Romans 1:18
2. Many others do not value this peace because they are deluded by false teaching into thinking they have peace with God when they really do not – Jeremiah 6:13-14
3. True peace with God comes only through Jesus Christ – Romans 5:1; Acts 4:8-12
II. It is the “peace” of God – Philippians 4:6-7
1. It is a “peace” that is not at the mercy of circumstances – Mark 4:35-39
2. It is a “peace” that trusts in God as a great Fortress – Psalm 91:1-7
3. It is a “peace” that counts God sovereign and able even in the most dire places – Daniel 6:16-22
4. It far outshines the peace the world gives that is contingent upon perfect circumstances, quiet and sometimes even drink or drugs - - Ephesians 5:18
III. The “peace” of Christ is a substantial, powerful thing – Matthew 10:12-14; Luke 10:1-7
1. It was not to be dispensed with lightly – Luke 10:4
2. It was offered to all who might receive it – Luke 10:5
3. It remains with those who are worthy – Luke 10:6
4. It is to be withdrawn from the unworthy – Matthew 10:13-15
5. These verses along with other shows us that we too have a ministry of “peace” – Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 6:15
IV. The “peace” of Christ being of such value, we should labor to maintain it – John 14:27
1. It is natural for our sinful hearts to be troubled – John 14:27
2. Yet, Christ commands us not to let them remain that way – John 14:27
How do we overcome heart trouble? How do we maintain Christ’s peace?
1. By keeping our minds stayed upon God – Isaiah 26:3-4
2. By truly knowing God:
A. God is a Spirit – John 4:24
B. God is infinite – 1 Kings 8:27
C. God is eternal – Psalm 90:2
D. God is unchangeable – Malachi 3:6
E. God is all-wise – Proverbs 4:24
F. God is all-powerful – Psalm 147:5
G. God is Holy – Exodus 15:11
H. God is just – Deuteronomy 32:4
I. God is goodness and truth – Exodus 34:6-7
We need to know Whom we are leaning on – Isaiah 40:28-31
3. By praying we have this “peace” that is a gift of Christ but is also a fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22
4. By letting it RULE – Colossians 3:15
Here the “Peace” of God is pictured as an umpire ‘who calls them like they is’ Peace walks by faith not by sight and takes this stroll with a great deal of calm knowing that God is in control of all things!
Short Application:
1. Realize the value of true biblical “peace”
2. Labor to attain it (by faith)
3. Labor to maintain it
4. Count it your ministry to share it
