“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
1. Why is there an absence of peace? (Isaiah 57:20-21)
“But the wicked are storm-battered seas that can’t quiet down. The waves stir up garbage and mud. There’s no peace,” God says, “for the wicked.”
A. A common expression is to say, “there is no rest for the wicked.”
B. We are in conflict:
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With God - Romans 8:7
- With others – Proverbs 18:1
- With self – Jeremiah 30:15
2. What is peace? (John 14:27)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...”
A. Most people think peace is something like this; no conflict, no war, a brief time of quiet.
B. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. In the New Testament, the Greek word is Eirene.
C. Shalom is God’s word for wholeness and goodness and total satisfaction in life. Eirene means to join or bind together that which has been broken, divided or separated.
3. So where do we find this kind of peace? (Luke 2:14) “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
A. Christmas peace anticipates God’s plans, His promises, and His presence to restore wholeness to all that is broken in this world.
B. Our brokenness and separation was caused by sin. Peace with God can only be discovered in the person of Jesus Christ.
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By justification - Romans 5:1
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By redemption - Romans 3:25
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By reconciliation - II Corinthians 5:19
C. We can enjoy external peace. Hebrews 12:14
D. We can enjoy internal peace. Hebrews 2:15
4. How do we maintain this peace?(John 16:33)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
A. Through Christ – He is the source of our peace!
B. Through prayer - The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension is maintained by prayer. Philippians 4:6-7
C. Through community - We are to love in peace and in unity. I Corinthians 13:11