Series: Jesus Is Better- The Practice Of Faith [#2]
LIVE IN PEACE
Hebrews 12:12-17
Introduction:
We live in a world that is looking for peace. How about you? I have a couple of phrases that I would like for you to finish?
I am ready to throw in the… (towel).
I am at the end of my… (rope).
I am just a bundle of… (nerves).
I am at my wits… (end).
I am in over my… (head).
If you knew all of the answers, you probably ought to take a vacation. As we begin our Christmas season, I want to remind each of you the promise that was given to the shepherds.
Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Does the favor of God rest upon you? If you are a Christian, you can have a peace that doesn’t make sense. Most people are disconnected from peace on a daily basis because of…
1. Sin- A loss of peace with God.
In our Hebrews text 2 weeks ago, we read that God disciplines those whom He loves. Today, our text continues with instruction.
Hebrews 12:12-13 (NIV)
“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
Sin causes a loss of peace with God. What do you do to correct that? You get rid of sin. Sin causes us to fall. Sin is a barrier to us walking with God. We are to be holy- Set apart for God.
Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Most people are disconnected from peace on a daily basis because of…
2. Conflict- A loss of peace with others.
We are to do all that we can to live in peace with all people. The Bible tells us that we show God that we love Him by loving others. The only way that you can live peacefully with others is by being holy. You have to be different than the world.
Hebrews 12:15-17 (NIV)
“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.”
Most people are disconnected from peace on a daily basis because of…
3. Stress- A loss of peace with self.
When we allow bitterness to root itself in our life, we begin to think about things such as revenge. We begin to worry about things. We need to be careful that we don’t fall to sin. The guilt alone will cause stress.
Conclusion:
This Christmas Season, I pray that each of you live in peace. You can have peace every day if you choose to do so.
