Sermon Central
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Jesus Is The Prince Of Peace Series
Contributed by Chris Jordan on Jan 30, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus never promised us a life without storms. However, He did promise to be our peace in the midst of those storms.
VISITATION #7: JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE
INTRO TO TOPIC:
In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet utters the well-known phrase: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Here Shakespeare implies that the names of things do not matter; only what things are. However, the truth is that you can learn a lot about a person from their names and titles.”
• Examples: Jacob (deceiver), Israel (prince with God), Jesus (salvation), Peter (rock).
OPENING TEXT:
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
What is peace? John 16:33: Greek Eirene = inner peace, peace with people, peace with God.
Inner peace - the tranquil state of a soul
Peace with people - harmony between individuals; national tranquility; exemption from war
Peace with God - the way that leads to peace (salvation)
BIBLE STORY: JESUS IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE:
1. JESUS IS IN OUR BOAT:
“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out.” (Luke 8:22).
• As Christians on the journey of life, it’s helpful to remember that Jesus is in our boat.
• The disciples were in this particular boat being obedient to the command of Jesus.
o Sometimes we think we only get into trouble when we’re being disobedient.
2. STORMS ARE INEVITABLE:
“But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.” (Luke 8:23).
• Mark adds, “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.” (Mark 4:37).
• “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have PEACE. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
o We need to realize that storms will come – they are inevitable!
o However, if you have Jesus in your boat, you can have peace in those storms.
• What storm are you facing in your life?
o Relationship storm? (no peace in your relationships).
o Financial storm? Health storm? Emotional storm (no inner peace)?
o Whatever your storm, don’t forget who’s in the boat with you – Jesus!
• Where was Jesus in the storm? He was so at-peace that He was sleeping!
• Peter would later write: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Peter 4:12).
3. WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A STORM – GO TO JESUS:
“And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.” (Luke 8:24).
• “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). Don’t we normally say the same thing when trouble comes in our lives? “Lord, don’t you care about us?”
o Just because we’re in a storm doesn’t mean God doesn’t care about us.
• Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).
4. JESUS LOVES TO VISIT US IN OUR STORMS:
“But He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” (Luke 8:25).
• Jesus rebuked His disciples for not believing in Him.
o They had more faith (fear) in the storm then they did in Him!
• After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples had a new revelation of the Prince of Peace.
o Jesus will visit us in our storms and troubles, too!
• This is one of the reasons why we should meditate on the person of Jesus Christ.
o “Faith comes by hearing the Word.” (Romans 10:17).
o The more we know who He is, the more we will trust Him.
THE BIG IDEA: Jesus never promised us a life without storms. However, He did promise to be our peace in the midst of those storms.
HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE THE PRINCE OF PEACE?
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6, NLT).
