Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#48]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM PEACE
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Introduction:
This week in this Advent portion of our series, we are looking at the peace that comes from Jesus Christ. 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. One of the greatest sermons ever preached was preached by some angels on the day that Jesus was born. I want to remind each of you the promise that was given to the shepherds.
Luke 2:11-14 (NIV)
“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."
It is interesting to me that this sermon was preached at night. It wasn’t just night physically; but it was also night spiritually. The world was corrupt. Even the religious leaders were corrupt. It wasn’t much different than it is today. Sometimes, it is in the darkest hours that Jesus shows Himself to us.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
If you are a Christian, you can have a peace that doesn’t make sense. Not only can Christians have the peace of Jesus; but we can have it all of the time.
Most people do not always have peace because of…
1. Sin- A loss of peace with God.
God disciplines those whom He loves. 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.
Most people do not always have peace 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.
Most people do not always have peace 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.
