Explores the divine peace of Jesus, how it surpasses worldly understanding and circumstances, and the provision of this peace to believers.
Hey everyone, how are you all doing today? I hope you're all in good spirits because we've got a pretty special message to share with you. We're going to be talking about peace, but not just any kind of peace. We're talking about the peace that comes from Jesus, that kind of peace that surpasses all understanding and all circumstances.
Let's kick things off with a quote from a man who knew a thing or two about peace, Christian author, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He once said, "Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God’s commandment, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God." That's a powerful thought, isn't it? It's this kind of radical, all-consuming peace that we're going to be talking about today.
Now, let's take a look at our scripture passage for today. It's from John 14:27-31, and it goes like this:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of the world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me."
Isn't that just incredible? Jesus is giving us His peace, not as the world gives, but a peace that is divine and perfect. He's telling us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid because He's in control.
When we think about Jesus' peace, it's important to remember that it's not like the peace we often experience in our daily lives. This peace isn't about a lack of conflict or a moment of quiet. It's a deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing Jesus and trusting in Him. It's a peace that can calm our fears, soothe our anxieties, and give us hope in the midst of our struggles.
A gift from Jesus: In the scripture we read, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." This isn't a peace that we have to earn or achieve. It's a gift that Jesus freely gives to us. All we have to do is accept it.
Accepting this peace can be a challenge: We live in a world that often values self-reliance and independence. We're told that we need to take care of ourselves, to solve our own problems, to find our own peace. But Jesus offers us a different way. He offers us a peace that comes from relying on Him, from trusting in His love and His power.
Not only for our benefit: It's also a testimony to the world. When we live in the peace of Jesus, we show the world a different way to live. We show the world that there is hope and peace to be found in Jesus.
How this peace is different from the peace the world gives: The world's peace is often temporary and fleeting. It can be disrupted by the smallest things - a harsh word, a difficult day, a sudden change in circumstances. But the peace that Jesus gives is different. It's a peace that lasts, a peace that can withstand the storms of life.
Rooted in Jesus' love for us: It's a love that is unchanging and unending. No matter what we do, no matter what happens, Jesus' love for us remains the same. And it's this love that gives us peace.
Rooted in Jesus' power: Jesus is not just a good teacher or a wise man. He is the Son of God, the one who has power over all things. He has the power to calm the storms in our lives, to bring healing and hope in the midst of our struggles. And it's this power that gives us peace.
Rooted in Jesus' promises: Jesus promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. He promises that He will be with us in the midst of our struggles, that He will give us the strength and the courage we need to face whatever comes our way. And it's these promises that give us peace.
Rooted in Jesus' victory: Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death. He has already overcome the world. And because of this victory, we can have peace. We can have the assurance that no matter what happens, no matter how difficult things may get, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
As we continue to reflect on the words of Jesus in John 14:27-31, we find ourselves drawn to the reality of His peace in the midst of our circumstances ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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