"Peace is Unconditional"
Part of Sermon Notes
February 11, 2024

Because of Jesus - App Image (1920x692).jpg

“Because of Jesus… Peace is Unconditional”

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Introduction…


The “IDEA” of Peace… where did it originate?

What is meant when Isaiah prophesied, “Jesus will be the Prince of Peace”?


This requires a deeper look:

Hebrew Word for Peace – Shalom – “be complete, be whole.”


    Judges 6:24,
    “So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace. [Adonai Shalom]


    Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
    You will keep in perfect peace [completeness/wholeness] him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.


    John 14:26-27 (NIV)
    But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.

There is a Counterfeit Peace!

Arabic Word for Peace – Salaam –
    “justice, good health, safety, well-being, prosperity, equity, security, good fortune…”“
Peace, NOT found in God’s Nature… wholeness/completeness in Relationship with God; But Peace found in conditions being met… You’ll be at peace if these things are on your life: justice, good health, safety, well-being, prosperity…

Reality…
  • In the World, these conditions could be met, and I’m still not at peace…
  • In Christ, I’m at peace… even though none of these conditions are met!


Because of Jesus… Peace is Unconditional!


The Dilemma: I Have Given My Life to Christ… Yet I struggle to have peace…


Philippians 4:1-9 (NIV)
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.


If Peace is Unconditional… What Happens?


I Get in My Own Way… How?


CONFLICT

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.


PESSIMISM

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.


INDEPENDENCE

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.


CHOOSING FACTS OVER FAITH

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice.


DESIRING PRESENTS OVER PRESENCE

And the God of peace will be with you.