The Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:1–7
When the Prince of Peace reigns in our lives, then the peace of God rules in our hearts.
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Matthew 10:34–36 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
1. The Peace of God is Not the Absence of Conflict
We are supposed to live together in peace
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men
Conflict with the Lost
2 Corinthians 2:14–16
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
There are people that will not like your or love you because you follow Christ and publicly declare your faith.
Conflict in the Church
1 Corinthians 5:11–13
2. The Peace of God is Not the Absence of Suffering
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
God is using trouble and difficulty to
Transform Us into His image
Change our character
Increase our capacity for Joy
2 Corinthians 4:8–9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;,
2 Corinthians 4:16–17 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
3. The Peace of God is His Supply and His Presence in the Life of the Believer
Peace “Shalom” - “the possession of adequate resources”
He is enough as we struggle with circumstances and fear.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
He is enough as we struggle with sinful habits and temptations.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Peace is not the absence of struggle; rather, it’s peace in the midst of struggle
You will never know peace without asking Christ to save you from your sins.
We must practice the presence of God in Prayer.
Philippians 4:6–7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.