The Peace Of Christ - The Prince Of Peace

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                         "THE PEACE OF CHRIST"

                          The Prince Of Peace

INTRODUCTION

1. Peace:  a word conveying wonderful concepts...
   a. "a state of harmony, tranquility"
   b. "the absence of hostility, the absence of mental stress or
      anxiety"

2. In the Bible, the word peace is used to translate...
   a. Shalom (Hebrew) - completeness, soundness, welfare, peace - BDB
      Hebrew Dictionary
   b. Eirene (Greek) - often refers to the inner tranquility and poise
      of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ - Nelson's
      New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

[Peace is a quality and virtue that is sorely needed in the world and
church today, for...]

I. NOT EVERYONE ENJOYS PEACE

   A. THE WICKED...
      1. "There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked" - Isa 48:22
      2. The sins of the wicked separates one from God - Isa 59:2
      3. Sinful conduct destroys friendships and familial relationships
         - Ga 5:19-21
      4. Sin prevents true peace of mind - cf. Isa 57:20-21
      -- The wicked are in dire need for peace

   B. THE TROUBLED DISCIPLE...
      1. Even faithful disciples can become troubled - e.g., Martha, Lk
         10:41
      2. Disciples lose their peace when they:
         a. Fail to simplify their priorities - Lk 10:42
         b. Become choked by cares, riches, and pleasures - Lk 8:14
         c. Succumb to the desire to be rich - 1Ti 6:10-11
      -- The righteous are often in need of peace

   C. THE CONCERNED SERVANT...
      1. Who worries about their brethren, like Paul - 2Co 2:12-13;
         7:5; 11:28-29
      2. Who becomes distressed with concern, like Epaphroditus - Php 2:
         25-26
      3. Who sorrows when hearing bad news, like elders - Ac 20:37-38
      -- Even the most dedicated servants finds themselves in need of
         peace at times

[But wherever there is a need for peace, we have good news, for...]

II. JESUS CAME TO BRING PEACE

   A. AS FORETOLD...
      1. By Isaiah, the Messianic prophet - Isa 9:6
      2. By Zacharias, at the birth of John - Lk 1:76-79
      3. By the heavenly host, at the birth of Jesus - Lk 2:8-14
      -- The Prince of Peace came to bring peace to men of good will!

   B. AS PROCLAIMED...
      1. By Jesus Himself, to His disciples - Jn 14:27; 16:33
      2. By His apostles, as they taught the lost - Ac 10:36
      -- The Prince of Peace offers peace that the world cannot give!

[What is that peace?  In anticipation of lessons to follow, let's
briefly list...]

III. THE PEACE THAT JESUS OFFERS

   A. PEACE WITH GOD...
      1. Jesus makes it possible for us to be a peace with God
      2. Consider Ro 5:1
      -- Without peace with God, no real peace is possible

   B. PEACE WITH MANKIND...
      1. Jesus breaks down the barriers between mankind
      2. Consider Ga 3:28
      -- Jesus makes peace between mankind

   C. PEACE WITH ONESELF...
      1. Jesus offers peace within, unfazed by the world
      2. Consider Php 4:6-7
      -- Jesus provides peace that surpasses all understanding

   D. PEACE WITH FAMILIES...
      1. Jesus provides peace for families seeking love and stability
      2. Consider Col 3:18-21
      -- Following Jesus' doctrine leads to peace in the family

   E. PEACE WITH BRETHREN...
      1. Jesus provides peace between brethren
      2. Consider 1Pe 3:8-12
      -- Following Jesus' doctrine will lead to harmony among brethren

   F. PEACE WITH CHURCHES...
      1. Jesus offers peace for the ills of denominationalism
      2. Consider Jn 17:20-23; 1Co 14:33
      -- Heeding the prayer of Jesus is the cure for denominationalism

   G. PEACE WITH ENEMIES...
      1. Jesus shows us how to have peace with our enemies
      2. Consider Mt 5:44; Lk 23:34
      -- Through precept and example, Jesus shows us how to make peace

CONCLUSION

1. In succeeding lessons we will examine more closely such things as ...
   a. Making peace with God
   b. Making peace with mankind
   c. Making peace with oneself
   d. Making peace with families
   e. Making peace with brethren
   f. Making peace with churches
   g. Making peace with enemies

2. Do you have such peace?  Or has...
   a. Wicked practices prevented you from finding peace?
   b. Misplaced priorities robbed you of your peace?
   c. Bona fide concerns filled your heart with anxiety?

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is willing to give you His peace.  As Paul
prayed...

   "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every
   way."
                                                         - 2Th 3:16
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