The Peace Of Christ - Making Peace With Oneself

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                         "THE PEACE OF CHRIST"

                       Making Peace With Oneself

INTRODUCTION

1. We have seen that the peace Christ offers involves...
   a. Peace with God
   b. Peace with mankind

2. Jesus also offers peace with oneself, or peace of mind...
   a. Defined as:  the absence of mental stress or anxiety
   b. Also:  serenity, calm, quiet, comfort of mind

[We begin our study of this aspect of "The Peace Of Christ" by
considering...]

I. THE NEED FOR PEACE OF MIND

   A. THE PROBLEM OF ANXIETY...
      1. Anxiety is distress
         a. Characterized by mental agitation and uneasiness, either
            mild or severe
         b. It primarily has to do with what may happen in the future,
            either near or distant
      2. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)...
         a. More than 23 million people suffer from anxiety disorders
         b. Anxiety disrupts work, family, and social lives, with some
            becoming housebound
         c. It is the most common of all the mental disorders
      3. Anxiety (or worry) is one of the most counterproductive things
         we can do
         a. Worry is like a rocking chair:  gives you something to do,
            but won't get you anywhere
         b. Worry is a fast getaway on a wooden horse
      -- Anxiety, or the lack of peace of mind, is a very common problem

   B. THE PROBLEM WITH ANXIETY...
      1. Christians certainly are not immune to the problem of anxiety
         a. Even faithful disciples can worry and be troubled - e.g., Lk
            10:41
         b. Just as anxiety disrupts work, family, etc., so it can
            hinder our service to the Lord
      2. It is also a reflection of "little faith" on our part
         a. E.g., worrying about things like food and clothing - cf. Mt
            6:25-30
         b. E.g., worrying about preserving one's life - cf. Mt 8:24-26
      3. "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith; and the
         beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." - George Muller
      -- Anxiety, or the lack of peace of mind, is a very serious
         problem

[Since anxiety is both a common and serious problem, consider how...]

II. JESUS OFFERS PEACE OF MIND

   A. HIS PROMISE OF PEACE...
      1. He offers "My peace" to His disciples, so they need not be
         troubled nor afraid - Jn 14:27
      2. He says that "in Me" they can have peace, and be of good cheer
         - Jn 16:33
      -- Thus Jesus promises peace that only He can provide!

   B. HIS SOLUTION FOR PEACE...
      1. Prioritize - Mt 6:31-34
         a. We must have our right priorities straight
         b. Seek first God's kingdom (reign) and His righteousness
         c. Make His will and His way our number one priority!
      2. Simplify - Lk 10:41-42; 8:14
         a. Martha was worried and troubled about "many things"
         b. Many things can "choke" our ability to bear good fruit
         c. Only one thing is really needed; we thus need to simplify
            our lives
      3. Have faith - Mt 6:25,30; 8:26; Jn 14:1
         a. Faith is the antidote to worry and fear (i.e., anxiety)
         b. Jesus taught faith in God and in Him as the solution
         c. Such faith comes from the Word of God - cf. Ro 10:17
      4. Pray - Php 4:6-7
         a. Pray about everything
         b. Pray with a thankful heart
      -- Four simple steps to enjoying the peace of mind Jesus offers!

[That we might make the effort to take these simple steps, let's briefly
note...]

III. THE PEACE OF MIND JESUS OFFERS

   A. IT IS NOT OF THIS WORLD...
      1. Not as the world gives - Jn 14:27
      2. Peace despite tribulation - Jn 16:33
      -- A heavenly peace despite earthly circumstances!

   B. IT IS THE PEACE OF GOD...
      1. That surpasses understanding - Php 4:7
      2. That guards one's heart - Php 4:7
      -- A peace that transcends the mind and protects the heart!

CONCLUSION

1. Anxiety with its worry and fear need not trouble the disciple of
   Jesus...
   a. Jesus has reconciled the disciple back to the God of peace
   b. Jesus has taught the disciple how to enjoy true peace of mind

2. It all depends on whether the disciple is willing to heed Jesus by...
   a. Prioritizing and simplifying
   b. Believing and praying

Those willing to so follow Jesus have this wonderful promise...

   "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the
   world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled,
   neither let it be afraid." - Jn 14:27
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