God's Prescription For Peace Series

GOD’S PRESCRIPTION FOR PEACE

© 2001, Dr. Roy Mason

Colossians 1: 21-29

In the midst of a stressful life, most people are looking for peace. Webster defines peace as…

A state of tranquility or quiet; a freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; harmony in personal relations.

I have never met a person who did not prefer tranquility to turmoil, contentment over conflict, or peace over pressure. People go to extremes looking for peace. There are those who turn to pills; those that turn to promiscuity; those who turn to pollution. There are those who turn to self-help and improvement.

Peace is not a state of mind, but a condition of the heart. The heart is the throne room where peace resides. When our heart is out of kilter, we will miss peace.

In Paul’s letter to the Colossian believers, he introduces himself to them by explaining God’s work in his life. Contained in this self description is what I call “God’s prescription for Peace.”

RECOGNIZE GOD’S PLAN

(21-23)

A. Our Past (21)

Þ Alienation

Þ Animosity

Þ Arrogant

Þ Antagonistic

B. Our Present (22-23)

Þ Reconciled through Death

Þ Redeemed through deliverance

C. Our Purpose

Þ Continue in the Faith

Þ Convicted of the Hope

Þ Commissioned for the Gospel

REALIZE OUR PLACE

(24-27)

A. A Right Perspective

Þ Circumstances are temporary

Þ Christ is Lord over circumstances

Þ Preparation for the next assignment

B. A Royal Partnership (25)

Þ “made a minister” God has chosen us to be on mission with him in the world.

Þ “according to the stewardship from God” we are empowered by the grace of God.

Þ “For your benefit” we are saved and set apart to serve God and others. It’s not about us!

C. A Rich Participation (26-27)

Þ The “hidden mystery”

Þ The “heavenly message”

· “Christ in you, the hope of Glory” This is God’s prescription for peace!

REVITALIZE OUR PRIVILEGE

(28-29)

A. Privilege of Warning

Þ Humanity must be warned about the judgment of God. No one will ever be perfect or accepted by God on the basis of anything or anyone other than Christ.

Þ Man must repent of his sinfulness and selfishness, and turn to God in trust and obedience.

Þ He must place is trust in Jesus alone.

B. Privilege of Wisdom

Þ Once men have been warned they must be taught how to live and walk in Christ. The word wisdom means that he is to be practical in teaching. (everyday life)

C. Privilege of Winning

Þ The privilege of being a part of a soul that is won to faith

Þ The power that saved us is working in us in reaching others.

Þ The only thing that keeps us going is gratitude for the gift of God, the power of God, the presence of God in our lives.