Luke 2:8-14 - Peace of Mind is a Piece of God
Peace is a popular word around the Christmas season, but what is it?
It is a theme of Christmas, and a theme of the Christian life.
OT (shalom): happiness, health, favor, prosperity, safety in mind, body or estate
NT (eirene): says all this but adds quietness and oneness, as well
Peace is not just the lack of concerns but the presence of God. Let’s look at 3 truths about peace that the angels sang about:
Peace is God’s promise for us.
Isaiah 9:6, Ephesians 2:14, Romans 5:1, John 14:27, 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Peace comes from God, and from Him alone.
Peace is God’s plan for us.
1 Corinthians 7:15, Colossians 3:15, John 16:33
External circumstances don’t need to determine your internal condition. But yet, it’s obvious that Christians don’t always live peaceful lives.
Still, peace is God’s possibility for us.
God’s promises apply to everyone, regardless of situations or physical conditions.
Three passages that will shed light on how to get God’s peace:
1) Ephesians 6:15
We received peace when we received Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Peace is a choice; not whether or not we have it, but whether or not we embrace it.
2) Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace is armor that guards my heart and mind.
How do I put it on? prayer
How do I pray? continually, with thanksgiving
3) Isaiah 26:3 - Mentally lean on Him!
Why the head and not the heart? Because emotions fail you, even lie to you.
Trust the facts: Christ has promised that I can have peace in this.
Not the emotions: But life is so hard!
Psalm 46:6-10 - be still in the midst of chaos beause He is still God
Choose it, pray continually, give thanks anyway, mentally lean on Him, and trust Him - these are all about Him and what He’s done, not what you’ve done.
