Rediscovering Peace

Rediscovering Peace

Selected Passages

August 12, 2001

VBS Sunday

Introduction

A Christian doctor carried out an interesting survey recently involving his patients. As they waited in the waiting-room, they were asked to fill out a little survey on themselves. One of the questions asked was “What is your number one wish?” On analyzing the answers the doctor found that the number one wish of 67% of his patients was to have peace of mind.

Peace Stealers

The fact of the matter is that every person wants to have peace, but we so often allow the world around us to steal it away from us.

 Worry

 Stress

 The general rush of life

 Lack of personal confidence

 Disobedience and sin

 Spiritual laziness

Bridge

During this past week the children have been learning about F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God) and what it means to live their lives trusting God. I believe that there is a greater need for peace of the spirit than peace of mind. Peace of the spirit is one of the results and rewards of the person who trusts in God and lives their life by Fully Relying on Him.

Jesus told His disciples is John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

This leads us to a very important question: what is peace?

The Reality of Peace

I. The Meaning of Peace

A. Dictionary Definitions

1. The absence of war

2. An agreement or treaty to end hostilities

3. Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmony

4. Serenity: peace of mind

B. The Greek understanding

The Greek word for peace literally means to bind together or to weave together. It means that one person is joined together with another or more importantly joined with God

C. The Hebrew Understanding

The word used for peace in Hebrew is shalom. This term has deep meaning and coveys a sense of being free from trouble, experiencing the best of life and spiritual prosperity.

A Comparison of Peace

Worldly Peace Christian Peace

Security in this life Inner peace

No needs unmet Confidence in God

No conflicts Safety for the soul

No pain Sense of direction and purpose

No demands Hope within conflicts

Certain eternal life

II. Three Different Kinds of Peace

A. Peace with God

This kind of peace is seen through salvation. It is found only when a person surrenders their will to God and accepts Jesus as lord and savior of their life

B. Peace of God

This kind of peace is descriptive of the character of God. It is this peace that points a person to God as the true and only source of peace.

C. Peace from God

This kind of peace is what flows directly from God to the heart of a believer. Paul called this the peace that passes understanding. It is an assurance that moves with the person on a daily basis.

Conclusion

Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair, I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer, I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too, That I am deeply burdened and don’t know what to do. But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea, And I humbly ask if in His love He’ll do the same for me. Then I just keep quiet and think on thoughts of peace, And as I abide in stillness my restless murmurings cease. - Helen Steiner Rice

How do we find peace?

THREE STEPS TO REDISCOVERING PEACE

1. Trust God Completely

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1

2. Follow God Obediently

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

3. Know God Intimately

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16