Introduction

Good morning, church family! I hope this day finds you wrapped in the loving arms of our Savior. Today, we're going to dive deep into a passage that has been a source of comfort and strength for so many of us. We'll be exploring Philippians 4:6-7 and the profound message of peace it brings. This passage tells us about the source, practice, and results of peace.

The Source of Peace

The source of peace is none other than God Himself. This is a profound truth that we must grasp and internalize. The peace we long for, the peace we need, does not originate from us or from our circumstances. It does not come from the absence of conflict or problems. It is not dependent on our achievements, possessions, or relationships. The peace that transcends all understanding comes from God.

The author and giver of peace: He is referred to in the Bible as the God of peace. In Romans 15:33, Paul concludes his letter by saying, "The God of peace be with you all. Amen." In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, he prays, "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through." These references and many more throughout the Scriptures affirm that peace is part of God's nature and character. He is not just peaceful; He is peace. And because He is peace, He is the source of all peace.

Implications for our lives: It means that true peace is not something we can manufacture or manipulate. It is not something we can achieve through our efforts. It is a gift that we receive from God. It is a fruit of the Spirit, as Galatians 5:22 tells us. It is something that God produces in us as we abide in Him, trust in Him, and surrender to Him.

A deep, lasting peace that can withstand the storms of life: It is a peace that can calm our fears, soothe our anxieties, and give us rest in the midst of turmoil. It is a peace that can guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, as Philippians 4:7 tells us.

The unchanging nature of God: It is anchored in His unfailing love, His sovereign control, and His eternal purposes. It is grounded in His promises, His faithfulness, and His power. It is secured by His covenant, His sacrifice, and His victory. It is a peace that is as steadfast and enduring as God Himself.

It’s relational: It is not just a state of mind or a feeling. It is a relationship with God. It is the peace of being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. It is the peace of being in right relationship with God, of being accepted, loved, and cherished by Him. It is the peace of knowing that we are His children, that He is our Father, and that nothing can separate us from His love.

It’s transformative: It changes how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. It changes how we respond to challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. It changes how we handle stress, pressure, and uncertainty. It changes how we live, love, and lead. It changes us from the inside out.

Available to all who believe in Jesus Christ: It is not limited to a select few or reserved for the spiritually elite. It is not dependent on our performance or our perfection. It is a gift of grace that is freely given to all who put their faith in Jesus, who is our peace, as Ephesians 2:14 tells us.

The Practice of Peace

The practice of peace is a call to action ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO