Peace Into Joy
Romans 15:13
The Bible has much to say about peace. Our world certainly needs peace between nations and within nations. But even more, the people of the nations need the inner peace only God can give. There is no joy except we have such peace.
The presence of worry is a manifestation of the lack of peace.
Real peace is not found in escaping but in engaging life with purpose.
Two Kinds of Peace
The Peace of the World
“Not as the world gives” clearly states that the world offers a false peace.
Worldly peace is basically temporary, subject to change quickly.
The Peace of God
Real peace is not found in what we can achieve but in whom we can believe.
Peace is not found in the absence of conflict but the presence of God through the Holy Spirit.
One of the greatest losses of peace comes from guilt.
Our past needs be dealt with for our future to be free for peace.
Peace occurs in association with righteousness.
Receiving the gift of God requires that we do these things:
· Acknowledge your sin and separation from God.
· Repent of your wrong and ask for forgiveness for your sin.
· Receive the gift of salvation from God.
· Commit to follow Christ as your Lord.
· Experience the presence of Christ as we deal with consequences of our sin.
God’s peace comes to us as His gift when we surrender to Him in the circumstances.
We lose peace when we worry about a future that may never happen.
Urgency should not steal our peace.
“What if…” is a sure sign of fearing circumstances in place of trusting God.
You will never have peace of mind until you come to peace in your heart and soul through faith that God is in control.
Heavenly peace is not fighting God but trusting Him in whatever the circumstances of life may be.
Joy is ours when the Peace of God is received through the Prince of Peace.
