Peace in Jesus

PEACE IN Jesus
SERMON 455; BY JOE McClure; 8/20/2007; Text Verse: I Peter 3.10-12
1 Peter 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Here is a New Covenant commandment from the Lord. Are you seeking peace?
Are you aggressively making all possible efforts to have peace, and to keep the peace?
In order to have peace, it is many times necessary that there first be turmoil and anxiety before peace is achieved.
There are times when a war must first be fought before peace can be achieved.
I want to pursue the concept of peace as found in the covenant of Christ.
To start with, you might think what the word ‘peace’ brings to your mind.
SHALOM
To some it means a cessation of hostile activities, such as we might find on the world scene, or between neighbors.
To some it means a calmness of spirit, or a lack of anxiety.
When you read the word of the gospel, you will discover that it sometimes is literal in meaning, and sometimes it is figurative.
I know that you have read the word in many of the scriptural passages, but may not have stopped to think on it before, so today, lets just look particularly at some New Testament Scriptures.
PREACHING PEACE
In Acts 10, we read of the conversion of the Gentile Cornelius, and his household, and the preaching of the gospel by the Apostle Peter. I will read a small excerpt from that sermon in order to give us the context in which the word ‘peace’ is used.
Acts 10:34-38 Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
First, it is most obvious that the word which was preached to the children of Israel offered them peace, and that this peace relied upon submitting to Jesus as Lord.
DEFINITION OF THE WORD
Before proceeding, I want to give you the definition of the word ‘peace’ as found in the Greek-English Lexicon, a dictionary of a type.
1515 ~eirhnh~ eirene \@i-ray'-nay\@ probably from a primary verb eiro (to join)
Translated in the King James Bible as the word ‘peace’ 89 times; as ‘one’ 1 time; as ‘rest’ 1 time’ as ‘quietness’ 1 time.
[1) A state of national tranquility; 1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war; 2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord; 3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous); 4) of the Messiah's peace; 4a) the way that leads to peace (salvation); 5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is 6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death]
Now we know that we have many neighbors who live in peace in their communities, and still have not obeyed the gospel of Christ.
So, we won’t study so much about feeling safe or secure in one’s home, or out in public society for the unsaved, but there is no doubt that those who are at peace in Jesus do make the best neighbors and citizens.
I want us to concentrate on the peace we have in Jesus.
The primary meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words, which have been translated in your bibles, as the word ‘peace’, is ‘to join’.
Consider two people in an argument with differing views on a topic as being at odds. In order for them to have peace among them, they must come to an agreement, and when they join together and agree, then they have peace among them, because they are of one mind.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Jesus has a plan for your life, which is revealed in the Bible. It is there, awaiting your discovery, but until you discover it, and implement His plan as your plan, there will be unrest between you and the will of Christ.
When we heard the words of the gospel of salvation, which instructed us to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and confess Him, and to be baptized in His name for the remission of our sins, there were two possible outcomes.
We could have rejected the plan of Jesus.
We could have accepted His plan and become one with Christ.
Becoming a Christian is a joining, or a making of peace with God.
Enmity or Peace?
From a figurative sense, we can look at the unbeliever as the opposition to God and Christ, and only when he becomes a believer can there be peace with God.
We see this in Romans 8.
Romans 8:5-9 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Notice the Word, which by the Holy Spirit, in this place tells us that God looks upon the unbeliever as ‘hostile’ to His way, in opposition to life and peace, and even hating the way of God.
If you brethren and sisters can remember how it was before your obedience, there was a war going on in our hearts each time we heard or read the Word of God.
God’s Word condemned us, and we struggled against it, and tried to make up excuses, until we finally were changed and released from that struggle, and finally had peace with God by Jesus Christ.
We see that Jesus plainly pointed this out as he taught the disciples.
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
We must understand that this type of unrest will continue as we preach the gospel to the world.
Until the hearers obey Jesus as the Lord of their life, they will never be at peace with God, nor with those who tell them of their lost state.
As Christians, as we are faithful in our obedience, our peace continues.
Peace in Jesus is first that of a spiritual nature than the physical.
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
As we read the New Testament scriptures, we see the apostles and several of the Christians at odds with the world when they preached the gospel truth of salvation in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.
We read of them being arrested, beaten, and forsaken; but they had the peace that was most important; peace with Christ.
**-àAre you looking for peace in the world, with the price being that of your silence, knowing that the gospel will cause unrest?
1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We need to always remember that our Lord considers the works of the world as evil.
SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR GROWTH
As we ensue or struggle to be at peace spiritually, we are at the same time growing spiritually.
Just as the human body cannot grow physically and mentally without food and the stimulation of new information, neither can the man or woman in Christ grow without feeding on the Word of God.
RIGHTEOUS ATTITUDE
In order to have confidence in our eternal salvation, or have peace in Christ, it is necessary that we study the will of Christ to prove ourselves.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In order to be at peace with God, it is necessary that you be in submission to the will of Christ, but you must first study to learn the will of Christ, and to consistently renew your mind by the word of God, in order to prove to yourselves the will of God for the church.
2 Peter 3:13-18 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.
If you are under the impression that you can achieve peace in Christ by listening to a preacher for 30-40 minutes each week, I fear that you are misled.
If you are failing to read and study in God’s Word, you should be at unrest!
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Peter says to be diligent. Peter was telling us to work hard at achieving a state of peace and holiness.
1 Peter 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
In other words, you and I can only achieve a fuller state of peace in Christ as we grow in our knowledge of the will of Christ for our lives, and when our faith increases.
SPIRITUAL VICTORY IN CHRIST
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
As we noted earlier, we typically think of peace in the terms of gaining victory over our enemies, or coming to terms with them diplomatically. The Scriptures uses this thought figuratively to present the idea of spiritual peace.
In reference to one of the Messianic prophecies from the book of Isaiah, Paul pointed out the reign of Jesus as ruler and king.
Romans 15:12-14 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Here in Romans 15.12-14, I want you to notice that Jesus Christ rose to rule over the Gentiles.
In order for Jesus to rule in our hearts and minds, we must trust in Jesus. In order to have confidence in what we trust, it is key that we know the will of Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of [his] goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Peace and joy and belief and hope in Christ go hand in hand.
In order for your hearts to be filled with peace and joy, you must believe and hope in all the promises given in the Holy Scriptures.
We read of our final rest from our labors here in Heaven, and we believe, and we make those promises ours. At some point in our spiritual growth, we know that Heaven is ours, just as real as if we could see it.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
From a physical view, it is so easy for us to get wrapped in this present world, in its troubles, its sorrows, its excitement, and its pleasures. While we thank God for all that He has given us of the world, we are cautioned that God’s Kingdom is a spiritual realm.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
CONFIDENCE IN SALVATION
How sure are you of your salvation?
If you are spending your last day on this earth, how confident are you of your salvation in Christ?
Are you sure that you know the way that is right? Do you have any doubts?
Our peace in Christ is connected to the Holy Spirit’s teaching, and how much we know and understand and obey.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Being comfortable with our salvation might be considered as peace in Christ; but it may simply be self-deceit.
To know that you are eternally secure in your relationship with God, you must always be involved in seeking peace. Seeking peace is basically the same as studying to show that you are approved unto God.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
If I obey the gospel as taught in the Apostles’ doctrine, which came by the Holy Ghost, then I will have peace and joy and hope.
If you have read and studied the covenant of Christ, and feel that you have obeyed it to the best of your ability; you will not only have spiritual peace regarding your salvation, but you will also strive for peace with your fellowman.
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Each of us should have a burden upon your heart to share the gospel of peace, through Christ, with our friends and neighbors.
The gospel is more likely to be well received if we have a friendly relationship with the person we are sharing with. This is just good horse sense.
James teaches us the necessity of being at peace with one another.
James 3:13-18 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Do you present the message of salvation in such a way that the hearer wants to listen?
The Bible shows us that we cannot expect to be in harmony with every person we meet, but those that we can live with in peace, we certainly should.
Another point that I wish to make concerning peace has to do with our lack of anxiety.
Assuming that you properly trust in Jesus and His Word, you are involved in constant prayers to God in faith, without wavering.
Because the peaceful saint is obedient to the gospel, then we have the means to be less anxious about the cares of our physical existence.
Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

I have no doubt that as we grow and abound in these spiritual characteristics that we will be more at peace with those things which God has blessed us with physically. We will not care as much about the things of the flesh as before. The vanity of owning and having things physical will diminish.
We will complain less and thank God more as we grow spiritually.
Gaining the fruits of the Spirit do not come without diligent effort and work on your part.
Contentment or lack of anxiety about life will be one of the effects of our spiritual growth.
Philippians 2:13-16 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Do you fully believe that God is working in your life as one of His blessed saints of His family?
Do you place your trust in the promises of Christ, as we see in Hebrews 13.5-6?
Hebrews 13:5-6 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
When we achieve a state of spiritual peace regarding our salvation, we will also become more contented with our place in life and our function. We will be less concerned with the material things than the spiritual.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Finally, consider how all men define peace in their societies worldwide.
When people abide by the accepted norms or laws of any group, there is peace.
We are in a family, or a society if you will. We have a government, with Christ as our leader. We have norms established by the laws of Christ.
When we equally abide by the will of our King, or by His laws, then we can live in peace.