Peace
Notes
Transcript
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
This word HOPE - it means ‘to wait for with eager expectation’.
Not the same as wordly hope. Worldly hope is ‘desiring to see a particular outcome happen’. It’s based on possibilities, and randomness, and our desires.
Hope in Jesus is so completely different. It’s ‘eager expectation’. Hope fills us, fuels us.
THE ROAD FROM PEACE TO HOPE
Peace in Our Relationship with God
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
This peace with God is so full and so complete, that we can literally say, ‘I am free to approach God with confidence.’
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Peace in Our Relationship with Each Other
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Jesus tore down our reasons to be divided - let’s stop trying to put them back up again.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Peace in Our Hearts - Beyond our Understanding
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This peace enables us to not have fear about God - or life
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.
Peace Leads to Hope
If God can provide us powerful peace in every area of life - even beyond what we could understand - then hope is the natural byproduct. Life isn’t about fear - it’s about having peace, and we will hope for the future if we know we’re looking forward to peace.