The Question of Peace in a Turbulent World

INTRO:

Matthew 24:6–13 (NKJV)

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Most people yearn for one thing more than anything else: inner peace. Without it, they have no lasting joy or security. The word peace is used in the Bible in three main ways. First, there is spiritual peace—peace between God and man. Second, there is psychological peace—peace within. Third, there is relational peace—peace among mankind.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom, and it refers to relationships between people, nations, and God with men. Peace is a desired status in each of these arenas, and shalom is often tied to a covenant or a promise kept.

A familiar friend is one with whom you would be at ease, a trusted companion. “Peace” was the standard greeting, still used in many cultures today. Peace is directly related to the actions and attitudes of individuals; but it is ultimately a gift from God. The presence of peace indicates God’s blessing on man’s obedience and faith. There is no peace for the wicked.

In the New Testament, the Greek word for “peace” is eirene, and it refers to rest and tranquility. A key focus of peace in the New Testament is the advent of Jesus Christ, as announced by the angels in Luke 2:14 (“Peace on earth . . .”). Isaiah had predicted the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He is called the Lord of peace in 2 Thess 3:16.

It is through Christ’s work of justification that we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1), and that peace will keep our hearts and minds secure (Philippians 4:7).

God commands us to seek peace (Psalm 34:14; Matthew 5:9). We should “make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Romans 14:19). Of course, there will be some people who do not desire peace, but we are still to do our utmost to be at peace with them (Romans 12:18). Believers have an obligation to “let the peace of God rule” in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). This means we have the choice either to trust God’s promises (letting His peace rule) or to rely on ourselves and reject the peace He offers.

Jesus gave His disciples peace based on the truth that He has overcome the world (John 14:27; 16:33). Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, so, if we are allowing the Spirit of God to rule in our lives, we will experience His peace (Galatians 5:22-23). To be spiritually minded brings life and peace, according to Romans 8:6.

The world will continue to have wars and interpersonal conflicts until Jesus comes to establish true, lasting peace, but God will give His peace to those who trust Him. Jesus took the chastisement of our peace (Isaiah 53:5) and has made it possible for us to have peace with God. Once His peace rules in our hearts, we are able to share that peace with others; we become publishers of peace (Isaiah 52:7) and ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

CONCLUSION:

The Bible says that sin has destroyed or seriously affected all three of these dimensions of peace. When man was created, he was at peace with God, with himself, and with others. But when he rebelled against God, man lost peace in every way. These dimensions of peace can be restored. Man cannot bring this about, but God certainly can, and has.

Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, was sent into the world to take away our sins by His death on the cross, therefore making it possible for us to be at peace—at peace with God, at peace within ourselves, and at peace with each other. By His resurrection from the dead, Christ showed once and for all that God desires that all people know perfect peace. “For He Himself is our peace, … and He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:14-17).

Christ provides the power to man to overcome every sin. He can break the ropes, fetters, and chains of sin; but each person must repent, confess, commit, and surrender to Christ first. Right now, it can be settled and man can know the peace, joy, and fellowship with God, with himself, and with others.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace” (John 16:33). To have peace, we must possess the Peace-Giver.