Making peace with mankind
Notes
Transcript
Peace we all need!
Peace we all need!
This series we started a couple of weeks ago, we looked at
The definition of peace
State of harmony, tranquility, absence of hostility/conflict; an inner tranquility enjoyed by Christians who put trust in God
We look at Jesus our Prince of Peace (ref: Isa9:6)
Prophesied, came, fulfilled, left promised peace
Last week we looked at making peace with God (ref: Rom5:1)
The reason needed, the way to have peace, and the reminder of the peace we have with God where there is no condemnation (sin alienates, Jesus offers justification and reconciliation, peace enjoyed through obedience).
(Transition) This morning we are looking at when we have peace with God through Jesus the Prince of Peace we then have a way to have peace with mankind. Peace that is needed too in a world that is so filled with discord, unrest, and no peace. So, may we develop on this today not just on the reason, but the solution to having peace with mankind.
The Need for peace with mankind
The Need for peace with mankind
We live in a world full of diversity
Racial, Ethnic, Political, Economic, Lifestyles, Gender
Diversity can oftentimes lead to hostility
Racism, ethnic prejudice, Political differences can lead to wars, Economic envy, lifestyle arrogance, gender harassment.
Today we deal with critical race, and cancel culture, gender confusion, Evil being presented as good, good as evil.
(Trans) So diversity often are contributing factors to the lack of peace between mankind. Jesus did not come to “just” make peace possible with God, but peace that is needed between mankind too.
Jesus died to make peace for mankind
Jesus died to make peace for mankind
To make a covenant of peace (turn to Eze37:26)
26 “I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever.
Through the Prince of Peace (ref: Isa9:6) to leave His peace (turn to Jn14:27)
27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
There was division between men prior to His death
Between the Jews and Gentiles; as the Jews were God’s chosen people (ref: Deu10:15; turn to 14:2)
2 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
The Gentiles were seperated, far from God (turn to Eph2:11-12)
11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
(Trans) This was a part of God’s eternal plan, there was a division for a time, but Jesus came to do away with the division.
Jesus died to end division (turn to read Eph2:13-18
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
To end division by bringing the Gentiles near, through the blood
TO break down the barrier wall between Jews/Gentiles
To reconcile the two and make them into one new man.
Jesus our peace, the way maker for peace with God is also the way for man to have peace with mankind.
The Peacemakers offered peace
The Peacemakers offered peace
Where there were distinctions and division in Christ there is none (turn to Gal3:28-29)
Salvation free to all through Jesus Christ
Where we all can be citizens, part of God’s family, God’s building (Ref: Eph2:19-22)
God’s family with different parts, various roles as seen in (Col3:11, 18-19, 22; 1Cor14:34-37)
All a freeman in Christ
Women’s roles, men’s roles, children and slaves roles.
(Transition) - kingdom citizens living in the kingdom, serving our king with the hope, promise of a better kingdom to come.
As kingdom citizens we bear with one another’s infirmities (turn to Rom14:1; Ref Rom15:1)
1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.
As kingdom citizens who seek to have one mind and one voice in our worship (turn to Rom15:5-6)
5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And to receive one another as Christ received us (read Rom15:7)
7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
Accepting one another for the glory of God means to live at peace with mankind (turn to Rom12:18)
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Conclusion / invitation
Jesus came, lived, died to break down the divisions between mankind.
By First being the way to make peace with God
Then by being the way to stop divisions between mankind
For all who believe and obey are fellow citizens of Heaven (Php3:20); Fellow workers for the kingdom (Php4:3) and fellow heirs, for we are all one in Christ (Gal3:28)
Do you have peace with God? For Jesus came (turn to Lk1:79
79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
(invitation) (song) (Prayer) (Close)