Uncommon Peace

Peace in Troubling Times

Bible Passage: John 14:1-27

Summary: In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples during a time of imminent turmoil, encouraging them not to be troubled by His impending departure and assuring them of His presence and peace.

Application: This passage can help Christians facing anxiety and uncertainty by reminding them of the constant presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, providing hope and peace amidst life's challenges.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that, despite troubles in our lives, we can find peace and assurance in our relationship with Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit's presence.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is presented as the way, truth, and life, emphasizing His role as the mediator between God and humanity, assuring believers of their salvation and connection to God.

Big Idea: In a world full of troubles, we find peace through faith in Jesus, who promises His presence and support in every circumstance.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the historical context of John 14 to understand the disciples' emotional state during Jesus' farewell discourse. Utilize Logos to explore the Greek terms for 'troubled' and 'peace' in this passage to unpack their significance. Additionally, study parallel accounts in the Synoptic Gospels to garner insights into how Jesus addressed fear and doubt, enhancing your sermon with a multi-faceted view of His message.

I once decided to document my life goals on a poster with bright markers. I hung it proudly on the wall, but the next day, a breeze from the open window sent my colorful dreams fluttering around the room! I chased after those pages, giggling at how I tried to control my path. Just like the wind, our dreams can shift, but we can trust that God is directing our steps, even when things fly away!

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of faith is the end of anxiety. —George Mueller

George Mueller

1. Path to Peace

John 14:1-6

Perhaps you could emphasize how Jesus points to Himself as the ultimate source of confidence and direction, reassuring His disciples with His identity as the way, truth, and life. In times of feeling lost or anxious, believers can find solace in the unwavering certainty of Jesus' path, which directs them to God. This passage can help initiate faith reassessment, encouraging believers to root their peace in Jesus' promises and presence.

2. Personal Connection with Christ

John 14:7-14

You could explore how Jesus introduces the truth of His union with the Father, emphasizing how knowing Jesus reveals the Father Himself. Encourage the congregation to deepen their relationship with Jesus, which fosters peace by aligning with divine purpose and understanding. This awareness can empower believers to face uncertainties, as they realize their connection to divine strength and authority.

3. Presence of the Spirit

John 14:15-21

You might consider focusing on the promise of the Holy Spirit as a continual source of guidance and comfort. Highlight how Jesus reassures His followers of His spiritual presence, which disarms fear and imbues them with divine peace. Believers are encouraged to keep God's commands as an expression of love, thus maintaining a confident relationship with their Savior and a peaceful spirit.

4. Promise of True Peace

John 14:22-27

Maybe remind the listeners of the peace Jesus offers—a peace unlike what the world gives. Contrast this divine peace with worldly peace to demonstrate its enduring and fulfilling nature, encouraging trust in Jesus for continual comfort. Whether facing external or internal storms, believers are reminded to rely on Jesus' peace, which transcends understanding and brings stability to their endeavors.

Peace is not arbitrary. It must be based upon definite facts. God has all the facts on his side; the world does not. Therefore God, and not the world, can give peace.

Billy Graham