Be the Light pt 3- Peace

When I started memorizing scripture back in 2012/13 I used an app called Bible Memory that had verses broken up into categories. I was coming out of the worst, most hopeless season of my spiritual journey- fully rebuilding a faith that had been shattered (talk about deconstructing before it was cool- Lecrae reconstruction)

I was using the free version of the app at the time and the categories were limited, but one of those just called out to me. Peace.

I wanted that word SO bad. I was desperate for it. And so I started with that list and over the course of a year I think I memorized every verse in that list.

Peace is a balm to a weary soul.

We talk about peace most of the time as if it is an absence of war or conflict. Phill and I will often joke that it feels good to put the battle axe down, but we have to keep it close at hand in case we have to go in again.

But peace is so much more than just the absence of war. It is a state of safety and rest. Peace is being able to lean back against a firm foundation and know that you cannot be shaken.

So it makes sense that it follows Joy in the list Paul is building. If we experience love which leads to joy (contentment despite circumstances) then it would make sense that peace would follow.

And I hope you are not surprised that peace, like joy, is deeply connected to proximity to the Savior. But in this case, we get a little help.

Turn with me to John 14:25-27.

In this passage as Jesus is prepping the disciples for His departure, He connects His leaving them with the arrival of a permanent opportunity for peace.

Look at verse 26.

Holy Spirit arrives after Jesus leaves. He is the new instructor for our lives.

John 12–21 (3) The Second Paraclete Statement: Interpreter of Jesus (14:25–31)

the Spirit’s role is more like that of a prompter, or one who brings to memory the ideas of Jesus that one should be able to recall. The theme of “memory” or “remembrance” is certainly one reason the Gospel was written, even though the words are not frequently employed in John (hypomnēsei, “remind,” is used only here and mimnēskesthai, “remember,” appears only at 2:17, 22; 12:16). This role of prompter/teacher is crucial for John because the task of the Holy Spirit could be said to be one of confirming and interpreting the message proclaimed and demonstrated by Jesus

We see this begin in Acts 2 as Holy Spirit descends on the disciples at Pentecost and they are truly never the same. The have a sense of peace that cannot be shaken.

Peace begets boldness- almost a fearlessness. (Remind of the change in the disciples from private and hiding to public and demonstrative)

Holy Spirit teaches, but He also reminds. And sometimes that is what we need to have peace to be reminded of the promises of God, the character of God, the nearness of God.

(Talk about how I needed that in those days almost 15 years ago)

And then Jesus gets even MORE specific in verse 27.

He says He both leaves and gives peace but then He says- I don’t give like the world.

John 12–21 (3) The Second Paraclete Statement: Interpreter of Jesus (14:25–31)

This peace was the gift of Jesus which would calm their troubled hearts and ease their fears of his departure. It is the peace that Christians would come to experience in the postresurrection era of the Spirit, when Paul could proclaim a peace of Christ Jesus that goes beyond all human understanding and guards believers “hearts and minds

The world is selfish with peace. (Pax Romana- the peace of the sword) It comes with a price. Peace is only available if the parties agree on the terms.

We do not have that problem. Jesus says His peace is permanently available.

So what happens then? Why do we lose peace if we are in Christ?

Turn with me to Philippians 4:4-7.

We lose peace in a variety of ways:

We fail to cultivate joy- especially in difficulty

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (3) Exhortation to Joy and Peace (4:4–9)

First, Paul commanded the Philippians to rejoice. He repeated the command immediately, thereby emphasizing its importance. Their joy was to be in the Lord, and it was to be unchanging. The circumstances of Paul’s life reminded him of the joy available in the Lord, and he wished that joy for them as well. Paul knew that no situation is beyond the Lord’s help. Christians can always rejoice in that, if nothing else

We are difficult to other people- which creates needless conflict

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (3) Exhortation to Joy and Peace (4:4–9)

Paul exhorted them to gentleness. No single word translates epi-eikes well, and commentators consistently insist that the word contains an element of selflessness. The gentle person does not insist on his rights. “It is that considerate courtesy and respect for the integrity of others which prompts a man not to be for ever standing on his rights; and it is preeminently the character of Jesus

We don’t take our anxieties to God but try to solve them ourselves- which exacerbates our problems

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (3) Exhortation to Joy and Peace (4:4–9)

Prayer cures anxiety. Here three words describe prayer. Each contributes to a proper understanding of the comprehensive nature of the prayer life. The point, however, is that prayer relieves the problem of anxiety. The center of the verse is the significant part: Prayer is to be offered “with thanksgiving.” The attitude of gratitude accompanies all true approaches to the Father

Which leaves our hearts unguarded and a playground for the enemy to make war.

But when we do these things, our hearts are guarded by God’s peace and our minds are defended.

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (3) Exhortation to Joy and Peace (4:4–9)

The answer to anxiety is the peace of God. Paul made three statements about this peace. First, it is divine peace. He did not envision a situation where circumstances changed or external needs were met. This peace was a characteristic of God which invaded the Christian. Second, it “transcends all understanding.” “Transcends” translates the word hyperechousa (“excellent”), which is found in 2:3; 3:8, and here in a compound form. Paul contrasted knowledge and peace at one point: Peace excels over knowledge. No doubt he had in mind situations where knowledge is insufficient. Sometimes it cannot explain, and sometimes explanations do not help. Peace, however, is always appropriate and meets the need of the heart. Finally, this peace will “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” “Guard” is a military term, implying that peace stands on duty to keep out anything that brings care and anxiety. For these reasons, prayerful people are peaceful people

What this comes back to are practices that produce results. Peace is a muscle we have to exercise. And if we do not make the practice, we are not going to play the game well.

If you are like me, and inclined to war and doing it yourself, and being anxious before you are even aware of it, let me share some things with you that have helped me.

Have someone to talk to who can point you in the right direction.

Be honest with God that you are struggling.

Double down on prayer.

Be gentle with yourself especially if you are used to going deep and seem to be in the shallow end

Find 1-2 scriptures that you can flee to so quickly they enter your mind without any effort.

Go back to John 14:27. The last sentence.

Not troubled or afraid.

Peace conquers when the King is on the throne.

(Gospel presentation here)

Last thing. When you begin to cultivate peace others are attracted to it. Maybe more today than any other day when so many just want to fight.

Be ready to share the source of that peace with people who need Jesus and the peace only He can give.