True Peace - John 14:18-31

Introduction

Greet the church, Introduce church to the text, and Pray

Read the text and then pray again.

Give background. 1 - John was written so that we may believe (John 20:31) 2 - Jesus has gathered his disciples, and has been teaching them while performing miracles. (just before Jesus washed the disciples feet)

Theological Principle - True peace only flows from an appropriate submission to God

Jesus is speaking to the disciples and instructing them on how they are to submit to Him now and forever

Jesus is speaking within a trinitarian structure in his instruction to the disciples

- we can see the God head in perfect unity and we can see Jesus in His submission to the father in position

Peace coming from Greek word “i-rah-nay” meaning harmony, tranquility, or reconciliation (especially in our context with God)

Point 1 - Godly Submission is keeping God's commands (John 14:21-23)

Explanation - Jesus gave a principle promoting obedience. To submit to God means that you obey his commands; that is His word.

Argumentation - It is not merely a head knowledge of Jesus Christ, but an obedience to what he taught and commanded. Jesus emphasized that true love for God would be reflected in an obedience to God’s will.

Illustration - James 1:23-24 explains that a man who hears Gods word and does not obey it is like a man who looks in the mirror, and as he walks away he forgets who he is. The information recieved was of no benefit.

Application - We must submit to what the word of God says. We must not become legalistic or pharisaical in our submission to god’s word, but it should be out of a love for God who first loved us.

Point 2 - Godly Submission is being Spirit lead (John 14:26)

Explanation - In our submission to God’s commands, the helper God the Holy Spirit will lead us to God’s truth and in God’s truth daily. It is a denying of our flesh to be lead by God.

Argumentation - Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will bring the disciples back to remembrance of all that Jesus said. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and points us towards Gods will.

Illustration - Some of you here are in or have been in a military context. It is a giving up of your individual comfort to embrace the mission of the military. Your self will has been laid aside to submit under the authority of your overseers. The breaking of selfish tendencies helps the members of the military become the unified force it needs to be.

Application - We must lay down our fleshly desires and let God’s Holy Spirit teach us and constantly remind us of Gods word.

Point 3 - Godly submission is trusting in the peace of Jesus Christ (John 14:27; read twice)

Explanation - God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who have put their faith in Him.

Argumentation - Jesus made it clear that the peace He gave was completely different from the world. It was an everlasting peace that was not affected by the brokenness of this world.

Illustration - In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus explained that we are not to lay up our treasures on earth where they are destroyed , but to lay them up in heaven where they are secure. (explain gospel)

Application - We must not let our hearts be fearful from the broken world around us because in Christ we have His peace; meaning we can face this world with peace and we can face the reality of eternity with peace.

Altar Call

Ruler of the World is here

“What have you been submitting to?”

Invite them to submit under the peace and authority of Jesus Christ