The Peace We Need

Jesus is the Source of Peace Who Secures and Supplies the Peace we all Desperately Need

Jesus is the Source of Peace (Ephesians 2:11-14 a)

Peace= (εἰρήνη)- A state of harmony, well-being. (שָׁלוֹם)- Completeness, wholeness, harmony. The idea of peace as used in Scripture means much more than just the absence of strife. At its core it has to do with a state of fullness or completeness whether personally or interpersonal, not only the absence of difficulty but also the presence of that which fulfills or makes whole.

Ephesians 2:11–14 NIV

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace

2 Peter 1:2 NIV

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

“He himself is our peace”. What do you believe you need to truly experience peace? Is it stable finances, healthy relationships, stress free retirement, or a clear schedule? This phrase should remind us that our peace is not dependent on favorable circumstances, but on the presence of Jesus. This is a lesson we relearn as we come to Jesus to calm the chaos of our life as the disciples did to calm the chaos of the sea (Mark 4:38-40).

Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest. Finding, as he promised, perfect peace and rest.”

Jesus Secures the Possibility of Interpersonal Peace (Ephesians 2:14-16)

Ephesians 2:14–15 NIV

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,

Galatians 3:26–28 NIV

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:16–18 NIV

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

We sometimes feel like Sally in the old Charlie Brown skit when she walked into the room saying, “I hate everything! I hate the whole world!” And Charlie Brown response, “I thought you had inner peace”? To which she says, “I do. But I still have outer obnoxiousness!”

James 4:1–2 NIV

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

Jesus Supplies Spiritual Peace (Ephesians 2: 16-22)

Ephesians 2:17–18 NIV

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Romans 5:1–2 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

John 14:27 NIV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

“When we lack the peace of God, we should turn to our peace with God.” (Robert M. Horn)

Isaiah 52:7 NIV

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Jesus is the Source of Peace Who Secures and Supplies the Peace we all Desperately Need

Benediction: 2 Thess. 3:16

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.