A Gift from God: The Power of Peace

We use this term quite often and in varying circumstances:

When referring to something of great importance, we say it is a gift from God.

In the context of receiving help, we say it is a God-send.

When speaking of someone almost always sarcastically, we say, “They think their God’s gift...”

We started our study with the purpose of peace, and here is what we found:

Problems are the promise of this life.

Peace is possible only when Christ is the anchor.

The certainty of peace is found in three principles left to us by Christ:

Peace is certain when I apply the fact, “I am not left behind.”

Peace is certain when I recognize I am not left alone.

Peace is certain when His word becomes the surety of my life.

Means of Peace: It is a Benefitting Gift. (v. 27a)

Makeup of Peace: It is an Enduring Gift. (v. 27b)

The term for peace used here in the first-century could define several different situations:

The termination of conflict between two parties.

The calming effects of internal troubles (i.e. political, social, or psychological unrest)

The Hebraic thought viewed peace as a wellness of the whole person or group.

The make-up of Jesus’ peace is not as the world gives, having to intended meanings here. It is not the same in kind or in duration.

It fully terminates conflict. (Eph. 2:14-15

Ephesians 2:14–15 KJV 1900

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

It brings serenity to the internal conflict. (Mark 4:39-40)

Mark 4:39–40 KJV 1900

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

It is the element of wholeness in the life of a believer. (Colossians 3:15)

Colossians 3:15 KJV 1900

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

EX: The divisive nature diffused by peace.

Manner of Peace: It is an Enabling Gift. (v. 27c)

Many religions chart the course to peace by relinquishing the cares and worries of this life.

Buddhists seek enlightenment.

Hindus seek alignment with nature.

The scientologist seeks through psychology therapy relief the spiritual soul from its caged body.

However, Christ’s peace is not a state to be reached but a state to be lived:

Let not your heart be troubled - external

Neither be ye fearful - internal

Conclusion: John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” in 1969