And on Earth PEACE!
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Introduction
Introduction
I want to continue with the second message of our Christmas series entitled “Three Words of Christmas!”
Last week, we considered the word “Glory” as we examined the significance of God’s glory.
You may recall from our text, Luke 2, that the “glory of the Lord shone round about them.” What was their reaction? “They were sore afraid.” Last week I made the point that when men stand surrounded by God’s glory, they cower because of their sin and shame. However, the fantastic news is that men can also find mercy when faced with God’s glory. It is the same in Luke 2. These shepherds were “sore afraid.” Yet, God’s angel calmed their fear by saying, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” In the midst of their fear, God assures them that there is excellent news. What was the great news? “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” There we see God’s mercy.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
This morning I would like to bring your attention to another part of the angel’s message to the shepherds that night. Look again at Luke 2 and we will read verses 8-17.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Beth-lehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
The second word for our consideration this morning is “Peace.” The angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE!”
Many years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah penned these words under the inspiration of God’s Spirit.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The one thing that people long for the most outside of wealth is peace. Yet, peace is the one thing that alludes so many. You can have all the wealth this world offers and not have peace.
For the world, peace means possessing everything you need or want to be completely satisfied. Unfortunately, the world’s peace focuses on pleasing self. Thus, it is a peace dependent upon everything being just right. For many, peace is when you have the perfect mate, the perfect job where you are the boss, having the perfect family, a life without any “inconveniences,” no health problems, no financial issues, having the perfect house by the lake with two or three brand new vehicles, and everyday is like a vacation.
Unfortunately, there is one big problem. No one has a life like that. That is why Scripture tells us...
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
Christ said...
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
May I say to you this morning that TRUE PEACE (not the world’s peace which is temporary) is obtainable! The whole reason why the angels were able to say “on earth Peace” was because that night, in a lowly stable, the Prince of Peace was born. Thus, here is my first point this morning.
True Peace Comes Through a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with the Lord Jesus Christ
True Peace Comes Through a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with the Lord Jesus Christ
You see that night in that manger wrapped in swaddling clothes lay the Lamb of God. His one purpose for coming to earth was to fulfill the Father’s will. What was the Father’s will?
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The Father’s will was for Him, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Prince of Peace, to go to a cruel cross and die there for you and me.
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
The word “propitiation” means that Christ Himself was how God showed mercy to us a sinners as we believe in Christ as the One Who sacrificially died for us. Thus, the only way to have true peace is to have a right relationship with God. Having a right relationship with God means that you must accept by faith all that Christ did for you. God’s love was manifest or demonstrated by Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary.
The most prominent issue men and women face is this. Spiritually they are dead. And, additionally, because of their sin, all are born already at enmity with God. We must understand that men are God’s enemy not because of what God did but because of our sinful actions. God is not man’s enemy.
On the contrary, God is love. In keeping with His character, God demonstrated His great love by allowing His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be born on earth so that He might die on the cross of Calvary. For this reason, men and women who know not the Lord Jesus Christ personally have no PEACE. True peace only comes when you put your faith in all that Christ has done.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
The cleansing of Christ’s blood makes is possible for us to be cleansed from all sin. When you accept all that the Prince of Peace has done for you, all is forgiven.
Here is another thought as we think about True Peace.
True Peace has a Right Relationship with God.
True Peace has a Right Relationship with God.
Just a few moments ago, I mentioned the turmoil of the unsaved man or woman. They have no peace. They spend their entire lives searching for peace, but always to no avail. Why? Listen to these verses.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
You see, every person born into this world is already born at enmity with God. They are locked in this battle against Him. They want their way. They believe that they can work or make their way into Heaven independently of God. Yet, everything we know from Scripture says just the opposite. And, so people fight against the truth of God’s Word and the convicting power of God’s Spirit, unwilling to accept the Truth of God’s Word.
Yet, even as men fight against Him, God still loves them. He desires more than anything that you do not perish in your sin.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Thus, even now, God, for those who have no relationship with Him, is drawing you to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
My friend, if you genuinely want Peace in your life, you can have it. God offers true peace to all who will accept His Son. All it takes to for you to admit that you are at enmity with Him. Admit that you are hopeless and helpless in your efforts to be righteous. Accept by faith all that Christ has done. He is the One, the Prince of Peace, the only One who can bring TRUE PEACE into your life.
Here is another thought directed towards those who have experienced the TRUE PEACE for the Prince of Peace.
True Peace is maintained as you Yield to God’s Spirit.
True Peace is maintained as you Yield to God’s Spirit.
As believers, one of our biggest battles is our battle with our flesh. Salvation brings peace that transcends the world’s peace. However, our peace with God can be interrupted when we no longer are yielding to God’s Spirit. A great verse that speaks to this is in Ephesians 5.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Here we find a contrast between worldly, fleshly things and God’s Spirit.
The world offers many things as a means to experiencing peace. If you watch enough television, you will eventually see commercials for wine, beer, and other strong alcoholic drinks. Every beer commercial I have seen offers this beautiful picture of peace, joy, and a great time. They have these good-looking men and women laughing and conversing without any care in the world. The world says “Drink and be merry.” That is a common theme each Christmas season. To be merry and have a good time, drink this beer or this whiskey, and all will be well. All of which appeals to our flesh. The don’t show the result of all the excessive drinking. They don’t show those same people who the following day can’t function because of an enormous headache. They don’t show pictures of the alcoholic who goes home and pukes his guts out or beats his wife and his kids. They don’t show the mother who neglects her children because she is so drunk she can’t function. Is there peace to be found in a bottle? Sure, for a time. That is the thing about the world’s peace. It is temporary and does not last.
Going back to the Ephesians 5 it is essential to remember that this passage is for believers. Yes, even believers struggle with the temptations of the flesh. When believers give in to the flesh living for themselves, it breaks their fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is my next point.
True Peace towards Others is Possible through Obedience to God’s Word.
True Peace towards Others is Possible through Obedience to God’s Word.
One of the hardest things in life is dealing with other people. Someone once said, “If it weren’t for people, my life would be great!” Have you ever felt the same way? I am sure that we all have.
The holidays often bring out the worst in people. You would think that a holiday like Christmas would do the opposite. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It is a well-documented fact that crime increases during the holidays. There is a considerable spike in domestic disputes during Christmas. Most of it attributed to an increased financial strain and an increase in alcohol consumption. You combine those things with the fact that people spend more time together and suddenly people are at each other’s throats. There is, then, no peace. Instead, there is turmoil and interpersonal struggles.
The question for us this morning is this. Can we have TRUE PEACE towards others? The answer from Scripture is quite simple - YES!
It is possible when we learn to do things God’s way! Doing things God’s Way starts with knowing Christ personally and having that right relationship with God, as we already mentioned.However, we still have to put up with people even after salvation. And, we all know that putting up with others can be pretty challenging. Living peaceably with others is quite possible for any believer willing to obey Scriptural principles.
Note this principle given to us directly from the Lord Jesus Christ.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
We can live peaceably with others when we learn to love as Christ loved us. What kind of love did Christ demonstrate? It was a sacrificial love.
SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLE: Just this past week in our mid-week service, we studied Christ’s washing of the disciples’ feet. If you have time this week, I encourage you to read that account in John 13. What is amazing to think about as you read this incredible story is that Christ, who is God in the flesh, grabs a towel, gets down on His knees, and performs one of the most menial tasks known to humanity. He washes each of the disciple’s feet. One of the things we noted this past Wednesday is this. How many disciples were there when Christ washed their feet? If you read the account, you will note that all twelve disciples were there. Of those twelve, one would betray Him. Judas Iscariot was one of the disciples that night. Christ washed his feet. Now, remember, Christ is God and knows all things. He knew what Judas was about to do. And, yet, Christ with great humility even washed the feet of the one who would sell Him out and betray Him.
Is it possible to live peaceably even with those who are your enemies? The answer is yes. Again, it takes obedience to God’s Word. Something that can only occur when you know Christ as Savior and have the Holy Spirit living within you. It is possible when we yield to God’s Word and God’s Spirit. How does a person live peaceably with their enemy? I am glad you asked. The answer is in Matthew 5.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The angels proclaimed “peace on earth.” True peace is possible here on earth. However, true peace only comes by having a personal and right relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Once that happens, God gives us everything we need to live peaceably with all men, even our enemies. As believers, our responsibility is to obey His word and allow His Spirit to control our lives.
Here is one last thought as we finish.
True Peace is Possible amidst Adverse Circumstances.
True Peace is Possible amidst Adverse Circumstances.
All of us face adverse circumstances. Many of our church family just went toe to toe with COVID-19. There are several in our church family who are dealing with cancer. I imagine that there are those here this morning who are dealing with all kinds of adverse circumstances, whether it be finances, health, or, as we just mentioned, interpersonal relationships.
Is it possible to have PEACE even in adverse circumstances? Again, the answer is yes.
The biggest obstacle we face in adverse circumstances is worry. We know that whatever we are facing is out of our hands. We cannot control the situation or even the outcome. So, instead of trusting God, we worry and fret over something we have no control. Then the strain of worrying and trying to control something we cannot control brings internal strife and turmoil. However, I say again; we find peace when we learn to handle all situations God’s way.
How should I, as a believer, handle adverse circumstances?
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The phrase “Be careful for nothing” simply means “STOP WORRYING ABOUT IT.” Worrying accomplishes nothing. However, my responsibility as a believer is bring every thing to Him through “prayer and supplication.” Prayer is simply talking to God. Supplication is to earnestly plea with God. Note that we are to pray and petition God with an attitude of thanksgiving. We must remember all that He has already done for us. He saved us. He washed us. He sanctified us. He justified us. He gave us His Spirit. He provided us with His written Word. We have much for which to be thankful. Thus, we come to Him in prayer and supplication with grateful hearts. Note that we are let our “requests be made known unto God.” He wants to hear your requests. He desires that you come to Him asking for His help.
Now note verse 7. What does God provide in response? He gives His peace.
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
His peace is not like the world’s peace. The world’s peace is temporary and never satisfies. However, God’s peace is a peace that “passeth all understanding” and it will “keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Christian, remember that Christ Jesus brought “peace on earth.” As a believer, you have already experienced His peace as you accepted Him as your Savior. You are no longer at enmity with God. Instead, you are now His child. Along with that relationship comes His peace. It is a peace that transcends any circumstance you may be facing this morning.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Let me summarize and conclude. The angels proclaimed to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE!” May I submit to you this morning that the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world as the source of all peace. This morning, He offers to you a PEACE that transcends anything this world has to offer. It is a PEACE that no man can understand. However, it is a PEACE that you can experience. You can experience when you first admit your sinful condition before an Almighty God. Admit your sin. Repent of your sin. Confess your sin to the Lord Jesus Christ. Accept all that He has done for you through His death, burial, and resurrection. Believe with all your heart, and Scripture promises that “you shall be saved.” Once you have done that, a wave of great peace will come over you as you realize that you are no longer at enmity with God. Then, as a believer, recognize that there is nothing in this world that you cannot overcome.
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Stop worrying about things you cannot control. Instead, pray with thanksgiving in every situation. When you do, you will realize God’s peace as the guardian of your heart and mind. You can then sustain God’s peace in your life as you trust Him and have a continual love for His Word demonstrated by your loving and wholehearted obedience.
165 Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them.
166 Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, And done thy commandments.
167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly.
168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: For all my ways are before thee.