#4 – God’s Gift of Peace 3. God’s peace is experienced by praying biblically. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” to those on whom his favor rests.’” – Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) – Luke 2:12-13 (New International Version) 4. God’s peace empowers us to replace destructive patterns in our thinking (see Ephesians 4:20-24). Peace – what exactly is it? “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, 1. True peace is not only the absence of hostility but the presence and whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think preserving of harmony. about such things.” – Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV) 2. Biblically, in the Hebrew mind, peace (shalom) is wholeness and well- Peace within yourself is impossible without peace first with God. being linking both the physical and spiritual. Peace with Others Peace with God 1. Following God’s prescribed will keeps us from sin that creates “un-peace” 1. The angel’s announcement specifies the birth of Jesus will bring a peace “to (i.e., conflict. See Colossians 3:5-9). those on whom his [God’s the Father’s] favor rests.” God’s favor rests upon those who receive Jesus as both Savior and Lord. This status is by grace, a. See the spiritual perspective in your conflict conflict (God’s grace, granted as a gift through faith, not earned by doing more “good” things or forgiveness, patience, & purpose for you and them). being a “better” person (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6 (ESV) “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth b. Pursue peace. Afterall, “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus 5:9). Holiness requires the practice of interpersonal peace. Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” – Titus 3:4-7 (New Living Translation) “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14 (ESV) 2. God is pleased with Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for human sin. 2. Since God has forgiven us, we are freed to forgive others. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against blood, shed on the cross.” – Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 (NIV) 3. Through personal faith in Jesus as our Savior and trusting allegiance to a. For our benefit first, and possibly theirs later (Hebrews 12:14-15). Him as Lord, we are united with Jesus and receive God’s favor. b. Have limits, don’t subject self to abuse (Romans 12:18). “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord 3. God’s peace gives us the confident contentment to live for Jesus and not Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1 (English Standard Version) living to please others. Peace begins with our reconciliation (the forgiveness of our sins) to God. “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the Peace with Self dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory 1. God’s forgiveness gives us a clear conscience (Hebrews 10:22). [We are for ever and ever. Amen.” – Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV) saved from God’s condemnation, not necessarily the consequences.] “The Scripture says, ‘A person must do these things to enjoy life and have many happy days. He 2. Jesus’ presence comforts us in times of stress or trouble. must not say evil things, and he must not tell lies. He must stop doing evil and do good. He must look for peace and work for it.” – 1 Peter 3:10-11 (New Century Version) “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NLT) Peace with God ➔ Peace with Self ➔ Peace with Others. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. Mike Gunderson  [email protected] 12.20.20 The Lord be with you all.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV)