Perfect Peace – 26:1-4

April 29, 2018

1. We Have a Secure Salvation (1). § “In that day,” refers to the great and wonderful day of Christ’s return. § In the fifth century, Rome was conquered by less civilized tribes from the north in Europe. The greatest Christian theologian of the time wrote a book entitled The City of God (the kingdom of God). Augustine pointed out that though the fall of Rome was tragic for the city of man, it really only hastened the coming of the City of God. § The City of God is all about our great salvation. Even the walls and bulwarks are saved.

2. The Righteousness of Christ Enables Us to Be Faithful (2) § There is a distinction between the Kingdom of Messiah, the millennial reign of Jesus (Isa. 26), and the coming of the New that comes when this earth passes away. Then I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Rev. 21:2). § The gates of the city indicate that someone is being left outside: these are the wicked. § The City of God is only for the righteous and those who keep truth.

3. As We Continue to Place Our Trust in the Lord, Peace Comes into Our Lives (3). § The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. (completeness, wholeness, safety, soundness, tranquility, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord.) § This “perfect peace” is made possible because one’s mind is stayed on [the Lord]. The word “stayed” means settled upon, established upon. § Our minds must not be stayed upon worldly things; this only leads to a lack of peace. § Peace is ours also when we trust in the Lord. Trusting in the Lord brings hope.

4. The Eternal God Strengthens Us Day by Day (4). Deut. 33:27-29

Perfect Peace – Isaiah 26:1-4 April 29, 2018

Memory Verse: You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

Prayer: Father, help us keep our minds on You. Keep us in your perfect peace as we put all our trust in you.

Song: I’m Standing on the Solid Rock, Bill and Gloria Gaither

Reading Plan: Monday Tuesday Isaiah 26 Wednesday Thursday Matthew 22 Friday Colossians 3 Saturday Philippians 2 Sunday Psalm 112 Consider: § When Jesus came to Earth in the First Advent, the angels proclaimed “Peace on Earth and goodwill to men.” How does this announcement match up with the fact that as of 1988 there have been less than 300 years of peace? § Describe some of the positive feelings must have had when they read about this “strong city” in Isaiah 26. Why would this information affect these readers in a positive way? § Talk about the distinctive difference between the Kingdom of Messiah (the millennial reign of Jesus described in Isaiah 26) and the coming of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2). § The City of God is characterized by righteousness and truth. How different is this to our present world system? § How does one keep one’s mind “stayed” on the Lord (see Genesis 27:37; Psalm 3:5; Psalm 71:6? § Discuss how this perfect peace could be an answer to many of mankind’s problems. § Can these verses be applied to witnessing to the lost? Briefly explain your answer.

Application: As we continue to live a righteous life and trust in the Lord our lives will be full of peace and joy. The Lord has called His people to share the message of the Good News of salvation to this lost and dying world. § Do you experience this kind of perfect peace we have been talking about? § Is your mind stayed on Christ all the time? § Are you living a life that demonstrates God’s Truth and Righteousness? § Do you fully trust Him with your life? § Are you intentionally sharing this Good News in your daily life?

Coming Next Week SAMSON – Faithful Flawed by Pastor Mark Navey