SUBJ: The
peace of God in Knowledge, experience and practice.
AIM: That we
may honor God in enjoying His peace that came at such a great price.
INTR: Peace is an elusive thing with
men in spite of their continuing quest for it. (Comments on Memorial
Day.) 1. Sinful natures tend to expect peace through compliance - do
it my way! 2. There can be no peace with any where there is no peace
with God. Harmony is found with Christ alone. 3. The desire and need
for peace is most acutely felt where sin is revealed to us and in us -
it is that, above all else, that separates between men and God.
THESIS: The peace of God (that which
God gives) is a continual source of amazement and defies understanding
with believers and unbelievers who witness it.
I. The Peace of
God (v. 7) 1. Jeremiah’s cry is mournful - Jeremiah 8:11 For they
have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying,
Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 2. True peace is that which
comes from God and rests with God. 3. It is "that great quietness of
mind which God alone gives in Christ." 4. This peace is made by the
blood of Christ - Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the
blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him,
I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 5. It is
that which is preached in the "Gospel of Peace" and consider: Ephesians
6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
6. It is manifested as a peace of conscience and comes from viewing what
God has done in Christ bringing in justification, Righteousness and
atonement. 7. It passes understanding: (Gill said the understanding
of men and angels) 1) The result of a covenant entered into by the
Trinity - with: Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was
upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 2) That it is an
eternal concern of God Himself 3) That it is experienced in spite of
all that works to the contrary and would destroy it. 4) Natural man
is incapable of comprehending it. 5) Is not understood by those who
observe the effects of it in the lives of others. 6) I cannot
understand why I should have such a peace!
II. Things to think
about (v. 8) 1. Consider that where the peace of God is there is
freedom to enjoy and perceive things of beauty. That is, they may be
thought upon and enjoyed. 2. They are: 1) True things - those
things that are agreeable to scripture. 2) Honest - venerable in the
sight of men as opposed to levity and folly. 3) Just - between man
and man and between man and God - “a conscience void of offense. 4)
Pure - chaste in word and deed as opposed to the filth and foolishness
of the world. 5) Lovely - amiable in and of itself (a little baby) -
friendship carries a beauty all its own. 6) Good report - well spoken
of and of good reputation. Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than
precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
7) Virtue - in opposition to vice (it is added to faith!) 8) Praise -
that which is deserving of commendation.
III. The God of Peace
(v. 9) 1. Things (see "think on these things" in v. 8) learned,
received, heard, and seen in Paul 2. Do them and enjoy a
consciousness of the presence of the God of Peace and s. f. 1) Who He
is: Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead
our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of
the everlasting covenant, 2) What He will do: Romans 16:20 And the
God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 3) Why He will do it: 1
Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I
pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4) Precious benediction: Romans
15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
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