TEXT:
‘He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near’ (Ephesians 2:17 NLT).
Our text says Jesus came and preached peace to both Jews & Gentiles. The angels announcing Christ’s (who is the Prince of Peace) birth said, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men’ (Luke 2:14). Not only do we have, ‘Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 5:1) but we also have the peace of God for everyday living.
‘He Himself (Jesus) is our peace’ (Ephesians 2:14). He has broken down the barrier between us and God and helps us to break down barriers between us and other people, so that if it is possible on our side, we can live in peace with fellow man (See Romans 12:18). How conflicts around the world would quickly disappear if everyone was willing to do just that! It’s the same for the church. ‘Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification’ (Romans 14:19 NIV). If I am concentrating on how to build someone up, it’s unlikely I would want to act in a way that pulls them down!
There are several wonderful promises about God’s peace which we can claim and enjoy.
1. Peace, not condemnation – ‘Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
Some Christians feel condemned if they haven’t remembered and confessed every sin. Others worry if present mistakes can still be forgiven. It’s important to realise all our sins were future when Jesus died on the cross, so all are included in God’s forgiveness: past, present and future.
Accusation, guilt and condemnation nullifies faith and robs us of peace. Satan is called the ‘Accuser of the brethren’ (Revelation 12:10). He accused Job before God and can do the same with Christians. It’s important to remember God sanctifies us completely, leaving no chink in our armour for the devil to exploit. Jesus will present to Himself, ‘A glorious Church without a single spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, being holy and without a single fault’ (Ephesians 5:27 TLB). Hallelujah!
As far as God is concerned, ‘We are made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus’ (2 Corinthians 5:21). When we doubt this, we leave ourselves open to fear and no peace. Why not right now lift your hands and voice in praise to God and thank Him for the peace you have in Jesus?
2. Peace not confusion – ‘For God is not the author of confusion but of peace’ (1 Corinthians 14:33). ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15).
It’s wonderful to have God’s peace in our decision-making. Peace or its absence, is a good guide to God’s will for our life. God’s peace is to rule, which means to act like a king, judge or umpire. All of them have the final say on a matter. So when we are thinking of making a decision, before we act on it, we submit it to God for His approval. His peace can confirm that it’s His will or the lack of peace may mean we need to change that decision.iHis
Some Christians, although knowing their intended decision is contrary to scripture, still try to find someone who will agree with them. God’s peace is always dependent upon our lining up with the bible. If I and the bible disagree, I am wrong! This is why it says, ‘Great peace have those who love your law’ (Psalm 119:165).
It’s wonderful to still be in peace when there’s trouble all around. ‘If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:7 NLT). It’s possible to have an untroubled heart in a troubled world. This is why Jesus was able to sleep in a storm when His disciples were in complete panic. When they woke Him, He simply rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still’ (Mark 4:39).
3. Peace continually – ‘Now, may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way’ (2 Thessalonians 3:14).
Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you’ (John 14:27). The world’s peace is temporary and fragile, but Jesus’ peace is permanent. It’s not dependent upon us, but upon Him. ‘Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end’ (Isaiah 9:7). Let God’s permanent peace leave an indelible mark on your life today.
4. Peace and victory – ‘And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly’ (Romans 16:20).
Rome was noted for ruling with an iron fist, showing little or no mercy. Satan acts no differently, but God promised those faithful Roman Christians, they would soon have the victory.
This was a similar promise to the one made in the Garden of Eden, thousands of years earlier. ‘From now on you and the woman will be enemies, as will your offspring and hers. You will strike his heel, but he will crush your head’ (Genesis 3:15 TLB). Jesus promised His disciples, ‘I have given you authority to … overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you’ (Luke 10:19). This is why any Christian, when they submit to God, can resist the devil and he will flee from them (See James 4:7).
Finally, God’s peace is for anyone and everyone. ‘Now the God of peace be with you all’ (Romans 15:33). It’s not limited to a select few but is the right and privilege of every believer. ‘The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace’ (Number 6:26).
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