The God of Peace

Bulletins

Michael Hickox
04/14/24 - General

While most people desire peace, the majority look for it in all the wrong places. In John 14:27, Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.” Several passages refer to God as the “God of peace” (Rom. 15:33; Rom. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 4:9;
1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:20). One of the names attributed to Jesus is “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). God offers peace that far surpasses anything the world can offer.

Though God deserves the glory for this peace, it’s not attained by us without pursuit. 2 Corinthians 13:11 and Philippians 4:9 both teach requirements that must be met for the God of peace to be with us.

Pursuing peace first demands receiving the peace with God He offers through Christ (Rom. 5:1). Salvation involves “crossing the bridge” Jesus built from spiritual death (separation from God) to spiritual life (fellowship with Him). Those reconciled to God, having harmony with Him restored, enjoy peace that only He can provide.

Those at peace with God learn the need to pursue peace with others. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matt. 5:9). Peace must never be pursued at the expense of truth (Matt. 10:34-39), but as Romans 12:18 exhorts, “If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.” This provides a peace when mistreated by others that can’t be attained by the “get-even” mindset of the world (cf. verses 17-21).

God’s children are able to have a special peace with one another through Jesus. In Ephesians 2:14, Christ is referred to as “our peace.” The context stresses the peace Christians of a Jewish background are able to have with those of a Gentile background. The more general principle seen is that all Christians are able to have fellowship with one another, regardless of wealth, background, ethnicity, and the like. While the world tends to use these things to divide people, God shows us that Christians make up one big family, with each child having equal inheritance from the Father.

This inheritance is connected to what is probably focused on the most when speaking about the Christian’s peace: peace within that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). This inner tranquitiy is longed for by most everyone but received by few. Philippians 4:6-9 shows that the peace that surpasses understanding is a by-product of doing our best to please God, casting our cares on God, and trusting Him that things will ultimately be OK if we obey Him.

In the midst of the chaos and divisiveness of the society we live in, it’s a great comfort to know that the peace of Christ can rule in our hearts (Col. 3:15). Those at peace with Him have the greatest safety and security a person can have. As Jesus said, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).