Advent: From Pieces to Peace
Advent 2024 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Philippians 4:6- 7
Philippians 4:6- 7
Peace is wholeness.
Peace is wholeness.
Shaloam - Eirene
made whole, deliverance, prosperity, peace
not just the absence of conflict, but the like a missing brick to a wall that guards and protects you
peace is less of an absence and more of a completion.
when jesus calls us to be peace-makers, he’s got something specific in mind
Peace takes a lot of work because it’s not just the absence of conflict. True
peace requires taking what’s broken and restoring it to wholeness, whether
it’s in our lives, our relationships, or in our world.
Is your soul at peace? Is your home at peace?
Is your soul at peace? Is your home at peace?
these ought to be hallmarks descriptors of our lives.
illus: chatgpt summarizes peacefulness of souls in USA as “fragile”
Peace comes through communion.
Peace comes through communion.
vs 6.
we welcome peace through communing prayer with Father, Son, & Spirit.
prayer can be more than a single moment, but rather mind staying and returning to God throughout the day.
i think, just my opinion, that you can pray and not find peace, but you can’t have peace without prayer.
power of gratitude expressed (not just thought)
power of confession
power of His peace
gratitude build our confidence to confess our needs which brings us opens us to being seen loved in his presence.
Philippians 4:8-9
Philippians 4:8-9
Peace protects us.
Peace protects us.
…lies
…insecurities
…feeling of abandonment
…overwhelm
…fear
…temptation
a non-anxious presence in the world.
Philippians 4:11-19
Philippians 4:11-19
Peace brings contentment.
Peace brings contentment.
…regardless of circumstances
…worry about lacking
…god supplies what is missing
God will meet all our needs
Peace is a person who abides within us.
Peace is a person who abides within us.
phil. 4:23
phil 4.9b
Isaiah 9:2–6 (NLT)
2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. 3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. 4 For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. 5 The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire. 6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Peace in the biblical story is a person, not a thing.
The Father is called “the God of peace.” Jesus is called “the Prince of Peace.” The Spirit is called “the Spirit of peace.” The Trinity is pervaded by peacefulness.
In the book of Revelation, we see behind the curtain of the universe into God’s throne room, and we read that around the throne was a “sea of glass, clear as crystal” (4v6).
The sea in Ancient Near Eastern mythology was the place of chaos, not peace. It was the home of the chaos dragon, Leviathan; it was always churning and never at rest. But in the throne room, the sea is like glass. It has been calmed by God’s presence. The atmosphere around God is perfectly calm and still.
That’s why enjoying the peace that Jesus brings is ultimately about enjoying his presence. It’s about asking, in moments throughout your day, “How do I practice the presence of Jesus right now? How do I enjoy him?” We need to habitually sit before God, with his loving gaze upon us, attuned to his presence and peace.
When we’re turned up by waves of anxiety and fear, we can pause — if only for a few minutes — and awaken our souls to Jesus. We can lean on the one who overcomes chaos with a single word and who brings our hearts to perfect rest, like a sea of glass.
And in this Advent season, we are especially invited to ponder the names given by the prophet Isaiah: Jesus, the prince of peace. Jesus, called Immanuel, God with us.
PRACTICING THE WAY
As disciples of Jesus, we know our allegiance to Him as King is expressed in our daily practice. We are not pursuing perfection but want to practice our faith each day. These practices will point you toward spiritual formation as an apprentice (disciple) to Jesus.
(1) Start the Bible Recap reading plan.
(2) Recite this prayer/liturgy daily: Jesus, Immanuel, Thank you for coming. Thank you for being with us. We need and embrace and love all that you are: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Thank you, Jesus, that you will never forsake us. May we carry your Kingdom of peace in this season and in the year to come. Amen.
(3) Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or your Group)
The message was about the Peace (wholeness) of God. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?
Read Philippians 4:6-9. What does this passage reveal about God? What are some other things you observe in the text?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “peace”?
In what ways can you incorporate communion with God into your daily life to experience peace?
Why is it important to express gratitude and confession in building our relationship with God and finding peace?
How can you individually practice being a 'non-anxious presence' in your community or workplace?
Peace protects our heart and mind. What are some recurring ideas or thoughts you typically face that produce anxiety? What are some Truths about Jesus’ character that can help protect your mind from anxiousness?
