Advent: Peace
Notes
Transcript
Introduction: The peace we often associate with Christmas time is not at all related to the peace ascribed to Christ. It is very external and supposedly a peace that helps calm us down. And yet even that is false, but Christmas time is often the most un-peaceful time for most people. But the Advent of Christ is about a peace that goes much deeper than the surface. It is a peace with God himself. It is a peace that passes all understanding. It is a peace that will ultimately break through all things as God restores all things.
Peace With God
Peace With God
Romans 5:1–11 (ESV)
A. Therefore
Justification by faith is true, and now let us think on the implications of that truth
B. We have peace with God
App: We must not ignore the reality that we were enemies of God, not merely misbehaving children
Our sin nature from the time we were conceived has been nothing but antagonistic to God
We don’t like to own this fact, that we hated God
App: If we have no peace with God, then we ultimately have no peace at all
It is the wrath of God, that we have been saved from (Vs. 9)
C. God initiated the peace, and that is why we celebrate it at Advent time
We have “received” reconciliation through the Lord Jesus
App: Though it was us who rebelled against the good king, it was him who did the work of reconciliation
We would not initiate the peace
Not only did God come to us, but he died for us while we were still in rebellion towards him
This is the most important part of the peace we celebrate at Advent
Peace Which Surpasses All Understanding
Peace Which Surpasses All Understanding
Philippians 4:4–7 (ESV)
A. Do not be anxious about anything
This seems impossible
Anxiety and peace are not friends
App: We are to throw anxiety out by praying
If we are not to be anxious about anything, then we must pray about everything (that would cause anxiety)
Lyrics: “Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” -What A Friend We Have In Jesus
B. The Peace of God
We have access to the peace of God when we have peace with God
This peace surpasses all understanding; it doesn’t make sense to those who have never experienced it
This is a peace in the midst of trouble, like the eye of a storm
App: The peace with God and the peace of God are not meant to eliminate our troubles, but to empower us to overcome them
John 16:33
C. It (this peace) guards our hearts and minds
Our hearts, the inward being, can deceive us with emotion
Our minds can deceive is with intellect
But God’s peace guards these things for us and keeps them in check
We have access to this through prayer
Peace In All Things
Peace In All Things
Revelation 21:1–4 (ESV)
A. The dwelling place of God is with man
All the former thing are gone, and now God is with man fully
Even more beautiful and peaceful than the garden was in the beginning
B. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes
No more death, mourning, crying, or pain
the former things have passed away
The peace with God and the peace of God will lead us to and end where peace reigns forever
Closing
Closing
Benediction: If the concept of peace has escaped you, look no further than Jesus. The gospel call is this, repent of your sin, believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will have peace with God.
