We live in a world of constant strife, racism, sexism, xenophobia, riots, and war. Will this world ever have peace? If so, how will it be achieved?
Why does this world not have peace?
Rom 3:17 “ and the way of peace they do not know.”
Jesus said, “My peace I give you.” Jesus does not give “peace”, as the world gives.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The wicked never have real peace
Isa 57:21 “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
What was the message that God sent to the people of Israel and to everyone?
Acts 10:36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Eph 2:17 He (Jesus) came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Why does the city of Jerusalem not have peace, yet the city name means “city of peace”?
Luke 19:41-42 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
Heb 7:1-2 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”
Why did Jesus tell his disciples, in advance, that they would be scattered and leave Him, all alone?
John 16:32-33 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
What were Jesus’ first words to the disciples when he appeared to them in the locked room?
John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
What did Jesus instruct his disciples to first say, after they entered a house?
Luke 10:5-6 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.
Can a human being, without the Spirit of God, understand real peace?
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Jesus is our peace and His purpose is to create peace in one new humanity.
Eph 2:14-15 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups (Jews and Gentiles) one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,
Col 1:20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
How do believers who have been justified through faith, have peace with God?
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
What is it that believers are instructed to do, as it relates to peace?
Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Eph 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Heb 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
As members of one body of Christ, what are we called to?
Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Is peace one of the components of the fruit of the Spirit?
Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
What are the characteristics of wisdom that comes from heaven?
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
What do peacemakers have to sow to reap a harvest of righteousness?
James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
By accepting Jesus Christ, the Lord of peace, what kind of peace can you have?
2 Thes 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
What does a mind that is governed by the Spirit produce?
Rom 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
True and lasting peace – that is a peace within our own minds, a peace between tribes, nations, races, and languages, and a peace between all of God’s creation and God can only come through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is a peace that surpasses all human understanding. It cannot be understood or achieved apart from God.
Rom 15:33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.