Church Online

“Peace Personified”
December 8, 2024
Cityline Church
Jack Anthony Sheets
Lead Pastor

34  “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of
life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.  Luke 21:34

25  Anxiety weighs down the heart…. Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety– The present emotion of inner heaviness and unrest produced by uncertainty.

Anxiety is generated by carrying things you were never meant to carry.

4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  5  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

It’s not that we won’t feel anxious or afraid, it’s that Jesus isn’t anxious or afraid, Jesus is the God of peace.

6  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Prince: “Sar” – The one in charge, Lord, chief, general.

Peace: “Shalom” – more than the absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness and completeness, a state where things are as they ought to be. 

13  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14  For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,  15  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,  16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17  He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. Ephesians 2:13-17

PURSUING THE GIFT OF PEACE

• Recognize biblical peace is based on a person (Jesus) not on your circumstances.

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. John 14:27

• Choose to humble yourself and release the weight.

6  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  7  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

• Be intentional about what goes into your mind.

3  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4  Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4

• Peace requires slowing down.

10  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

The good news is that peace isn’t found in the absence of problems. It’s found in the presence of Jesus.