Introduction

I. Everyone in the world desires to be at peace.

II. The problem that the world faces is that they do not know where to look for that
     peace (Jeremiah 10:23). 23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that
     walketh to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23 (KJV)
     A.   People look for peace in drugs.
     B.   People look for peace in money.
     C.   People look for peace in denominations.
     D.   As a matter of fact, people tend to look in every place but the right place.
          "Looking for peace in all the wrong places."

III. Where does one find true and lasting peace?
     A.   It is possible to find peace for a time.
     B.   But unless one goes to the correct place, that peace will not last.
     C.   The Bible teaches that in order to have peace we must obey God.

IV. Christians:
     A.   Are at peace with God.
     B.   Are at peace with the brethren.
     C.   Are at peace with themselves.
     D.   Are not at peace with the world.

Body

I. Christians are at peace with God.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5:1 (KJV)

     A.   Not all human beings are at peace with God.
          1.   We are born in a state of peace with God because we have not sinned
               (Ezekiel 28:15). 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast
               created, till iniquity was found in thee. Ezek 28:15 (KJV)
       2.   Notice that once man sins, he is no longer at peace with God
            (Isaiah 59:2). 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your
            sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 (KJV)
            a.   Sin is a choice that we make and not something that anyone
                 forces us to do.
            b.   James 1:13-15. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of
                 God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14
                 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and
                 enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin,
                 when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:13-15 (KJV)
B.   Once we commit sin, we are no longer at peace with God and we must be
       reconciled to him.
       1.   Our passage tells us how we are to do that.
       2.   We are justified by faith. By our obedience to the faith.
       3.   And it is through Jesus Christ.

II. Christians are at peace with the brethren

A.   Paul is one who understood that he was at peace with his brethren.
       1.   Romans 1:7. 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to
            you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 (KJV)
       2.   1 Corinthians 1:3. 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the
            Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV)
       3.   2 Corinthians 1:2. 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord
            Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV)
       4.   Galatians 1:3. 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord
            Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:3 (KJV)
       5.   Ephesians 1:2. 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord
            Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:2 (KJV)
       6.   Philippians 1:2. 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the
            Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2 (KJV)
       7.   Etc.
B.   We can see this principle taught in First John (1 John 1:7). 7 But if we walk in the
       light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ
       his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (KJV)
       1.   Notice that this is not saying that we are to have peace at any cost.
       2.   One must continue to walk in the light.
       3.   If one continues to walk outside of the light, we are not to be at peace
            with them (Romans 16:17). 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which
            cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and
            avoid them. Romans 16:17 (KJV)
C.   What a joy and privilege it is to know that we have brethren all over the world
       who would do anything for us (Mark 10:29-30). 29 And Jesus answered and said,
       Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or
       mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an
       hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children,
       and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. Mark 10:29-30 (KJV)

III. Christians are at peace with themselves.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

A.   Christians can be at peace with themselves because they know that they are at
       peace with God.
B.   Christians can be at peace with themselves because they need not fear death
       (Matthew 10:28). 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but
       rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (KJV)
C.   Christians need not fear the judgment (1 John 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:19). 28 And now,
       little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be
       ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28 (KJV)   19 For what is our hope, or joy, or
       crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
       1 Thessalonians 2:19 (KJV)
D.   Christians can have peace because all tough moral issues have been answered
       for us in the Bible.
       1.   Abortion.
       2.   Euthanasia.
       3.   Civil Rights.
       4.   Woman's Rights.
       5.   Social drinking.
       6.   Etc.

IV. Christians are not at peace with the world (1 John 2:15-17).

A.   The Devil is the prince of this world (John 12:31). 31 Now is the judgment of this
       world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. John 12:31 (KJV)
B.   We are to be at war with the Devil (Ephesians 6:12-17; 2 Timothy 2:3). 12 For we wrestle
       not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
       the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto
       you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
       done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
       the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
       peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the
       fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
       which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:12-17 (KJV)   3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good
       soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)
C.   Qualities of a Good Soldier:
       1.   Don't count the cost.
       2.   Don't allow little discouragements to set them back.
       3.   Obey their master.
       4.   Aren't afraid to get dirty.
       5.   Never give up.

Conclusion

I. True peace can only be found when one is obedient to God.

II.    Do you have this peace?
A.   Peace with God.
B.   Peace with God's children.
C.   Peace with yourself.
D.   Enmity with evil.

III. God wants you to have this peace.

IV. Give Plan of Salvation.

-- Ralph Price, February 2000 --