“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The Chapter begins with “Let not your heart be troubled”. In context the author of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ, is preparing and getting his disciples ready for that period of time between his going back to heaven and coming again to earth. He commits himself and promises his beloved that He will not leave them comfortless (vs 18) but that he will give them another comforter (vs 16) in the person of the Holy Spirit who will lead, guide, teach and abide with them forever. He concludes his tender words and loving remarks with the promise of His peace. He then indirectly warns of the potential for confusion in that period of time because of a counterfeit world peace that will be aggressively marketed by the prince of this world.
In fact The Lord is saying that there will be two kinds of Peace on offer – His & the world’s. He also wants them to see that the two types of peace are neither the same nor equal. In other words it’s one or the other. Right now we live in that period of time before our Lord’s second coming,
So Let’s compare them with each other.
I. MAN’S WORLD OF PEACE
When the world gives peace or more accurately gives in and calls it peace, it is more often by the influence of power and force, position of strength, pressure of economics, popular demands, or the persuasion of the media and their tycoons.
Even then, this man-made and manipulating process doesn’t last. Despite all the socialist public marches in all the major city streets of the world and all the sincere performance of music on stages, no state is still more elusive and no dream is more desired than that of peace.
The words of ex-Beatle John Lennon, who himself was violently gunned down-“Give peace a chance ” seems to have fallen on deaf ears and dead bodies.
In the final analysis and so far, all that the world has achieved, other than sing and shout about it, was to:
seek and pose more questions,
suggest and propose new ideas, and
sign pact after pact outlawing war –
But all to no avail as the reporting of the nightly news of terror and turmoil, troubles and tragedies from America to Afghanistan, Israel to Ireland clearly demonstrates.
These conditions are not new, nor are they exclusive to the 21st century. In case you’re a baby boomer or a late bloomer and you may’ve forgotten or find it hard to remember, let me remind you of at least three real life accounts of world leaders on the world scene from the last century.
1. SEEKING & POSING MORE & MORE QUESTIONS –
That was once Secretary General of the United Nations. Whilst speaking in 1965 before 67 distinguished scholars and statesmen from 19 countries of the world, who were convened to talk about the requirement for world peace, he asked these questions: “What element is lacking so that with all our skill and all our knowledge we still find ourselves in the dark valley of discord and enmity? What is it that inhibits us from going forward together to enjoy the fruits of human endeavour and reap the harvest of human experience? Why is it that for all our professed ideals, our hopes, and our skills, peace on earth is still a distant objective seen only dimly through the storms and turmoils of our present difficulties?”(Illustrations for Biblical preaching , M.P Green p.261)
2. SUGGESTING & PROPOSING NEW& NEWER IDEAS
Dr. Charles Malek a former president of the UN General Assembly who addressed the Texas Legislator and several audiences in the University of Texas said:” The United General Assembly cannot initiate peace, cannot impose peace, cannot produce peace; but once a settlement is reached, the UN can be instructive. The answers however to world problems can never be found through government, force or the UN. The remedy must deal with individual problems. The most important single malady of the world today is the total expulsion of spiritual and moral teaching from the world’s universities that train the leaders. On campuses the emphasis on science, technical matters, production and learning – certainly things befitting a university. But religious and moral values have become taboo” (More of Knight’s timely illustrations-Walter B.knight p.216)
3. SIGNING OF PACT AFTER PACT -OUTLAWING WAR
From November 1921 to February 1922, Britain, France and the United States met in Washington D.C. and agreed to limit naval armaments. European statesmen followed the conference with their own at Locarno, Italy in 1925 to guarantee Germany’s sovereignty against French adventuring. They sponsored German membership in the League of Nations and pledged further disarmament. The spirit of Locarno enthralled optimists who believed a new milestone had been reached on the road to peace. Still aglow with hope, statesmen met again in Paris in 1928 to sign a pact outlawing war. After ages of conflict, 20th century statesmen had deciphered the combination to peace on earth! Really! Over 100 wars have been fought since World Ward II ended.
(Speaker’s source book of new illustrations-V.Huxley p.172))
So then where does peace come from and how will we find it? Whom can we seek and what should we look for?
The situation is utterly desperate and beyond hope. Man is really confused and readily confesses that he doesn’t have the answer as we have already seen.
1. On the MACRO world scene – Terror , High Alert
2. On the MICRO community streets -Violence & Gangs & Guns
3. God’s Church -Conflicts…Relationship breakdown
4. Home- Abuse ,Behaviour ..Cruelty…Divorce..
5. Heart – Emotional …Psychological
God’s Holy word, on the other hand, does have the answer.
The way of peace for mankind is clearly stated and conditionally secured. HIS word, not only, points our aching minds to the source of its accessibility, but also promises our troubled hearts as to the satisfaction of it’s acceptability.
Let’s then consider ….
II. GOD’S WAY OF PEACE
The peace that Jesus gives freely is for all. Please note 7 characteristics of His peace:
1. Preaching -Through the preaching of the Gospel of peace (Acts 10:36;Eph 6:15)
2. Personal – I leave with you, …I give unto you Please note the I and yo… twice. Its one on one basis ..not mass market ..
3. Permanent – leave with you, He leaves with us. He doesn’t pull back and take it of us at a later date.
4. Present – I give …A gift from the heart of God & present in our heart
5. Possession – I give you …You can take possession of it
6. Present – Right now We HAVE peace with God
7. Perfect – His peace is a perfect peace because:
A. It is easily accessible for man.
B. It is also equally acceptable to God.
A. It is easily accessible for man.
(Eph 2:14-18) “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”
(Acts 10:36 ) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
(Col 1:20 ) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
B. It is also equally acceptable to God.
(Rom 5:1).”Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
ILLUSTRATION:
A hurricane is a storm with cyclonic winds that exceed 74 m.p.h. Rain, thunder, and lightning usually accompany the winds. Hurricanes can be very fierce storms with relentless pounding winds that continue hour after hour. But a fascinating thing about a hurricane is its “eye” — a place of perfect calm in its centre. Though the winds blow and rage all around it, there are none in the eye.
With the Lord as our centre, there is calm and peace, even in the darkest of life’s storms
Not only we have peace with God but also (right now) we Have:
In him (1 John 5:14 )
- an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1)
- a great high priest (Heb 4:14 )
Through Him (Rom 5:1)
- peace with God (Rom 5:1)
- redemption through his blood (Eph 1:7 ; Col 1:14)
- the mind of Christ. (1 Cor 2:16 )
- a more sure word of prophecy (2 Pet 1:19)
- passed from death unto life (1 John 3:14 )
- Hope as an anchor of the soul (Heb 6:19)
- access by faith -(Rom 5:2 )
- boldness and access with confidence (Eph 3:12 )
- obtained an inheritance (Eph 1:11 )
- a building of God (2 Cor 5:1 )
- this treasure in earthen vessels, (2 Cor 4:7)
A. LOOK UP ” THE PEACE WITH GOD”
“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79)
In the word of God, The Holy Spirit arranged the whole subject of peace in a very simple and straightforward manner so that no one needs to miss out and all can make sense of it.
Simply Put
1.The GOD Of Peace -The Lover Of Mankind
FIRST AND FORMOST the one & only way of peace for mankind comes from God and not by or from man.
“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Rom 16:20a) “And the God of peace (Philipians 4:9b) “…and the God of peace shall be with you.” (1 Th 5:23a) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; …(Romans 15:33)
2.The GIVER Of Peace -The Saviour Of Mankind –
FURTHER …..the one & only way of peace for mankind comes by the God Man Jesus Christ and not by any other.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) See Acts 10:36; Isa 57:19
3.The GOSPEL Of Peace -The only Hope For Mankind –
FINALLY …the one & only way of peace for mankind comes via the Gospel and by nothing else.
“…..as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Rom 10:15) “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (Eph 6:15)
PEACE & CHRIST
He is the prince of Peace
(Isa 9:6 ) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
He is Our Peace
(Eph 2:14 -15 ) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Through Him we have Peace
(Rom 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Virgin Birth
(Luke 2:14 ) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Sinless Life
(Luke 7:50)And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Blood of His cross
(Col 1:20 ) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Atoning Death
(Eph 2:14 -18) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Awesome Resurrection
(John 20:19-21) Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
See It In Action
Let’s now turn our attention to the action filled pages in Luke’s Gospel. In Chapter 7 verses36-50 we can see the whole process in action so clearly as the reader is invited to take a front seat and witness a dramatic conversion.
Here we have basically four characters.
1. Simon the Pharisee and 2. His seated guests, 3. The sinful woman
and 4. Her Saviour and Lord.
As we zoom in and focus on the Sinful woman, we see that she was the only one out of the three characters referred to in this account that was able to leave and go in peace.
(Luke 7:36-50) “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. “My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Out of the three characters she is the only one who is free to go in peace
Why?
Simon (picture of the Flesh) and his seated guests (picture of religious beliefs) were respectable, conservative, intelligent, religious, sociable, interested in the things of God and by comparison she was the bottom of the heap – A prostitute ,unnamed, immoral, failure, outcast, bad reputation, a woman,
But the problem was not evident on the surface -In fact on the surface it looks very odd. However, begin to dig down and you will easily see:
- They were not satisfied with the person of Christ at all while she was satisfied with just his feet
- They found fault with Him and her, while she found Faith In Him and didn’t pay any attention to them
- They thought within themselves while She confessed out Christ
ALSO
1. That Simon opened his house but not his heart to God- desired him that he would eat with him… he spake within himself
2.. His religious beliefs were more important than his relationship with Christ …Pharisee .. Pharisee… Pharisee…… Pharisee……Master….no Welcome Kiss — no washing feet —-no oil on skin – a sign
3.Christ was a passing acquaintance, not a permanent friend
4. Titles more important than truth….Master
5. He could see that she was a sinner yet blind to the fact he was a debtor
On the other hand
She sought Christ not the Flesh or religion and Stood at his feet.
She submitted her will /feeling to His word
She was satisfied with the outcome – To go in peace
She was confronted with the eternal truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of her sinful lifestyle she was easily convicted. The choice before her was simple and clear:
In the sight of God she stood eternally condemned and hopelessly lost.
But In the light of His grace and mercy she could be redeemed, released and really set free.
She turned to God in sincere faith as she took Him at His sure word. Trusting in the love of Christ, she threw her soul at His grace and mercy. Having believed God’s promise of eternal salvation she received freely his gift of everlasting life. Accepted on the merits of Christ alone she entered into a new and dynamic relationship with the true and Living God.
In bookkeeping terms her long overdue account was immediately settled as her debt of sin, which she could not service nor even take care of the interest repayment, was paid in full.
That meant that all of her sin, according to His precious word, has been put into Christ’s account, and all His goodness has been placed into hers.
Hallelujah, Eternity was secured, and her heart rejoiced and gave thanks.
Perhaps if she was living today she would’ve expressed her heart’s desire by singing these words
O Lord How I Love Your Word
Since The Day That I Heard
Of The Grace And Peace You Have For Me
In The Pages Of Your Book
When I Opened And Had A Look
I Read Of The Greatest Love Story.
From The Manger To The Cross To The Grave ,
You Came To Seek The Lost And To Save
You Rose From The Dead Now Glorified,
With Tears Of Joy I Cried, I’m So Freely Justified
Great Salvation You Provide….. Now My Heart …Is Satisfied
In order that you may go in peace, like the woman in this account, you too will also need to:
1. REALISE YOU’RE A SINNER (Everybody else does )
Jesus Knew…… Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many ….
The city knew ….And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner….
The Pharisee knew…Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner….
2. REPENT AND BE SORRY for your sin & not for yourself
Turn away from Sin & trust the Saviour…Be sincere, God Knows your heart .she left the city …She took a risk by going into a pharisee’s house Where not only Simon (The flesh) was there but others also… She focused on the Saviour She was satisfied just with His Feet …..And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, (Very costly- Worth approx 1 year’s wage) And stood at his feet behind him weeping and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
3. RECEIVE BY FAITH and BE SAVED
His forgiveness …….And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven……
Your faith, not by works… And he said to the woman, thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace
SO don’t waste your time in looking out for peace with man, he is out of stock
Instead look up for peace with God, He is the only supplier.
B. LIVE OUT “THE PEACE OF GOD”
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7)
Once we receive and experience the peace with God in our hearts as we are reconciled to our maker and creator, then we are ready to enjoy the peace of God in our homes, churches and communities.
4. Rom.12: 18- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
5. Rom.14: 19 – Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
6. 1 Cor.7: 15 – But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
7. 1 Cor.14: 33 – For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
8. Heb.12: 14 – Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Humanly speaking, it does not seem possible to live out the peace of God. IF we rely on our own strength and resort to our own abilities we will fail miserably. But when we turn to God and trust His word we will BE ENABLED TO live out the peace of God. So THEN how does IT WORK ACCORDING TO God’s word :
1. Power of the Holy Spirit –
(Gal 5:22-23 ) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The peace of God is a godly fruit that God The Holy Spirit produces in our new lives
2. Prayer and supplication –
(Phil 4:6 -7) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Paul and Silas are an excellent example – In prison, In their darkest moment ,”at Midnight”, they prayed.and praised
3. Proper mindset –
(Rom 8:6 ) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
IN CLOSING –
The choice before YOU is simple and straightforward.
You can start and stay with the World’s system. For now all that it can and has to offer, as far as peace is concerned, is talk and more talk. This kind of peace is also conditional upon compromise on all parties involved and it is generally not available to everybody, certainly not to the weak and lowly.
However one day when all hope is gone unexpectedly as this world finally gets its dictator /leader in its last and final attempt to secure world peace at any price, you will be deceived by the world’s dictator, posing as the great peace maker, damning your soul and doomed forever.
Or you can go to and know the prince of peace. Let me encourage you to do that right now.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
There you will receive His peace – the true, real and lasting peace that is personal, permanent and perfect.
Would you like to know the peace of God that passes all understanding? Would you like to have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ? Would you like to be in Christ safe and secure? Then let me encourage you to call on the name of the Lord and be saved..
The Lord Jesus Christ is still inviting people, just like you and I, today. He says: “Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”(John 5:24)
Here is a suggested prayer:
Dear God: I am sorry that I have sinned against you; I turn away from my sins.
Please forgive me, and be merciful to me a sinner.
Thankyou for saving me and giving me a new life.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen
(Heb.13: 20-21) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen
With the love of Christ
Peter Rahme
Pastor – Inner West Baptist Church
