Peace in the Home
Introduction
Peace is missing in the lives of many of God's people and in their homes. Peace is more than the absence of conflicts; it is the presence of contentment. We need to have (1) peace with God, (2) peace within ourself, and (3) peace within our relationships with other people. Only Christ can give us this peace. Peace must rule in our hearts, as an umpire rules over a game, for us to enjoy these blessings.
I. ROBBER OF PEACE
A. COMPROMISE WITH THIS WICKED WORLD. (1 John 5:19; James 4:4)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
B. CONFLICT WITH THE OLD SIN NATURE. (Rom. 8:15-25; Gal. 5:17)
"When a man finds no peace within himself, it is useless to seek it elsewhere."
C. CONFRONTATION IN RELATIONSHIPS. (Col. 3:13; Matt. 5:23-24)
D. CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE.
1. Anxiety robs us of peace. (Matt. 6:25-34, 10:19)
2. Fear robs us of peace. (Num. 14:1-10)
II. RULE OF PEACE
"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)
A. PRESIDING OF PEACE.
"Let us, therefore, follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another." (Romans 14:19)
1. Peace of Christ should rule our attitude.
2. Peace of Christ should rule our actions.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD; for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." (Isa. 26:3-4)
B. PROCURING OF PEACE.
1. Enabled by the Spirit of God. (Gal. 5:22)
"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)
2. Exercised through faith. (Isa. 26:3-4)
3. Experienced through prayer. (Col. 4:2; Phil. 4:6-7)
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, 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." (Phil. 4:6-7)
4. Enriched by the Word of God. (Ps. 119:165)
"Great peace have they who love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." (Ps. 119:165)
C. PURSUIT OF PEACE. (Ps. 34:14; 1 Pet. 3:10-11)
"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. (Ps. 34:14)
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)
III. RESULTS OF PEACE
A. PRODUCES A SPIRIT OF HARMONY.
B. PRODUCES A SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE.
Warren Wiersbe: "When we obey the will of God, we have His peace within; but when we step out of His will, we lose His peace."