Genuine Peace
Introduction
Colossians 3:15-17
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This passage seems to speak to several different areas of concerns I love to study. “Christ is in our life” (not just a way of life), “Knowing (finding) God’s Will,” “God’s Will: a work in your Heart,” “Three witnesses of the Spirit Filled Life,” “The Maintenance of the Spirit Filled Life.”
Over the next 3 weeks, we will deal with “Genuine Peace,” “The Role of God’s Word,” and “Wearing Christ’s Name.”
These themes are introduced in Colossians 3 only after Paul uses 3 key words that speak of our surrender to Christ. There is a challenge to relinquish control of our lives. Let God’s peace guide your decisions, let God’s Word create your rejoicing, and let God’s Name be related to all that you do. Remember, He is your life.
The 3 words:
1. Affection v2
“set your mind on the things above”- a preoccupation with eternal realities, this will govern your earthly responses. Preoccupied with the One who reigns there and His purpose. Speaks of spiritual values.
C. S. Lewis, “make Heaven your aim and you will get earth thrown in.”
2. Mortify v5
Consider as dead; to kill or put to death; calls for a decisive resolution. It’s bringing the flesh under subjection to our new disposition in the Holy Spirit. The desire of the new inner man is to live a life pleasing to God.
3. Put On v12
In Colossians 3:9-11 Paul describes the believer’s new IDENTIY in Christ.
What we now put on is what God expects of the believer in response. This new believer is an outward manifestation of the inward transformation Christ has wrought.
Now, Genuine Peace v15
I. THE SOURCE OF PEACE 15a
A. Positionally
Romans 5:1: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”
ILLUSTRATION:
Billy Graham’s Famous Trait
“Peace with God”
Because of the cross the war between the believer and God is over, and the treaty was settled with repentance and faith. Peace speaks of an attitude of rest or security. Jesus said, if you are not for Me, you are against Me. I’m no longer on the other side, I am now on His side.
Ephesians 2:14: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,”
“He Himself” – emphatically emphasizes that Christ alone (no one else and nothing else) is the believer’s source of peace.
ILLUSTRATION: Janet and I were interviewed by CBS television for Valentine’s Day this past week. Janet was asked how we made it 47 years in marriage. Her answer, “Johnny put Jesus before me.”
When someone comes to Jesus, the war is over once and for all as it pertains to their salvation; as to their position.
1. Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
2. God of Peace (Ephesians 2:14)
3. Peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7)
"Wonderful Peace"
Don Moen
Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.
[Chorus:]
Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!
Ah, soul! are you here without comfort and rest,
Marching down the rough pathway of time?
Make Jesus your Friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime!
What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!
I am resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day,
And His glory is flooding my soul!
And I think when I rise to that city of peace,
Where the Anchor of peace I shall see,
That one strain of the song which the ransomed will sing
In that heavenly kingdom will be:
B. Practically
Peace of God
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.”
Promises inner calmness of emotions and thoughts which rest on the assurance that God is too good to be unkind and too wise to be mistaken.
He’s a Good, Good, Father.
His favorite name is Father.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
In the midst of circumstances, which ordinarily cause anxiety, it protects (guards) the hearts and minds of believers in that sense, it surpasses all human understanding.
When you have the “peace of God” in your heart, you have the “God of peace” in full control of circumstances.
II. THE SPIRIT OF PEACE 15b
“rule in your hearts, to which, also you were called in one body”
This passage portrays God’s peace in the spirit of unity. It magnifies not only individual peace but peace with others in the body.
God calls us into harmony.
Psalms 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Remember, in Salvation I have Peace with my Father.
In Sanctification I have Peace with my Family.
To dwell above with those we love
Well, that’s will be glory
To dwell below with those we know
Well, that’s another story.
A. Peace That Rules Within
“let the peace of God rule” – to act as an umpire; it regulates all activities of the believer; over-rules dissension.
Whenever there is a conflict of motives or impulses or reasons, the peace of God must step in and decide which is to prevail.
Proverbs 16:9
“A man's heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.”
Rule – to arbitrate; decides every internal debate between God and self.
John Milton calls the conscience the “umpire of the soul.” Rule means to have its way, to faith into joy.
What joy? It answers the 4 big questions:
1. Where did I come from?
2. Who am I? (God’s creation)
3. What am I doing here?
Living out his purpose for my existence.
4. Where am I going? (From dust to deity)
The Peace of God is an infallible reference for the Spirit.
Sin offends Christ, with whom he is at peace and thoroughly shatters the rest and security in his heart.
B. Peace That Rules Without
“in one body” – this calling by Christ is in the context of participation in and enjoyment of peace within His body; the church.
I am called to a position of peace before God.
I am called to a practice of peace within the church.
God’s peace rules in that it guards against division; in my heart, my home, my church, my life.
ILLUSTRATION: Jonah deliberately disobeyed God, yet he was allowed to go to sleep in the bottom of a ship in a storm.
As a result of Jonah’s decision others on the ship suffered great loss. It was anything but harmony and unity. If we are out of the will of God, we are certain to bring discord and disharmony to the church. Jonah thought he was at peace, when actually his sin created a storm.
III. THE SUBJECT OF PEACE 15C
“and be thankful” – thankfulness/gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18: “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Peace in our hearts leads to praise on our lips; a distinctive trait.
How? Knowing that nothing can ever enter into the life of the believer but what infinite love allows.
Gratitude comes naturally to believers in response to all God has done. A spirit of humble gratitude towards God will inevitably affect our relations with others.