When life gets out of control, how can we maintain our peace? Dr. Stanley shares how we can experience tranquility and strength of spirit, even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. Sin separates us from the Lord, making us enemies and subject to His wrath. The first step in having the peace of God is making peace with God.
Sermon Outline
Peace sometimes seems hard to hold on to, doesn’t it? There’s good news, though. Jesus offers it willingly to all who seek Him and walk in His ways. Today, Dr. Stanley shares some essential points about finding—and maintaining—our peace.
Key Passage: John 14:1; John 14:27; John 16:33
Supporting Passage: Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:1; Romans 5:9-10; Philippians 4:6-7
Is it possible to have true peace when the circumstances of your life aren’t perfect?
► “All of us have faced difficult times when we thought, God, where are You?”
Jesus told His disciples …
Not to be troubled regardless of their circumstances, because He was greater still (John 14:1; 16:33).
He was giving them His peace (14:27).
How can we experience continual peace?
Step 1—Peace with God
Salvation, a one-time decision, is the point at which we begin to experience God’s peace.
Before salvation, we are separated from God by sin (Isa. 59:1-2). Romans 5:10 tells us we were, in fact, God’s enemies.
After receiving salvation, we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. What this means is that we are forgiven, walking in love, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, eternally secure, and positioned to receive God’s blessings.
Step 2—Peace of God
To enjoy the peace of God, we must walk in agreement with Him in all things—including continual, daily decisions.
We can choose to accept or reject His peace, but it is always available to us (Phil. 4:6-7).
Continuing peace …
Comes from Jesus.
Is not dependent on circumstances.
Is rooted in the relationship of faith, obedience, and love for Jesus.
Is beyond our understanding but not our experience.
Requires surrendering to God.
► “The peace God gives us is so awesome that we can never fully understand it.”
What is our responsibility if we want to experience peace? We must …
Claim it through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Focus on God, not our circumstances.
Yield to God. He wants us to be one with Him, walking in agreement.
Recognize that we will still have troubles in life—just as Jesus did.
Trust in the awesome promises God has made to His children.
After Watching
Do you have the peace Dr. Stanley described as “peace with God”? If so, give thanks! If not, will you accept the peace Jesus offers through the gospel? Pray like this or in your own words: Jesus, I know I need a Savior. I believe You died on the cross to pay for my sins. Please come into my life as Lord, Savior, and King. Grant me peace with God and walk with me forever. In Your name, amen.
The peace of God is so much more than the absence of conflict or stress. The Hebrew word for it is shalom—a holistic vision of complete well-being in God, encompassing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. We can experience shalom with our heavenly Father, with others, and even with ourselves. Pray that God will help you experience His shalom in every aspect of your life.
