Prince of Peace: The Missing Peace

Prince of Peace: The Missing Peace

I. Introduction

A. Luke 2:14 (NLT) “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth….

1. “The absence of” myth.

a. There is always some level of disappointment in life, even in the best of circumstances.

b. Circumstances are rarely at their best.

c. Sometimes, life is blatantly unfair.

II. Peace Is…

A.

1. Peace is not a . Peace is a !

2. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

3. Sar Shalom

a. Sar: one in charge, captain, lord, keeper of

b. Shalom: rest, tranquility, wholeness, the way things should be

4. Luke 2:10-14 (NIV) ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

5. John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives (based on the absence (blank)). Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

6. Peace is not the absence of chaos but the presence of who is greater than the chaos.

B.

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) ¹And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ²We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus (our purpose), the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

C. A

1. John 1:14 (MSG) The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.

2. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV) “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

III. Conclusion

A. “Absence of” … is not promised.

1. John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

B. “Presence with” is promised.

1. Matthew 28:20 (NIV) “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

C. Psalm 29:11 (NIV) The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

1. Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.