KEEPING THE PEACE

Sermon Notes, May 5, 2013

Pastor Jan Sinozich

 

Pastor Jan’s message was titled “Keeping the Peace,” and was based on John 14:23-29.  We’re all different, but we’re all the same: we want comfort, love, and peace.  Peace is hard to achieve, and hard to keep.  How do we get peace?  You could say the Bible is a book of directions—it tells us how to get what we want.  If you want wisdom, ask for it.  If you want to live long, obey your parents.  If you want a straight path, acknowledge God.  Do you want peace?  What is the price of peace?  What do we have to do to get it?  How do we keep it once we get it?

In verses 23-25, Jesus is talking intensely to his disciples—giving them last instructions.  He sums up what he’s been teaching them for the last three years.  “If you love me, obey me.”  Love and obedience go hand in hand.  It is given freely.  It is the response of a heart that is in love with Jesus; it’s loving God back.  Lack of love results in lack of obedience.  He is preparing them for his absence.

In verses  26-29, He is telling them that they won’t be alone when he leaves.  He is coming back.  He says he is sending the Holy Spirit to teach them, and to remind them of all he has taught them.  Verse 27 promises peace, and it’s spoken with authority.

There is an interrelationship of love, obedience and peace.  When you live in full, complete, whole agape love, when you obey God out of love for God, peace is the result.  Love is the commandment; obedience is the byproduct, and peace is the reward.

Peace is not merely the absence of conflict.  It is a state of relationship with God. (v.25-27) Jesus is telling his disciples there is peace between God and them, and God’s peace will keep them well during tribulation and hardships.  He will be present with them no matter what.

Why does peace elude us? If you want the peace that Jesus gives, live in the truth of Jesus.  Don’t ignore the biblical principles of forgiveness and grace.  Choose  His way—abide in Him daily, spending time in his presence, feeding on his Word and being renewed by the Spirit in prayer.  Engage in acts of service, loving your neighbor as yourself.  The peace that Jesus gives comes by loving and living in obedience to God’s Word.