My peace I give to you - John 14:27

Title: My Peace I Give To You
Date: January 12, 2007
Verse: John 14:27

Introduction

- When we lose something important in our life, it leaves a hole
- There is a vacuum which we seem unable to fill
- this vacuum makes us feel lonely, depressed, worried, in turmoil
- there was a time when Jesus was preparing the disciples for the day he would be gone
- he gave them a gift, the gift of peace

1. Jesus gives peace through the Holy Spirit

- John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you . . ."
- let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid
- context of giving us peace is that he gives us the Comforter
- John 14:16 - ". . . he will give you another comforter/helper, that he may abide with you forever"
- comforter/helper = Gr parakletos = one who comes alongside to help, like a parent for a child
- the Holy Spirit is the one who gives us peace
- Galatians 5:22 - "Love, joy, peace . . ."
- peace = Gr Eirene
- - - a. a state of national tranquillity - exemption from the rage and havoc of war
- - - b. peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
- - - c. security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
- - - d. of the Messiah's peace - the way that leads to peace (salvation)
- - - e. of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
- - - f. the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

2. Jesus gives the peace of a good conscience

- when we turn to Jesus, he forgives our sin
- we no longer bear the guilt and shame
- Hebrews 10:22 - "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience . . ."
- Romans 8:1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus . . ."
- however, if we choose not to ask for forgiveness, we won't find peace in our life either
- Isaiah 57:21 - "There is no peace," Says my God, "for the wicked."
- God offers sound sleep for the righteous - if we have problems sleeping, ask for God's peace to quieten the turmoil in our mind
- Psalm 4:8 - "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. "
- Proverbs 3:24 - "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet"


3. Jesus gives peace by carrying our burden

- Matthew 11:28 - "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
- cast your burden
- Psalm 55:22 - "Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved"
- we do not need to carry that load, whatever our burden may be
- people betray us and hurt us, but we can choose to not carry that burden ourselves
- ask Jesus to take that burden from you

4. Jesus gives peace to reign in our heart

- peace of God reigns in your heart
- Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be anxious for nothing . . . let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"
- Psalm 121:4 - "Behold, he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep"

Conclusion

- Jesus said he would never leave us nor forsake us
- though he went to be with the Father, he has come to dwell in our hearts through the Holy Spirit
- John 14:27 - "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid"
- for I the Lord am with you in your going out and in your coming in
- Psalm 121:8 - "The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore"
- God is with us, people may let us down, but God tells he will always be there with us
- all we have to do is reach out to him