God’s Peace is Available

Perplexity Erased And Christ Embraced

This snippet is excerpted from the more complete study titled Grace, Mercy, and Peace

Divine peace comes from God and Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:3). This peace is a tranquil harmony of heart and mind that maintains Christ-centered well-being regardless of circumstances or people. At its foundation, this peace is a result of being justified by faith before God Almighty through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus (Romans 5:1-2). As you stand on peace with God, you can have the peace of God. Divine peace, exhibited by Jesus, is promised to His followers (John 14:27).

1 Corinthians 1:3, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1-2, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

APPROPRIATING THE PEACE OF GOD

Believers who experience God’s peace in an ongoing manner are those who continually recognize God’s sovereign care and give thanks for God’s abundant grace and mercy. God-oriented believers love God’s Word and, correspondingly, have great peace (Psalm 119:165). These believers set their minds on things of the Spirit instead of focusing primarily on natural aspects of daily life (Romans 8:5-6).

Psalm 119:165, Those who love Your law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble.

Romans 8:5-6, For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace

Peace is not something that “just happens” to a believer. Peace must be pursued, which is accomplished by those growing in Christ (1 Peter 3:10-11; 2 Cor. 13:11).

1 Peter 3:10-11, For, the one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

2 Corinthians 13:11, Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Peace in the lives of believers is to be expected since they are mentally and spiritually oriented toward Christ and led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

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Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

From a measurable perspective, the peace of Christ becomes a reality for believers in proportion to ongoing prayer, right (biblical) thinking, and biblical obedience. The relationship between these aspects of the Christian life and the peace of Christ are presented in Philippians 4:6-9.

Philippians 4:6-9, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ⁹ The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

When believers are at peace, they are free from anxiety and worry; and consistent prayer is integral to that result. The alternative to worry is to pray about everything.

The peace of God cannot be separated from a biblical pattern of thinking, and six specific aspects of a godly thought life are listed in Philippians 4:8. The New International Commentary states the following about that verse: “These six items are mentioned as objects of a wholesome thought life. True things are of course the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things. Noble refers to what is dignified and worthy of respect. Right refers to conformity to God’s standards. Pure refers to what is wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity. Lovely speaks of what promotes peace rather than conflict. Admirable relates to what is positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive. These six objects of thought are then described as excellent and praiseworthy.”¹

What you believe internally will never be known by others unless you tell them. What you really believe will never be known by others until you show them. When your mind is focused on God and His perspective of your life instead of you and your perspective of your life, then you will purposefully live in a Christ-like manner through loving obedience to God’s Word.

Pray unceasingly—think in a biblical manner—faithfully obey God’s Word…and enjoy the peace that only Christ can give.

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¹ The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament Edition, based on the New International Version, page 664, Victor Books, 1983, Editors John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck

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