“And He shall be called…”

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

C.I.: “Prince of Peace”

During this series we have seen Jesus is; Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Eternal Father …. - Today…

I. God's Blessing of Peace through Jesus, (Romans 5:1)

A. Understanding “Peace”

1. False concepts about “Peace”

a. “This peace only occurs after we get to heaven.”
1) No, Isaiah tells us peace will come when a “child is born to us,” Isa. 9:6 .
2) Which is why the annunciation of Jesus birth was, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace among men with whom He is well pleased,” ( Lk. 2:14 ).

b. “Peace is only possible in the absence of conflict.”
1) This is “worldly peace” but not that which comes from God.
2) ( Jn. 14:27 ), “ Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give
to you.” - The world “gives” peace by removing the causes of conflict.
3) Yet peace is NOT the absence of conflict- but the presence of Jesus even in the midst of
conflict, ( Jn. 16:33 ), “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace . – In
the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome in the world.” 4) No matter the cause of our fears – with Jesus in our midst we can have peace, ( Jn. 20:19 ),
“When it was evening on that day, the 1 st day of the week, the doors were shut where the
disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came & stood in their midst & said, ‘Peace be w/you

B. “…we have peace”

1. Peace is a “present tense” reality for believers.

a. So how do attain peace with God...?
1) It begins with a mind-set, ( Rom. 8:6 ), “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set
on the Spirit is life and peace .”
2) Our thoughts control our choices, ( I Pt. 3:11 ), “We turn away from evil and do good; we seek
peace and pursue it.”
3) We then choose to obey God, ( Phil. 4:9 ), “The things which you have learned
& received & heard & seen in me, practice these things, & the God of peace will be with you.”
4) So when we focus our minds on God – and choose to do His will – not only will we have “the
God of peace” – but as it says two verses earlier, we will also have, “…the peace of God
which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts & your minds,” ( Phil. 4:7 ).

b. Since it is something believers have, we should therefore strive to share it with…
1) Each other, ( II Tim. 2:22 ), “…pursue R., faith, love & peace, w/those who call on….”
2) Everyone else too, ( Hebrews 12:14 ), “Pursue peace with all men.”



C. “…with God” (as opposed to the world)

1. As we saw in the “false concepts about peace,” – there can be no peace with the world.
a. The reason for this is clear – ( Rom. 3:17 ), “The path of peace they have not known.” – If the world
doesn't follow the Prince of Peace – it will never know the path of peace!
b. It's like many politicians today – they talk about the path to peace – but can they deliver??!
1) As is the case with non-believers, Paul says, ( I Thess. 5:3 ), “While they are saying, ‘Peace
and Safety!' – then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman
with child; and they shall not escape.

2. Thus, the only true peace - is the peace which comes from being in a right relationship with God.
a. ( Eph. 2:17 ), “He came and preached peace to those who were far away and to those who were near,”

D. “…through our Lord Jesus Christ”

1. Peace with God is possible - only because of what Jesus has done for us.
a ( Rom. 5:1a ), “Therefore having been justified by faith….” = Made Righteous!!! 1) Thus, our peace comes to us – because of our faith in what – Jesus did for us!!!

b. This “justification” came at a terrible cost....
1) ( Rom. 5:10 ), “If while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His
Son, much more having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” 2) ( Col. 1:20 ), “…He reconciled all things to Himself, having made peace thru the blood….”

c. Peace is now available to all groups of people.
1) ( Eph. 2:14-15 ), “For He Himself is our peace , who made both groups [Jews & Gentiles] into
one - and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity,
which is the Law of Commandments contained in ordinances, - so that in Himself He might
make the two [Jews & Gentiles] into one new man, thus establishing peace .”
2) Therefore, the peace we today enjoy is possible only because of what Jesus did for us!

2. If now we can have peace with God, in spite of the terrible weight of sin we formerly had, why do we allow
other things (smaller and less consequential than our sins) – to destroy our peace???!
a. “Will my baby be okay” – “I have A.I.D.S.!” – “Will I lose my job” - “Will it be a divorce.

b. Where is our faith? Where is our focus? – God already took care of the big stuff ! – He can handle this,
Rom. 8:32 , “He who did not spare His own Son, but offered Him up for us, how shall He not also…!”

CONCLUSIONS:

1. If you are a member of the Lord's church but find yourself without any peace in your life – where is your focus??!
2. If your faith is strong and your peace is great – God calls you to share your peace with others – Matt. 5:9; Mk. 16:15-15 .
3. If you are one of our visitors and would like to have the Prince of Peace with His awesome peace in your life…! I Peter 3:21