John 14: 27-end
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
l leave with you my peace.The end result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace,which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance at any circumstance. With Christ peace,we have no need to fear the present, past or the future. Sin,fear uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him. If your life is full of stress allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's peace.
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God's peace is different from the world's peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking,in absence of conflict,or in good feelings,it comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ Kingdom is sure. Our destiny is set,and we can have victory over sin. Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety.
The believer who places his or her full confidence in a loving God and is thankful in every circumstance will possess a supernatural peace. An "inner calm"will dominate the heart. The faithful believer will know peace--his heart and mind are " guarded" by it - despite raging without. No one,especially those outside of Christ,will be able to fathom that peace. To most,it will remain a mystery how someone can be so serene in the midst of turmoil.
The peace that comes from being in a right relationship with God is not the peace of this world. It surpasses all understanding. The world peace depends on having favorable circumstances: i.e if things are going on well, then we feel peaceful. When things go awry,the peace dissipates. Jesus made distinction between His peace and the world's vacillating peace."Peace I leave with you; my peace l give you. I do not give to you as the world gives".
God's supernatural peace surpasses natural understanding. A cancer patient who experiences this peace may proclaim "I am so thankful to God!" That is praise.
A cancer patient who is dying and in pain may calmly say "Everything is all right.I claim and I have peace in my heart". That is the peace that passes all understanding. And that is the peace God gives to his Children. I pray you obtain such mercies and enjoy in this grace as you read this sermon. May your life never be the same in Jesus' Name.