God wants His children to have peace. In the world we have tribulation but in Christ we should find peace. There are things which inhibit the child of God from finding His peace. This morning we will look at things that come between us and experiencing peace.
If our hearts and minds are seeking after the things of the flesh. If our focus is on earthly pleasures or on earthly gains. Always thinking about the things of this world. We will not experience the peace God wants us to experience. Romans 8:
Romans 8: [5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
- Sometimes we don’t have peace because we judge our brother.
Romans 14: [10] But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
[11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
[12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
[20] For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
[22] Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
To many times we become too judgmental in things which the scripture does not speak with clarity. We must never preach our own personal convictions as doctrinal truth but rather allow the scriptures to give us our doctrinal truths. Let us not impose our own personal ideas on our brothers in Christ. But rather fellowship in the truth of God’s Word. The Pauline Epistles are very clear on matters of dis-fellowship and the conditions in which to apply church discipline. On all others let us follow peace with our brothers.
- Sometimes we don’t have peace because we are experiencing doubt.
Romans 15: [13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Even the strongest of disciple may experience brief moments of doubt. But God wants us to put our complete trust in Him and His word. There is a definite peace for laying aside doubt and resting in the Lord and His promises.
- Sometimes we don’t have peace because we don’t know when to let things go.
1 Corinthians 7: [15] But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
God allows people and circumstance to roll through our lives. We need to learn when God closes a door it is foolhardy and detrimental to our spiritual well-being to continue kicking a door God has closed. Surely if we allow God to close a door He will open another. Too many times we, like a dog with a bone, refuse to let something go.
- Sometimes we do not have peace because we allow worry in our hearts.
- Sometimes we do not have peace because we refuse to give everything to God reserving some things to “work out ourselves”.
- Sometimes we have no peace because we have a lack of concern for others.
- Sometimes we do not have peace because we have an unthankful heart.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6, 7
Worries
- Everything not just “big” things
- There is nothing too big for God
- There is nothing too small for God if it concerns His children it concerns Him
- Lack of prayer
- If we are not talking with the Father we will have no peace.
- It takes a constant open line with Him to bring peace
- Lack of concern for others
- Supplications are our prayers for others
- If we have no concern for our brothers and sisters why would we expect God to be concerned with our requests?
- Lack of thankfulness
- When prayers are answered in the affirmative do we take time to appreciate God
- When prayers are not granted do we thank God for having listened?
- Requests not demands
- Our prayers and supplications must be offered with the proper attitude
- Not offered as an expectation of a spoiled child as if we are too good to be refused
- Open communication with the Father
May we find peace in this troubled world resting in God’s grace.
Rom.15: [33] Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.