SHARPER THAN A SWORD

SERMONS

Hebrews 4:12-13 "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

All articles are written using the NKJV, unless otherwise noted! All articles are written by David Hicks, unless specified otherwise.

"The Peace of Christ"

Part 4

MAKING PEACE WITH ONESELF!

Introduction

1. We have seen that the peace Christ offers involves…Peace with God, and with

Mankind.

2. Jesus also offers peace with oneself, or peace of mind….

a. Defined as : the absence of mental stress or anxiety.
b. Also: serenity, calm, quiet, and comfort of mind.

 

[We begin our study of this aspect of “The Peace of Christ” by considering….]

 

I. THE NEED FOR PEACE OF MIND.
A. The Problem of Anxiety ….

1. Anxiety is distress.

a. Characterized by mental agitation and uneasiness, either mild or severe.
b. It primarily has to do with what may happen in the future, either near or distant.

2 . According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)…

a. More than 23 million people suffer from anxiety disorders.
b. Anxiety disrupts work, family, and social lives, with some becoming

housebound.

c. It is the most common of all the mental disorders.

3. Anxiety (or worry) is one of the most counterproductive things we can do.

a. Worry is like a rocking chair: gives you something to do, but won't get you anywhere.
b. Worry is a fast getaway on a wooden horse.
-- Anxiety, or the lack of peace of mind, is a very common problem.

 

B. The Problem with Anxiety….

1. Christians certainly are not immune to the problem of anxiety.

a. Even faithful disciples can worry and be troubled -

Luke 10:41 “And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.”

b. Just as anxiety disrupts work, family, etc., so it can hinder our service to the Lord.

2. It is also a reflection of “little faith” on our part.

a. Such as; worrying about things like food and clothing. Matthew 6:25-30
b. Such as; worrying about preserving one's life. Matthew 8:24-26

3. “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith; and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.” - George Muller

Anxiety, or the lack of peace of mind, is a very serious problem.

 

[Since anxiety is both a common and serious problem, consider how….]

 

II. JESUS OFFERS PEACE OF MIND.
A. His Promise of Peace…

1. He offers “My peace” to His disciples, so they need not be troubled nor afraid – John 14:27.

2. He says that “in Me” they can have peace, and be of good cheer – John 16:33.

-- Thus Jesus promises peace that only He can provide!

 

B. His Solution For Peace…

1. Prioritize – Matthew 6:31-34;

a. We must have our priorities straight.
b. Seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness
c. Make His will and His way our number one priority!

2. Simplify – Luke 10:41-42;

a. Martha was worried and troubled about “many things”.
b. Many things can “choke” our ability to bear good fruit.
c. Only one thing is really needed; we thus need to simplify our lives.

3. Have faith –

Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

Matthew 6:30 “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Matthew 8:26 “But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me”

a. Faith is the antidote to worry and fear (anxiety).
b. Jesus taught faith in God and in Him as the solution.
c. Such faith comes from the Word of God –

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

4. Pray –

Philippians 4:6-7 “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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

--Four simple steps to enjoying the peace of mind Jesus offers!

 

[That we might make the effort to take these simple steps, let's briefly note….]

 

III. THE PEACE OF MIND JESUS OFFERS.
A. It is Not of This World…..

1. Not as the world gives –

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

2. Peace despite tribulation –

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

--A heavenly peace despite earthly circumstances!

 

B. It is The Peace of God….

1. That surpasses understanding –

2. That guards one' s heart -

Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

--A peace that transcends the mind and protects the heart!

 

Conclusion

1. Anxiety with its worry and fear need not trouble the disciple of Jesus…..

a. Jesus has reconciled the disciple back to the God of peace.
b. Jesus has taught the disciple how to enjoy true peace of mind.

 

2. It all depends on whether the disciple is willing to heed Jesus by….

a. Prioritizing and simplifying
b. Believing and praying

 

Those willing to so follow Jesus have this wonderful promise..

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”