December 16-17, 2006, Luke 2:8-14; Selected

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
A Gift that’s Hard to Figure Out
Pastor Matt Myers

One gift from God that's hardest to figure out is PEACE.

Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
[13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
[14] "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

God's peace is one of the ultimate paradoxes of life.

Understanding Peace

BIG IDEA: Peace is both possessed and pursued.

PRINCIPLE #1:
It is securely possessed because it's a gift.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

AND

It has to be pursued with passion because of my own sin.

1 Peter 3:11
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

PRINCIPLE #2:

It is securely possessed because God promises assurance.

1 John 5:11-12
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

AND

It has to be pursued with passion because of conflict.

James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

If we try to merely possess peace without pursuing it, you are simply attempting to acquire FIRE INSURANCE.

BUT

If you try to merely pursue peace without first possessing God's peace, you are practicing HUMANISM.

How do I live at peace?

Securing God's Peace

Pursuing Peace with Self and Others

Philip. 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The key is to pursuing peace is prayer.