Peace Be Unto You

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-2-2025

John 20:19-23

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Our Lord Jesus has finished the Gospel, offered the precious blood upon the Mercy Seat in heaven, and showed up for church on the next first day of the week.  This first appearance is an invaluable one as our Lord transferred the work of the Gospel to His children.

 

B.  The Lord came into a room that was shut up.  His heavenly body was not subject to the laws of nature!  When He stepped into the room, they knew Him.  Our Lord spoke first.

 

C.  It is important to observe what the Lord said to His disciples.  He said, “Peace be unto you,” twice: verses 19 and 21. 

 

1.  He knew that they had shut and locked the doors for fear of the Jews.  (Verse 19)  “disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews.”  The Jews had crucified the Lord, and the disciples were shaken and fearful. 

 

2.  In the mind of the disciples, if the Jews were allowed to do this to the Son of God, what chance did they have to escape.  What would the Jews now do to them?

 

D.  Before the Lord said anything else, He said, “Peace be unto you.”  Peace of God is almost as important peace with God.

 

1.  Peace with God comes through salvation.  The enmity is gone!  The price for our sin and redemption paid in full.  So many people nowadays spend their lives trying to merit or keep salvation through sinful works.  Why did I say sinful works?  Because the Bible is clear at this point.

 

2.  Salvation is repentance from dead works and faith toward God!  Hebrews 6:1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

 

3.  Security is also an act of God as He has given to us eternal life and eternal life is just that.  1 Peter 1:5-6  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (6)  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

 

4.  Peace of God comes through a faith that trusts.  1 John 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

E.  Peace of God is a gift that He gives to EVERY believer!  John 14:27  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.

 

1.  The Peace of God is Available.  “Peace I leave with you.”  The Lord left it with His people.  Now, what have we done with it?  Where did we put it?

 

2.  The Peace of God is Accessible.  “”My peace I give unto you.”  The Lord gifted it to His people.  A gift is not ours until we receive it.

 

3.  The Peace of God is Assured.  “Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”  Peace will never be taken away by the Lord. 

 

4.  The Peace of God is Accepted.  “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  If we do not have peace tonight, it is a problem with us, not with Him! 

 

F.  Peace of God is essential to carrying out the work of the Gospel.  The Lord Jesus Commissioned the disciples, and that commission is passed on to us.

 

G.  If God’s peace is available—and it is, accessible—and it is, assured—and it is, then how do we attain it?

 

1.  The Peace of God comes through total Surrender.  Isaiah 32:17  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

 

2.  Peace Comes Through Loving The Scripture - Psalms 119:165  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

 

3.  Peace Comes Through A Right Attitude About Oneself - Psalms 37:11  But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

 

4.  Peace Comes Through Following The Righteous - Psalms 37:37  Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

 

5.  Peace Comes Through Embracing The Knowledge of God - 2 Peter 1:2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

 

6.  Peace Comes Through Meditating Upon The Lord - Isaiah 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

 

7.  Peace Comes Through Making Peace - James 3:18  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

 

2 Corinthians 13:11  Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

 

8.  Peace Comes Through Taking Your Burdens To The Lord And Leaving Them There - Philippians 4:6-7  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.