Temple Baptist Church - 9-11-2013
 
Colossians 3:15
 
Introduction:
A. Peace is an important aspect of both salvation and sanctification. In our verses we find three things: an inward peace, an outward peace, and an upward thankfulness for peace.
B. I want to look at these three in reverse order.
1. There is an upward thankfulness for peace and we should indeed be thankful for our peace with God.
a. Salvation’s peace is peace with God which depends solely upon God. Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Peace with God is not contingent upon personal merit nor is it a matter of emotion or personal feelings. I am saved if I act like it or nor and I am saved if I feel like it or not!)
b. Some people never get it. Salvation is by grace or unmerited favor. We are not good enough to be saved nor are we good enough to remain saved. You cannot be “unborn” because our spiritual birth establishes a relationship similar to our physical one that cannot be broken. No matter where I go or what I do, I am and always will be the son of Archie D. and Hilda E. Johnston!!! Our sin breaks fellowship with God, not our relationship with God.
c. Then there is the matter of feeling or not feeling saved. We are people of emotion; people who have ups and downs; people who so often fail in matters of both flesh and faith; but salvation does not depend upon how we feel. Too many people doubt their salvation because of guiltiness or emotions. What Christ did for you is an eternal work and as long as the blood is on the Mercy Seat in heaven, you are saved and secure. Salvation is in Christ alone and, therefore, it is settled!
d. The Person of peace is Christ; the price of peace is the blood; and the place of peace is in Christ. Thank God for a peace with God that never changes!!
2. There is an outward peace that should be universal. Paul said, “To the which also ye are called in one body.”
a. “And” - Love and peace can and should cohabitate. If we love right, peace will permeate the church.
b. “Let” – Let shows both possibility and personal responsibility. “Let” means that peace may not
c. “Peace of God” – God’s peace is not to be broken! Men often make peace but then break it; God does not.
d. “Rule” – Comes from a word that means the “award of arbitration:” to properly settle conflict.
e. “In your hearts” – The peace of God is not a mental thing; it is a heart thing.
f. “To the which also ye are called” – God hates division and has called us to peace within the church.
g. “One body” – Unity is found in one body without schisms.
1) We are called to peace. We have, in the preceding verses, dealt with the unity that God desires for His church. Peace is a must if unity is to be found in the local church. When speaking of peace within the context, Paul is referring to the body of the saints who are called to peace. There MUST be peace within the local church body in order to do the work that is so necessary to evangelism, edification, and missions. Satan has made a wreck of most denominations and local churches.
2) The criteria for this peace is found in the previous verses in which we are instructed to mortify, put off, put on, and fervently love. When these things are accomplished, we will have peace within our church. This peace depends upon our resolve to both be right and do right. This peace depends upon our realization that we are brothers and sisters in Christ: a family.
3) The foundation of this peace is found in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
3. There is an inward peace that needs to rule in our hearts. Here is the problem with an inward peace: you can have peace with God through salvation, peace with God’s people, and not have personal peace in your heart. You see, this peace depends solely upon us. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (Sanctification’s peace is so important to God’s children! Much lack of peace comes from “walking at a guilty distance from the Lord.” When we walk in fellowship with the Lord, our hearts and minds are stayed upon Him and that perfect peace of Isaiah 26:3 in our hearts.)
a. The Peace Of God Comes Through Believing What God Has Said - 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.
1) Believing His Promise Of Salvation - Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
2) Believing His Promise Of Provision - Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
3) Believing His Promise Of Protection - Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
b. The Peace Of God Comes Through A Realization That He Is In Control - John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (the winds and waves still know)
c. The Peace Of God Comes Through Keeping Your Mind Stayed Upon Him - Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Stayed – to lean upon or to rest in - not in self; not in circumstances)
d. The Peace Of God Comes Through Spiritual Mindedness - Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if[there be any praise, think on these things.
e. The Peace Of God Comes Through Making 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.
f. The Peace Of God Comes Through Being Filled With The Holy Ghost - Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
g. The Peace Of God Comes Through Prayer - 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.
h. The Peace Of God Comes Through Obedience To Scripture - Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.