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Peace: Let It Begin With Me

TEXT: Luke 2:14-15

Introduction:

  1. Christmas is just a few days away.
  2. Although it is true that we don't know what day of the year Jesus was actually born, men have chosen December the 25th to commemorate the birth the Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace.
  3. It was on the night of his birth that angels appeared to a group of frightened shepherds and sang the seraph song,

    "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing Luke 2:14 - 15

  4. The words of this passage call to mind the words of the Christmas song "Let there Be Peace On Earth." (read words from the last page of this sermon).

Discussion:

  1. If ever there was a time the world needed Peace it was then.
    1. It was a world so crass that a pregnant woman, who had traveled for days under difficult circumstances was forced to lodge and give birth to her child in a stable.
    2. Paul describes the world of the first century in powerful words (Romans 1:21-32).
    3. Many first century citizens were able to thank God because the Prince of Peace was born in that little stable.
  2. But, today's world needs the prince of peace more than ever.
    1. The drunk executive who wrecked his car on the way home from a party: they found him over the hill next to his mangled car, throwing hundred dollar bills into the air saying, "I don't want more money, I just want peace."
    2. Look around you today, Racial strife, brush wars, millions being starved to death in political struggles in Africa, Wars, Slavery (Moslems selling Christians in Africa)
    3. Look in the headlines at million dollar athletes who are willing to risk it all on a momentary high from a little strip of white dust.
    4. What are they looking for: the drug addicts, the alcoholics, the shopaholics, the thrilaholics, the workaholics ???????? PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  3. If there is to be peace in the world today it must begin with me and my relationship to God.
    1. It begins with my relationship with Jesus Christ,
    2. The angels declared him to be the prince of peace.
    3. His favorite greeting was Peace

      Luke 10:5 "But whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house.'

      Luke 24:36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you."

      John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

    4. Jesus promised peace to his followers.

      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.

      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."

    5. Jesus promised special blessing to those who were peacemakers.

      Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

      1. Being a peacemaker implies that we are the source of peace, so as the song says peace does begin with me.
  4. Paul and Peter's standard greeting was always "Grace and peace."
    1. They are never reversed. The word order is always the same because they understood by divine inspiration that there can be no peace until there is Gace.

      Romans 1:7; Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2 2; Timothy 1:2 ; Titus 1:4 Philemon 1:3; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Pet 1:2.

    2. Our sins have separated us from God and created spiritual and carnal turmoil in our lives. There is nothing we could do to earn peace from God is by Grace

      Isaiah 59:1 - 2 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

      Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

    3. Grace comes through faith

      Romans 5:1-4 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

    4. One the day of Pentecost the people became acutely aware of their need for peace:

      Acts 2:37-48 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  5. As Christians we have a mind set that brings peace to the world.

    Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

    1. We should always strive to be at peace with our brethren,

      Ephesians 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

      Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called.

    2. We should always strive to be at peace with those around us.

      Rom 12:18 -21 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

      James 3:13 -18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Conclusion:

  1. Is there peace in your family, on the job, in your neighborhood, with God? May we each say this day "Let it begin with me."


(Let it Begin With me)
Sy Miller and Bill Jackson

Let there be peace on earth
and let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow;
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
and let it begin with me