Scripture Text: Isaiah 26:1-9
Memory Verse: 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 14:27
Lesson Aim: To show that peace is available while living in a world filled with turmoil.
Key Points - God is the source of all peace. - To be untroubled and unafraid is peace. - Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. - True peace can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Peace, wonderful peace coming down from the Father above! An untroubled mind, a mind unafraid, is a mind experiencing wonderful peace. Peace is a blessing available for the believer. It flows from God the Father through Jesus Christ, His Son. The word “peace” occurs about 420 times in the King James Version of the Holy Bible, with various shades of meaning depending on the context.
When Jesus came on the scene, the first century world was turbulent, just as the 21st Century world is today. In the first century, the military forces of the Roman Empire occupied the Holy Land. Rome appointed the clergy and the politicians who ruled the people. Jewish religious leaders were openly hostile to Jesus and sought to kill Him.
In the midst of such destabilizing circumstances, Jesus maintained peace of mind by staying focused on doing his Father’s will (John 4:34; 6:38). He was able to leave peace and give peace to His disciples, instructing them not to be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). He set a lasting example for believers to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
However, the apostles did not completely understand Jesus’ pronouncement of peace. After His crucifixion, their minds were fearful, as evidenced by their ducking and dodging of the Jewish authorities (John 20:19). After Jesus was resurrected, He sent them to Jerusalem to await the endowment of power. Following their baptism with the Holy Ghost and power, they experienced peace.
Peace, a part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), can only be attained through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Apostle Paul writing to the Philippian brethren expresses it this way “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” (Philippians 4:6-7).
The 21st century world of confusion, immorality, and violence should have no troubling effect on the mind of believers because in Isaiah 26:3, the Scripture says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he admonishes him, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7.
How can one have peace of mind, the peace that is free of worry and fear? Peace can be found only in Jesus Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” As long as individuals, in particular, and society, in general, reject Jesus Christ, there will be no universal peace. The only available means to lasting peace of mind in our personal interaction with others and between peoples and nations is recognition of and obedience to God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ!
Questions and Discussion
- Based on Isaiah 9:6-7; 45:7, who is the source of peace?
- How would we define peace of mind according to John 14:27?
- Why will some people never know peace? Isaiah 57:20-21; 59:1-8.
- How can we experience perfect peace? Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 11:28.
- How is peace a product of justification? Romans 5:1.
- What steps can we take to maintain peace of mind? John 14:1; 1 Peter 5:7; Colossians 3:15-16; Romans 12:18.