Lessons on Peace
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon Outlines Tags: Sermons on PeaceINTRODUCTION: Acts 9:31
1. The persecution that Saul was a part of wreaked havoc on the churches of Palestine.
2. The Jews waged war against the church that resulted in death or imprisonment for many. Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2; 22:4, 19; 26:10, 11
3. One can well imagine the relief that came upon the churches when their greatest antagonist suddenly stopped his attack. 9:21; see also 9:2-6
4. Peace brings blessings, responsibilities, and lasting results.
1) What did the early church do with time of peace?
2) Did they squander it?
3) Or did they use it to rebuild, heal, and spread the borders of the kingdom?
5. Today we are enjoying a measure of peace following a time of trial (certainly not approaching the extent of the early church). How will we use this time of peace?
1) Will we squander it and fail to prepare for the next time of trial?
2) Or will we use it as an opportunity to strengthen ourselves in preparation for the next battle.
DISCUSSION:
I. THE BLESSING OF PEACE.
1. Trials deplete resources.
2. A time for gathering strength. A time to renew our emphasis on Bible study.
1) Has your time of trial caused a hunger and a thirst for righteousness? Matthew 5:6;
2) Sit down, the spiritual table is groaning under the weight of the feast waiting for you.
a. It will build you up. Acts 20:32;
b. It will make you grow. 1 Peter 2:2;
c. It will fully equip you for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3. A time to experience joy.
1) When we go through trials we may say, “Why me?”
2) James tells us to “count it all joy.” 1:2
a. Because of trial’s effects on us.
b. Patience, steadfastness.
c. Complete.
d. Salvation. Matthew 24:13; Gal. 6:9; Hebrews 3:14; James 1:12;
4. A time to reflect on the battle.
1) What mistakes did you make?
a. Did you stand, or run?
b. Did you wield the sword well enough?
c. Did your temper get the better of you?
2) What did you do especially well?
a. Did you remain close to the brethren?
b. Or did you distance yourself?
c. Did you try to encourage others?
d. Or were you absent?
3) What areas do you especially need to work on?
a. Your Bible knowledge?
b. Your courage?
c. Did you look to Jesus? Hebrews 12:1-2.
d. or to men? 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
II. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PEACE
1. Resist the urge to quit. Must continue the Christian waLuke
1) Demas. Philemon 24; Philippians 4:3; 2 Timothy 4:10.
2) Fight the good fight. 1 Timothy 6:12;
3) Give diligence. 2 Peter 1:10
2. Walk in the fear of the Lord.
1) Choose His wisdom and knowledge. Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 1:29;
2) Hate every false way. Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 16:6.
3) Life. Proverbs 14:27
3. Walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
1) The Holy Spirit gave the truth to the apostles. John 14:16, 26
2) Who, in turn, gave it to us. Ephesians 2:4
III. THE RESULT OF PEACE.
1. What will a built-up people walking in the fear of the Lord do? Carry on with their commission. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; 2 Timothy 2:2
2. Practice pure religion. Gal. 6:10; James 1:27.
3. Love one another. John 13:34, 35; 1 Peter 1:22
4. The church will grow. Acts 6:7; Acts 17:6; Acts 5:28; 5:42.
CONCLUSION:
1. There are those who believe that growth can be had only in times of persecution.
1) The devil doesn’t believe that. All persecution would stop.
2) The Bible teaches that the church grew in times of peace as well as times of trial.
2. Let us enjoy the blessings of peace.
3. Let us fulfill the responsibilities of peace.
4. Let us see the result of peace.