TOPIC:"The Peaceful God in a Peaceless World"
by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap
TEXT:Philippians 4:1-10
"and the God of peace shall be with you" (4:9)
Of the many descriptive phrases used in the Bible to identify God, one of the most arresting and appealing is the title "the God of peace." Though God is addressed as "the God of Israel," "the God of Heaven," "the God of Hosts," "the God of patience," and "the God of all grace," the most meaningful for this troubled world in which we live is the one given to us by Saint Paul here in our text - "the God of peace." What a beautiful description of God!
You may not be aware that this designated title "the God of peace" is used in at least seven different places in the New Testament. Six times by the Apostle Paul himself as he sets forth the truth that it is possible though we live in a troubled and disturbed world for each one of us to find peace in the midst of such turmoil. We can experience freedom from fear and a calmness of mind that need not be ruffled by adversity or disturbed by difficulties. Such tranquility and quietness is promised us by Christ when He declared: "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" (John 14:27). Think of it: The peace of Christ in a peaceless world.
Give attention to those words of Paul as he describes this "God of peace" in four passages of Scripture. In Romans 15:33 we read words similar to our text: "Now the God of peace be with you all." In Romans 16:20 we read: "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet." In II Corinthians 13:11 we read: "Live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." In I Thessalonians 5:23 we read: "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly." And whoever did write Hebrews, if Paul did not, we read: "Now the God of peace...Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight" (Hebrews 13:20, 21). It is to this God of peace that Paul is encouraging us to surrender our lives.
I suggest that we search out the truth Paul is endeavoring to set forth in these passages of God's Word where we find the phrase "the God of peace."
I.
Let's begin by returning to the words of our text where we find the God of peace is presented as a CALMING PRESENCE. Listen again to Paul's words to the Philippian Christians: "and the God of peace be with you." In these words we find the peaceful presence of God guiding our steps and protecting us as we . . .