If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Why Do I Worry?

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Study Notes

There are many things to be concerned about in our world and in our personal lives. Hardly a day goes by without another piece of news that threatens our peace. Is peace really possible? Is this just a Christmas card motto? Do we have our heads in the sand? What does a life of peace actually look like?

1. "If Jesus is the Prince of Peace..."
   Is He? The title comes from Isaiah 9:6. It is the fourth name used to describe the character of the Promised Messiah. Peace is a common theme of Isaiah...
   • Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
   • Isaiah 32:17 "The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever."
   • Isaiah 48:18 "Oh, that you had headed My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea."

Israel was in desperate need of peace. The nation was unraveling on every level but these promises given to Isaiah for the people were much larger in scope than they imagined.

The apostles eventually understood that Isaiah's prophecies had two parts. The Prince of Peace would have two advents (arrivals). The first would be for those who wanted peace, the second would be to make peace.

The peace we need is more than tranquility. We need all things made right: 

• right with God,
• right with each other,
• right on the inside,
• right on the outside.

We need a Captain of Shalom!

1. "Why do I Worry?"
   1. Because I am uncertain about my relationship with God.
      According to Romans 5:1, only the "justified" are at peace with God and justification is only possible by faith. So, one of the first steps to overcome worry is to fear God properly (See Luke 12:4, 5).
   2. Because I disregard the paths to peace.
      God has outlined various "means" to becoming a person of peace but we have to cooperate to become who we are...saints living in the sphere of peace.
      1. Personal practices are outlined in Matthew 6 and Philippians 4.
         • Remember the futility of worry.
         • Remember God is with us.
         • Remember to worship God and ASK!
         • Remember to give thanks.
         • Remember to think regularly about the right things. See Philippians 4:8.
      2. Relational practices are outlined in Matthew 5, Philippians 2 and Colossians 3.
         • Remember to reconcile quickly.
         • Forget about your "importance" and think about the needs of others.
         • Refuse all forms of retaliation. You cannot have peace and be plotting revenge at the same time. Leave it to the Prince of Peace.

The God of Peace wants us to have peace and be at peace. He is making us people of peace to live in a kingdom of peace. How can we not be at peace when we are children of the Prince of Peace?

Some questions for family, small groups, or personal discussion

1. What are the main disruptors to your personal peace?
2. Discuss further benefits of being "right with God."

Suggested means for growth

Make a list of the things Paul wrote about in Philippians 4:8. Choose to think about these things.