Lesson 13

God is Peace

Definition:

The idea of God is peace can be seen more clearly in the Hebrew word "Shalom." The word is translated in a variety of ways but points to a sense of peace that only God can provide. It is translated sometimes as whole, full, or finished. It also carries with it a sense of being well or in good health. There is the idea of fulfilling an obligation, either a contractual agreement to do a task or the repayment of a loan, as well. Overall it expresses the deepest desire of the human heart which can only be filled by the God of Peace.

Meaning:

Although we search through many differing ways to find an inner peace we seemingly never find it. For one, buying a house may be the goal or accomplishment that will bring peace. But, once the house is bought there is the desire to seek something else to bring peace because the house didn't turn out to fill that desire. Only as we seek God and desire to know more about Him and let Him fill us can we find peace and have a feeling of completeness or fullness.

Scripture Support:

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Isaiah 48:18
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the see.

Ezekiel 33:11
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Cod, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn form his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Leviticus 26:3,6
If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Psalms 29:11
The Lord will give strength unto his people: the Lord will bless his people with peace.

Isaiah 26:12
Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

Isaiah 66:12
For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides and be dandled upon her knees.

Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Romans 15:33
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

II Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

John 14:27
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 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Conclusion:

Peace can only come from God. He will give it to those who are doing His will and bringing glory to Him, but only after they glorify Him.

Application:

I will seek to glorify God and put Him first in all that I do.