"Peace" (Part 2)

Paul comforts the Christians with the assurance of God's peace.

I. The Content of Peace
A. Peace with God

B. Peace within one's soul

II. The Peculiar Characteristic of Peace
A. "which surpasses all comprehension"—lit., "all mind"

B. It's almost beyond belief; superlative beyond description

III. The Power of Peace
A. "shall guard your hearts and minds"

1. To guard—II Cor. 11:32; Gal. 3:23; I Pet. 1:5
2. Your hearts [innermost being] and minds [rational part]
3. Various kinds of peace serve as comfort to the believer
4. Peace of personal salvation protects against Satan

B. "in Christ Jesus"

1. A reference to union with Christ
2. It also means that in His Person one can find peace

Application
A. Avoid the opposites of peace—weeds and false peace

B. Pay attention to the conditions for peace

C. Develop this true fruit

D. If you don't have this peace . . .

1. Be careful not to fall into great resentment
2. Acknowledge your restless condition (Is. 57:20)
3. Surrender to the God of peace (Phil. 4:9)