Four Gifts of Christmas - Peace Isaiah 9:1-7; Luke 2:14 Jesus Christ is the Reason to Sing for Joy Thieves of Peace “Unchecked worry becomes a peace killer.” Lacking confidence in the provision of God. Unconfessed, hidden sin. You will never enjoy the peace of God while protecting the things that kill it. Satan and my flesh are enemies, not allies. Shame and guilt. Second guessing the Lord. When the Prince of Peace reigns in our lives, then the peace of God rules in our hearts. 1. The Peace of God is Not the Absence of Conflict We are supposed to live together in peace Colossians 3:15 , Romans 12:16 , Romans 12:18 Conflict with Lost People 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 There are people that will not like your or love you because you follow Christ and publicly declare your faith. Conflict in the Church 1 Corinthians 5:11–13 2. The Peace of God is Not the Absence of Suffering 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:12 God is using trouble and difficulty to Transform Us into His image Change our character Increase our capacity for Joy 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, 2 Corinthians 4:16–17 3. The Peace of God is His Supply and His Presence in the Life of the Believer Peace “Shalom” - “the possession of adequate resources” Remember He is enough as we struggle with circumstances and fear. John 16:33, John 14:27 He is enough as we struggle with sinful habits and temptations. Galatians 5:17 The Gift of Peace is not possible until you receive the first three gifts from Jesus. Peace is not the absence of struggle; rather, it’s peace in the midst of struggle You will never know peace without asking Christ to save you from your sins. We must practice the presence of God in Prayer. Philippians 4:6–7 Four Gifts of Christmas - Joy Luke 2:10; Psalm 98 Thieves of Joy Unrelenting high levels of pressure Living outside your calling or serving in the wrong place Leading in a toxic or unhealthy environment Lack of close relationships and friends you trust Unresolved conflict at home Feeling unappreciated or unwanted Working hard but little results The absence of joy often manifests itself as discouragement. JOY Jesus Others You Jesus Christ is the Reason to Sing for Joy 3 Groups that Should Sing for Joy Individuals (1-3) Nations (4-6) Nature (7-9) Why Should We Sing for Joy to Jesus? He Has Done Wonderful Things He Has Delivered us on His own. He Has Shown what He is like in the Work of Salvation. He is gracious and merciful. He is and will put all things right publicly. He has remained true to His promises. He has made known His salvation to the ends of the earth. Application 1. “Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence.” (Eugene Peterson) 2. The presence of joy does not mean the absence of pain. 3. Joy is always new. 4. Discipleship habits, more than ecstatic moments, are the practices of joy.