NOTES: Wonder, Part 3

Wonder: Contending For Peace

Date: Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023

Text: Micah 5:2–5a

Let’s Connect:

If peace is so popular, why don’t we have it?

Learning from the Bison:

Contend- to assert and maintain:

Text Explained:

Micah 5:2–5 (ESV)2  But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace…

Summary:”…and He shall be their peace!”

WHY the conflict and need for violence to establish peace.

Matthew 11:12–13, 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, (or has been coming violently),and the violent take it by force.

Luke 16:16 (ESV)16 “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. 

Our text- Bethlehem and the battle scene that leads to Peace:

Luke 2:13–14 (ESV) 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

John 14:27, “27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Colossians 1:18–20, 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (he is in the highest place—no one higher) 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

This is how His peace is established?

1.       Through His reign and rule

2.       Through the work of the cross

“When the Prince of Peace came, He described the process toward peace as being the way of the sword. Jesus did not come to..(tell) humanity that its sin does not matter, and its wickedness is nothing, that presently it will all be forgotten. He came in the name of God and eternity to declare war upon all the things that prevent peace.” —G. Campbell Morgan

The kingdom is where Jesus reigns              

…living under the Lordship of the Prince of Peace

This is one of our greatest battles.

Let’s Relate:

We contend for this peace:

Ephesians 6:14-15 (ESV) 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Shoes: Roman spikes

How we assert and maintain for peace:

Our Challenge:

The storm is not forever

Forever will be the Peace of God!