CHRIST OUR PEACE

CHRIST OUR PEACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 2:11-18

Key Verse:

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” (Ephesians 2:14, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27; Romans 5:1; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Ephesians 2:13-18; Colossians 1:19-20; Philippians 4:6-7.

Description: This message reveals Jesus Christ as the source of peace with God, peace among people, and peace within the heart, who breaks down every barrier that separates us from one another.

INTRODUCTION

Peace is one of the greatest needs of humanity. People search for peace in money, possessions, relationships, positions, achievements, and worldly security, yet many remain troubled within. Families experience conflict, communities struggle with division, nations engage in hostility, and individuals battle fear, anxiety, guilt, and uncertainty. This is because lasting peace cannot be secured by external circumstances alone; it must begin with a right relationship with God.

In Ephesians 2, Paul explains how sin separated humanity from God and created divisions among people. The Gentiles had once been alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise. However, through the blood of Jesus Christ, those who were far away were brought near. Paul then declares a profound truth: Christ Himself is our peace. He did not merely bring a message about peace; He came to establish peace through His death and resurrection.

Today, Christ remains the answer to the troubled heart, the divided family, the wounded relationship, and the broken fellowship between people. His peace reconciles us to God, removes the barriers of hostility, and teaches us to live together in love. When Christ becomes the centre of our lives, we can experience His peace even in difficult circumstances and become instruments of peace in a troubled world.

1. CHRIST IS OUR PEACE WITH GOD

The greatest problem facing humanity is not merely the absence of material things but separation from God through sin. Sin brought guilt, condemnation, and spiritual alienation. No amount of human goodness, religious activity, or personal achievement can independently remove that separation. We need a Saviour who can reconcile us to God.

Jesus Christ accomplished this reconciliation through His sacrificial death. Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness, justification, and access to the Father. Our peace with God is not based on our perfection but on the finished work of Jesus Christ.

a) Sin Separated Humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2) – “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Sin created a barrier between humanity and God. People may possess wealth, influence, and religious knowledge and still lack true peace if their relationship with God remains unsettled. The first step towards lasting peace is repentance and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.

b) Jesus Paid the Price for Our Reconciliation (Colossians 1:20) – The Bible teaches that God made peace through the blood of Christ's cross. Jesus bore the consequences of our sin so that we could be restored to fellowship with God. The cross is God's answer to humanity's guilt and hostility towards Him. We do not purchase this peace; we receive it through faith in Christ.

c) We Have Peace with God Through Faith (Romans 5:1) – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” When we receive Christ, we are justified by faith and brought into a new relationship with God. Our circumstances may not immediately change, but our standing before God changes. We are no longer enemies but children who can approach Him with confidence.

d) Christ Gives Us Access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18) – Through Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access by one Spirit unto the Father. We no longer need to live as spiritual outsiders. Through Christ, we can pray, worship, receive God's Word, and enjoy fellowship with Him. The peace Christ gives includes the privilege of living in the presence of God.

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

The prodigal son left his father's house and wasted his inheritance in sinful living. When he returned in repentance, his father received him with compassion and restored him to the family. This illustrates the joy of reconciliation. Through Christ, sinners who return to God can receive forgiveness and restoration.

2. CHRIST BREAKS DOWN THE WALLS OF HOSTILITY

Human beings often create walls that divide them. These walls may arise from ethnic differences, tribal loyalties, social status, past offences, religious misunderstandings, prejudice, jealousy, or unforgiveness. Some barriers are visible, while others exist in the heart. Such divisions prevent people from experiencing genuine fellowship and working together in unity.

In Ephesians 2:14, Paul declares that Christ has broken down the middle wall of partition. In the original context, the gospel brings believing Jews and Gentiles together in one reconciled people. The work of Christ challenges every form of hostility that contradicts the unity He creates in His Church.

a) Christ Destroys the Barriers That Divide Us (Ephesians 2:14) – Jesus has broken down the wall of partition between those who were formerly separated. The gospel does not demand that people have identical backgrounds, cultures, or personalities before they can love one another. Instead, it calls them to recognise their common salvation and new identity in Christ. We must reject prejudice and hostility that contradict the grace we have received.

b) Christ Makes Us One in Him (Galatians 3:28) – The apostle Paul teaches that all believers are one in Christ Jesus. This does not mean that every cultural or social distinction disappears, but that such distinctions must never become grounds for spiritual superiority, rejection, or hatred. In Christ, every believer is equally dependent on grace and equally called to love the body of Christ.

c) Love Must Replace Hatred and Prejudice (John 13:34-35) – Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. Christian unity is not sustained by slogans alone but by practical love, mutual respect, humility, and willingness to forgive. When believers allow hatred and discrimination to control their relationships, they contradict the message of the Saviour they proclaim.

d) We Must Become Agents of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) – God has given His people the ministry of reconciliation. We should not spread rumours, intensify quarrels, or encourage divisions. Instead, we must help people resolve disagreements, restore broken relationships, and pursue peace wherever possible. A reconciled person should become a reconciler.

Biblical Example: The Early Church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42-47)

The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. They shared with those in need and worshipped together with gladness. Their fellowship demonstrated how the work of God could unite people in devotion, generosity, and common purpose.

3. CHRIST GIVES PEACE TO THE TROUBLED HEART

Many people appear calm outwardly but are distressed inwardly. They worry about their families, finances, health, future, responsibilities, and unanswered prayers. Some are troubled by past mistakes, while others fear what tomorrow may bring. Worldly circumstances can change suddenly, but the peace of Christ can sustain the heart even when life becomes difficult.

The peace of Christ is deeper than the temporary comfort that comes when everything is going well. It is the assurance that God remains present, faithful, and sovereign. This peace does not mean that believers never experience sorrow or fear; it means that fear and sorrow do not have to rule their lives.

a) Christ Gives a Peace the World Cannot Give (John 14:27) – Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” The world often offers peace that depends on comfort, security, and favourable circumstances. Christ gives peace rooted in His presence and promises. Even when the storm continues, His presence can strengthen our hearts.

b) Prayer Helps Us Guard Our Hearts (Philippians 4:6-7) – The Word of God instructs believers to bring their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. As we surrender our concerns to Him, His peace guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Instead of allowing anxiety to dominate us, we can turn our worries into matters of prayer and trust God for wisdom and strength.

c) Trust in God Sustains Our Minds (Isaiah 26:3) – God promises to keep in perfect peace the person whose mind is stayed on Him because that person trusts in Him. Our thoughts influence our emotional responses. When we continually feed on fear, our anxiety may increase; when we meditate on God's truth and faithfulness, our confidence in Him is strengthened.

d) Christ Remains with Us in the Storm (Mark 4:35-41) – The disciples were terrified when a great storm arose while they were crossing the sea with Jesus. Yet Christ was present in the boat, and He rebuked the wind and the waves. His presence did not mean the disciples would never face a storm; it meant that the storm did not have the final authority over their lives.

Biblical Example: Daniel in the Lions' Den (Daniel 6:16-23)

Daniel was thrown into a den of lions because he remained faithful to God. Yet he continued to trust the Lord, who shut the lions' mouths and preserved his life. Daniel's experience reminds us that peace and confidence in God can sustain us even in threatening circumstances.

4. CHRIST TEACHES US TO MAKE PEACE WITH OTHERS

Receiving the peace of Christ should transform the way we relate to people. It is inconsistent to claim that we have peace with God while deliberately cultivating hatred, revenge, bitterness, and division. Although we cannot control every person's response to us, we can choose to walk in humility, forgiveness, and love.

Peace does not mean pretending that wrongdoing never happened or allowing abuse to continue. Biblical peace must be accompanied by truth, righteousness, and wisdom. Sometimes reconciliation requires honest conversation, repentance, accountability, and appropriate boundaries. Nevertheless, believers should not allow pride or the desire for revenge to control their hearts.

a) Pursue Peace as Much as It Depends on You (Romans 12:18) – Scripture says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” This instruction recognises that peace is not always entirely within our control. We cannot force everyone to agree with us, but we can control our own conduct. We should speak respectfully, avoid unnecessary quarrels, and do our part to resolve conflicts.

b) Forgive as Christ Has Forgiven You (Colossians 3:13) – Forgiveness is central to the Christian life. Because God has shown us mercy, we must resist the temptation to hold others permanently under the weight of their offences. Forgiveness does not excuse evil or remove the need for justice; rather, it releases personal vengeance to God and opens the way for healing.

c) Use Words That Promote Healing (Proverbs 15:1) – “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Words can either calm a situation or intensify it. A believer who desires peace must learn when to speak, how to speak, and when silence is wiser. We should avoid insults, gossip, public humiliation, and careless statements that destroy trust.

d) Be a Peacemaker, Not a Troublemaker (Matthew 5:9) – Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Peacemakers do not merely avoid conflict; they actively encourage reconciliation and understanding. In the family, church, workplace, and community, we should seek solutions rather than taking pleasure in quarrels and divisions.

Biblical Example: Abraham and Lot (Genesis 13:5-12)

When the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot began to quarrel because the land could not support all their possessions together, Abraham proposed that they separate peacefully. He allowed Lot to choose his preferred direction rather than permitting the disagreement to destroy their relationship. Abraham's action demonstrates humility and a willingness to pursue peace.

5. CHRIST'S PEACE ENABLES THE CHURCH TO WALK IN UNITY

The Church is called to be a visible demonstration of the reconciling power of Christ. It is made up of people with different backgrounds, gifts, temperaments, experiences, and levels of maturity. These differences should enrich the body rather than become reasons for competition and division.

Church unity does not require everyone to have the same personality or perform the same function. It requires believers to submit to Christ, honour the Word of God, serve one another, and maintain the unity of the Spirit. When Christ is truly central, personal ambition and rivalry give way to shared service and the advancement of God's kingdom.

a) Maintain the Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) – Believers are instructed to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Unity requires deliberate effort. We must guard against gossip, unhealthy competition, factions, and offences that divide the body. Every member has a responsibility to contribute to an atmosphere of peace.

b) Honour the Different Gifts in the Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) – The body of Christ has many members, and each member has a function. No member should despise another because of a different gift, position, or responsibility. We should celebrate the grace of God in others and work together rather than compete for recognition.

c) Put Away Pride and Selfish Ambition (Philippians 2:3-4) – Scripture instructs believers to do nothing through strife or vainglory but to consider others in humility. Many divisions begin when people insist on being recognised, consulted, praised, or given their preferred position. Christlike humility enables us to serve faithfully even when we are not in the spotlight.

d) Let the Peace of Christ Rule Your Heart (Colossians 3:15) – The peace of Christ should govern our attitudes and relationships. When disagreements arise, we should seek God's wisdom, examine our motives, and respond according to Scripture rather than anger. A peaceful church becomes a stronger witness to the transforming power of the gospel.

Biblical Example: The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-31)

The early Church faced a serious disagreement about whether Gentile believers had to observe the requirements of the law of Moses to be saved. The apostles and elders gathered, listened, examined the matter, and reached a decision guided by God's work among the Gentiles and the testimony of Scripture. Their response helped the Church address a difficult issue without abandoning the unity of the gospel.

6. CHRIST OUR PEACE MUST BE SHARED WITH THE WORLD

The peace we receive from Christ is not intended to remain a private blessing. God calls believers to demonstrate His character and proclaim the message of reconciliation to others. A troubled world needs to see Christians who speak truth with love, reject hatred, help the vulnerable, pursue justice, and offer the hope of the gospel.

We cannot bring lasting peace to humanity without addressing the problem of sin and pointing people to Jesus Christ. Social programmes and human agreements may contribute to stability, but spiritual reconciliation comes through the Saviour. Therefore, we must both live out the peace of Christ and proclaim Him as the only foundation of reconciliation with God.

a) Proclaim the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15) – Believers are instructed to have their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. We must be ready to share the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. The gospel brings hope to the guilty, comfort to the broken, and reconciliation to those who turn to Christ in faith.

b) Show Compassion to Those in Conflict (Matthew 5:7) – Christ calls His followers to demonstrate mercy. We should care for the wounded, support those facing hardship, and seek to understand people before judging them. Compassion does not mean compromising truth; it means reflecting God's heart while responding to human need.

c) Stand for Truth and Righteousness (Isaiah 32:17) – The work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance. Genuine peace is not built upon deception, oppression, or the concealment of wrongdoing. Christians must uphold honesty, fairness, justice, and integrity while pursuing reconciliation.

d) Let Your Life Point People to Christ (Matthew 5:16) – Our conduct should cause people to glorify our Father in heaven. When others observe our patience, forgiveness, integrity, and love, they see evidence of Christ's transforming work. Our lives should support the message we preach.

Biblical Example: Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8)

Philip preached Christ in Samaria, and many people received the message. The city experienced great joy as people heard the gospel and witnessed God's power. This account illustrates how the proclamation of Christ can bring hope and joy to people who need the transforming work of God.

CONCLUSION

Jesus Christ is not merely a giver of peace; He Himself is our peace. Through His blood, we have peace with God, and through His reconciling work, the barriers of hostility can be broken down. He offers peace to the troubled heart, teaches us to forgive and pursue reconciliation, and calls the Church to live in unity. The peace of Christ is greater than temporary comfort because it rests upon His finished work and His faithful presence.

Today, surrender every area of your life to Jesus Christ. If sin has separated you from God, repent and receive His forgiveness. If bitterness has troubled your heart, ask Him for grace to forgive. If conflict exists in your family or church, take a wise and godly step towards reconciliation. If anxiety has overwhelmed you, bring your concerns to God in prayer. Let Christ rule your heart, govern your relationships, and guide your actions. Become a peacemaker and a witness of His saving grace in a troubled world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to become my peace and reconcile me to Yourself, in Jesus name.

2. Lord Jesus, remove every barrier of sin, guilt, and disobedience that hinders my fellowship with You, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let the peace of Christ rule my heart and silence every voice of fear, anxiety, and confusion, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me the grace to forgive those who have offended me and release every bitterness from my heart, in Jesus name.

5. Father, break every wall of hostility, hatred, prejudice, and division in my family, church, and community, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me a peacemaker who brings reconciliation, understanding, and healing wherever I go, in Jesus name.

7. Father, preserve the unity of Your Church and deliver us from pride, jealousy, gossip, and unhealthy competition, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me wisdom to handle disagreements with humility, truth, patience, and love, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let Your peace sustain me through every storm and give me confidence in Your unfailing presence, in Jesus name.

10. Lord Jesus, use my life to spread the gospel of peace and bring many people into reconciliation with God, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall experience peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and condemnation shall no longer rule your heart.

2. You shall receive grace to overcome fear, anxiety, confusion, and every inner turmoil through the peace of Christ.

3. Every wall of hostility, bitterness, and division standing against your relationships shall give way to the transforming power of God's love.

4. You shall become an instrument of reconciliation in your family, church, workplace, and community.

5. The peace of Christ shall guard your heart and mind, even when you face circumstances beyond your control.

6. You shall receive wisdom to resolve conflicts peacefully without compromising truth, righteousness, or godly principles.

7. Your family shall grow in love, understanding, forgiveness, and unity as you submit your relationships to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

8. You shall not be controlled by hatred, revenge, or bitterness; the grace of God shall strengthen you to walk in forgiveness and love.

9. Your life shall become a testimony of Christ's reconciling power, and through your words and conduct, others shall be drawn to Him.

10. You shall continue to grow in the knowledge of Christ, walk in His peace, and faithfully proclaim the gospel of reconciliation wherever God sends you, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.