Unshakeable Peace
John 16:33

You’ve probably seen the slogan “World peace” People dream about this concept of peace, which for them it means, not conflict or wars between nations and people.  People have been pursuing peace for thousands of years, but their peace is based on circumstances.  If there is no war, I will have peace; if people would like me, I will be a peace….If I could get that job, I will have peace… (circumstantial)  I will like to tell you about a peace that is not dependent on the circumstance or situation you may be experiencing today.
Webster’s dictionary defines peace as a state in which there is no war or fighting.  It is freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom.
Webster’s definition is circumstantial: if there is no war or disturbance, if there is order then peace is obtained.  For most of the world, this is what peace is; but I want to let you know about a peace that is not circumstantial, it doesn’t depend on the situations you experience.
When Jesus told the disciples that he was going away, they were very discouraged and he told them, do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God, trust also in me…..I am going to prepare a place but I will come back to take you.  John 14:26-27  ²⁵“All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV
Jesus’ peace is different from the peace you could find in the world.  The world’s peace is dependent upon circumstances.  Jesus’ peace is not.  Jesus promised peace to his people and told them not to worry or be afraid.  This is right before he informed them about the struggles they will have for being his disciples; Jesus told them how they will be hated by the world and persecuted.  He said that many of would be scattered each to his own home.  This doesn’t sound very much like peace. Does it?  Sounds more like hardships and adversity that will come on them after Jesus left.
Then we read on John 16:33 the reason why Jesus spoke to them what we read in chapter 14 to 16 of John.  Verse 33   I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  Trouble is coming, but in me you can have peace.  The idea of peace in Hebrew (shalom) and Greek is the idea of harmony, completeness, wholeness.  The state of untroubled tranquility, wholeness, or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by the outward circumstances or pressures of life.

This peace is not the absence of conflict of war; it is tranquility or serenity during the conflict.
Tony Evans puts it this way: “Peace is where God’s calm and God’s tranquility overrule your concerns.”
Horatio Spafford experienced this peace when he went back to the place where he had lost his family and could say.  It is well with my soul.
When everyone in the Israelite camp trembled at the taunting voice of Goliath, David was calm and ready to face the challenge.
The three friends found peace in their trust in God when they were threatened to be burned.  They trusted God and were ready to face death. (Dan.3)

Christ’s peace is not based on the circumstances you may encounter.  He said you can have peace in the middle of the struggle or conflict.  You can be calm or find this tranquility.
It’s not circumstantial; Christ’s peace is a product of our identity in him.
“I have told you these things, not to scare you or so that you get discouraged.  SO THAT IN ME you may have peace.  This type of tranquility or serenity is only found in a relationship with Jesus.  In him.
The Bible says a great deal of the benefits you can have for being in Christ.
     – New Creation 2 Cor.5:17 a new creation of God.
     – We are declared right before God.  2 Cor.5:21
     – No judgment for those who are in Christ. Rom.8:1
     – Heirs of the promises. Gal.3:29
     – Peace in Christ.  John 16:33

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  Trouble is coming, but take heart! (take courage)! I have overcome the world.

This peace is based on Christ’s victory.  He has overcome the world and the power of death.  The world where we live, and in which we will have struggles is already overcome by our Lord.  Christ is offering this peace to anyone; this peace is only found in a relationship with him.  In Him.  The world doesn’t know this peace that transcends our understanding.  This peace doesn’t depend on your situation; Jesus promises that in the problem, in the storm, in the conflict, you will find peace because he has overcome the world.  You don’t have to wait for your situation to change, Jesus gives you peace in the midst of the situation.  It’s only through Jesus that you can be calm when your world may be falling apart.  Trouble is coming, but be courageous because I have overcome the world.  In me, you will have peace.
It is his peace that keeps you from being anxious in life.  Php.4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
Trouble in coming but it doesn’t matter because our peace in Jesus is unshakable.