Peace by all means | Rev. Abiodun Adesanya

Primary Text: John 14:27

Supporting Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15; Isaiah 26:3; Numbers 6:24–26

CENTRAL MESSAGE

Jesus did not only promise to give us provision, prosperity or material blessings. One of the greatest things He promised to leave with His people is peace.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
— John 14:27

The peace Jesus gives is different from the peace the world offers.

The world tries to create peace through money, possessions, security, political solutions, technology and human systems. Yet these things cannot guarantee lasting peace.

True and lasting peace comes from God.

1. JESUS LEFT US HIS PEACE

Jesus said:

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you.”

This was significant because Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure.

He had taught them:

• How to live
• How to heal
• How to deliver
• The way of righteousness
• The principles of God’s Kingdom
• How to walk with God

Yet, among the things He emphasised was peace.

Why?

Because peace is essential to living the life God intends for us.

Jesus continued:

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Key Thought:

You need the peace of God more than many of the things you are pursuing.

2. THE WORLD NEEDS PEACE

The early Church repeatedly emphasised peace.

The apostles frequently concluded their letters with expressions of peace because they understood the environment in which believers were living.

There was:

• Persecution
• Economic hardship
• Limited resources
• Social pressure
• Opposition to the Church

Yet the message remained:

May the peace of the Lord be with you.

If the early believers needed peace in their difficult circumstances, how much more does the Church need the peace of God today?

3. MORE POSSESSIONS DO NOT NECESSARILY PRODUCE MORE PEACE

We live in a world with more:

• Money
• Technology
• Gadgets
• Cars
• Houses
• Communication
• Entertainment
• Convenience

Yet many people are experiencing increasing levels of anxiety and pressure.

The more possessions people acquire, the more responsibilities and concerns can accompany them.

A house may come with a mortgage.

A car may come with insurance and maintenance.

Technology may come with constant notifications.

Money may come with financial responsibilities.

Success may come with pressure to maintain it.

Key Thought:

Having more does not automatically mean having more peace.

4. THE RAT RACE HAS BECOME A SOURCE OF PRESSURE

People are constantly pursuing the next thing.

The mentality is:

“I need more.”

More money.

More success.

More recognition.

More possessions.

More opportunities.

More security.

But there comes a point where the pursuit itself becomes exhausting.

People can have money in their accounts and still feel broke.

They can have beautiful homes and still feel unsettled.

They can have access to technology and still feel lonely.

They can have successful careers and still struggle internally.

The problem is not always what we have.

Sometimes the problem is what we are expecting those things to give us.

5. THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE THE PEACE WE NEED

Jesus said:

“My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth.”

The world has systems designed to create stability.

There are:

• Economic policies
• Political systems
• Security strategies
• Technology
• Financial planning
• Insurance
• Physical security

These things can be useful, but they cannot provide the peace that only God can give.

Key Principle:

Do not expect the world to give you what only God can provide.

6. THERE IS ANXIETY EVERYWHERE

The modern world has created many reasons for people to worry:

• “What will happen to me?”
• “What will happen to my children?”
• “What will happen to my job?”
• “What will happen to my finances?”
• “What will happen to my family?”
• “What will happen to the future?”

There is uncertainty about the economy, politics, security and society.

The result is that many people live in a constant state of anticipation and anxiety.

But God has another provision:

His peace.

7. THE ANSWER IS GOD

The answer to the endless rat race is not simply to acquire more.

The answer is to know God and receive the peace that comes from Him.

Jesus is described as the Prince of Peace.

The world does not possess the kind of peace that the believer needs.

Therefore, we must stop looking to temporary things to provide permanent peace.

The answer is God.

8. PEACE AT ALL TIMES AND IN EVERY SITUATION

2 Thessalonians 3:16

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation.”

This is the heart of the message.

Notice the scope of the promise:

At all times.

Not only when things are going well.

In every situation.

Not only when circumstances are favourable.

God’s peace can operate:

• In prosperity
• In difficulty
• During uncertainty
• During transition
• In waiting seasons
• During financial pressure
• During family challenges
• During workplace challenges

Prayer:

Lord, give me Your peace at all times and in every situation.

9. GOD’S PEACE SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING

Philippians 4:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

God’s peace does not always make sense according to circumstances.

You can be facing a situation that should naturally produce fear, yet still experience inner stability.

This is because God’s peace is not dependent upon the absence of problems.

God’s peace can exist in the presence of problems.

10. LET THE PEACE OF GOD RULE

Colossians 3:15

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…”

The word “rule” is significant.

Peace should not simply visit your heart occasionally.

It should have authority over your emotional and spiritual life.

When difficult circumstances arise, allow God’s peace to govern your response.

Instead of immediately reacting in fear:

Pause. Pray. Trust God.

11. PERFECT PEACE COMES FROM A MIND FIXED ON GOD

Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You…”

The scripture reveals the connection between our focus and our peace.

If your mind is constantly focused on problems, fear can dominate.

If your mind is fixed on God, His peace can govern you.

This does not mean ignoring reality.

It means refusing to allow circumstances to become greater in your mind than God.

12. YOUR PEACE IS NOT IN YOUR JOB

Having a good job is valuable.

But your job cannot guarantee peace.

You can receive a promotion and still be anxious.

You can change jobs and still have worries.

You can earn more money and still lack peace.

Therefore:

Do not place your peace in your employment.

Your job is a provision.

God is your source.

13. YOUR PEACE IS NOT IN MONEY

Money can solve certain practical problems, but it cannot provide lasting inner peace.

A person can have thousands in the bank and still be deeply troubled.

Therefore:

Money is useful, but money is not the source of peace.

14. YOUR PEACE IS NOT IN THE ECONOMY

The economy can improve or decline.

Inflation can rise or fall.

Prices can increase.

Policies can change.

But the believer’s peace should not rise and fall with economic conditions.

Our confidence is in God.

15. YOUR PEACE IS NOT IN POLITICS

Political stability is important, but it cannot provide the lasting peace that God gives.

We can pray for stability in our nations while recognising that:

Our ultimate peace does not come from political systems.

16. ALIGN YOUR HEART WITH GOD

If you want perfect peace, align your heart with God.

Trust Him.

Seek Him.

Listen to Him.

Obey Him.

Keep your mind focused on Him.

The more you understand who God is, the more you can trust Him with what you cannot control.

17. THE BLESSING OF PEACE

Numbers 6:24–26 gives the priestly blessing.

One of the concluding blessings is:

“The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

Peace is not presented as an insignificant blessing.

It is part of God’s blessing over His people.

Key Thought:

Peace is essential for productivity, purpose and fulfilment.

Without peace, even good things can become difficult to enjoy.

18. DON’T ALLOW DISTRACTIONS TO STEAL YOUR PEACE

There are many things that occupy our minds.

We can become consumed with:

• Future plans
• Financial concerns
• Family issues
• Work
• Relationships
• Career
• Immigration
• Responsibilities
• Unanswered questions

Sometimes we carry these things mentally even when nothing can be done about them at that moment.

Learn to give what you cannot control to God.

You still have responsibilities.

You still need to work.

You still need to plan.

But you do not have to carry everything emotionally.

19. LEARN TO ENJOY TODAY

One of the practical lessons from the sermon is:

Do not allow tomorrow’s problems to steal today’s peace.

Tomorrow will come.

When it comes, God will give you grace for it.

But today is the day you have.

Therefore:

Enjoy today.

Be present.

Appreciate your family.

Enjoy your relationships.

Thank God.

Rest.

Worship.

Live.

Do not spend today’s energy worrying about tomorrow.

20. GOD HAS ALREADY MADE PROVISION

The sermon emphasises an important principle:

Before a situation arises, God already knows the solution.

Jesus repeatedly demonstrated this with His disciples.

Provision was already prepared before they arrived at the point of need.

This should strengthen our confidence in God.

We may not know:

• Where the provision will come from
• When it will come
• How it will happen

But God is not surprised by our needs.

God is already ahead of you.

21. PEACE DOES NOT MEAN THE ABSENCE OF CHALLENGES

Jesus never promised that believers would never face difficulties.

In fact, Scripture recognises that believers will encounter challenges.

The difference is that God gives us grace to face them.

We may still be tested.

We may still encounter difficulties.

But we do not have to be destroyed by them.

God’s peace gives us stability in the middle of the storm.

22. THE COMMUNION REMINDS US OF THE NEW COVENANT

As the service moved towards communion, the emphasis was placed on remembering Christ.

Jesus said:

“Do this in remembrance of Me.”

The communion reminds believers of:

• Christ’s sacrifice
• The new covenant
• Fellowship with Christ
• God’s provision
• God’s love
• The life we have received through Christ

It is a reminder that what Christ accomplished is not merely historical.

We continue to live in the benefits of the covenant.

23. GOD’S PEACE SHOULD BE OUR PORTION

The sermon connects the covenant with God’s provision for His people.

The believer is encouraged to trust God for:

• Peace
• Protection
• Provision
• Prosperity
• Good health
• Long life
• Spiritual strength

The focus remains on trusting God rather than placing ultimate confidence in worldly systems.

24. A PERSONAL TESTIMONY ABOUT PEACE

The preacher shared a personal testimony about carrying concerns internally while continuing with normal responsibilities.

Outwardly, everything appeared normal.

But internally, there were issues causing significant concern.

Eventually, a single email resolved the situation.

The lesson:

Sometimes we carry burdens that God can resolve in ways we cannot predict.

The challenge is learning to surrender those concerns to God rather than allowing them to consume our minds.

Key Question:

What are you carrying today that you should have handed over to God?

25. GOD WILL NOT LEAVE YOU WITHOUT HELP

God has promised His presence.

He has promised not to abandon His people.

Therefore, when difficulties arise, remember:

You are not facing them alone.

The peace of God can strengthen you even before the situation changes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Jesus gives His people peace.
2. The peace of Jesus is different from what the world offers.
3. More money and possessions do not automatically produce peace.
4. The world cannot provide lasting inner peace.
5. God’s peace is available at all times and in every situation.
6. God’s peace surpasses human understanding.
7. Let God’s peace rule your heart.
8. Keep your mind fixed on God.
9. Do not place your peace in your job, money, economy or politics.
10. Do not allow tomorrow’s worries to steal today’s peace.
11. God already knows what you will need before the situation arises.
12. Peace does not mean the absence of challenges; it means having God’s stability in the midst of them.
13. Trust God rather than the systems of the world.
14. Receive God’s peace by all means.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Ask yourself:

• Where am I currently looking for peace?
• Have I been expecting money or success to make me feel secure?
• What situation is currently disturbing my peace?
• Have I truly surrendered it to God?
• Is my mind fixed on God or constantly focused on my circumstances?
• What am I worrying about that I cannot control?
• Am I allowing tomorrow’s concerns to steal today’s joy?
• Am I allowing God’s peace to rule my heart?

DECLARATIONS

I receive the peace of God.

I receive God’s peace at all times and in every situation.

My heart will not be troubled.

I will not live in fear.

The peace of God will guard my heart and mind.

My mind is stayed on God.

I will not place my peace in money.

I will not place my peace in my job.

I will not place my peace in the economy.

I will not place my peace in politics.

My trust is in God.

The Lord is my peace.

God will give me grace to face every situation.

I will enjoy today.

I will not allow tomorrow’s worries to steal today’s peace.

The Lord will provide everything I need.

His presence will remain with me.

His peace will rule my heart.

I receive peace by all means, in Jesus’ name. Amen.