The Very Peace of Christ
David Wilkerson's sermon emphasizes the profound and unique peace that Christ offers to His followers through the Holy Spirit, especially in times of trial.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound promise of Jesus in John 14:27, where He offers His peace to the disciples, a peace that is unlike anything the world can provide. This assurance comes at a critical moment as the disciples face the impending trial of Christ's crucifixion, highlighting the contrast between worldly peace and the deep, abiding peace of Christ. Wilkerson explains that this peace is made accessible through the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ to believers and guides them through their challenges. The sermon reassures that even in turmoil, the peace of Christ remains a constant source of strength and comfort for those who believe. Ultimately, the message is about embracing the peace that comes from knowing Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Text
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). This marvelous word from Jesus had to amaze the disciples. In their eyes, it was an almost unbelievable promise: Christ's peace was to become their peace. These twelve men had marveled at the peace they had witnessed in Jesus for the past three years. Their Master was always calm, never afraid, never ruffled by any circumstance. And now Jesus was promising them this very same peace!
Then Jesus added, "Not as the world gives do I give to you" (same verse). This was not the peace of a numb, zoned-out society nor the temporary peace of the very rich who try to purchase peace of mind with material things. No, this was the very peace of Christ himself, a peace that surpasses all human understanding.
The timing of this gift of peace was very important to the disciples because they were on the threshold of the greatest trial they would every experience. Christ was about to leave them, and the news of his imminent departure came as a great shock. They had looked forward to the day when the Lord would set up his kingdom on earth and make them all rulers. Now they had to face the fact that he was about to be given into the hands of evil men and killed.
"I will rise again," the Master assured them, "and the Holy Spirit will guide you through what you are going to face." At this point, all that the disciples had was a promise from Christ of his peace.
The ministry of the Holy Spirit has always been to reveal Christ to his people. In John 16:14, he says, in short, "The Holy Spirit will speak to you of me and of my ways." Simply put, his peace comes to us as the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us.
When you received Christ, you received a measure of his Spirit and the Spirit's work continues in you to this day.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Christ's promise of peace
- The significance of peace in the disciples' lives
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II
- Understanding the nature of Christ's peace
- Contrast with worldly peace
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III
- The timing of the peace promise
- Disciples' impending trials
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IV
- The assurance of Christ's resurrection
- Role of the Holy Spirit in revealing peace
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V
- Receiving the Holy Spirit
- Ongoing work of the Spirit in believers
Key Quotes
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.” — David Wilkerson
“Not as the world gives do I give to you.” — David Wilkerson
“The Holy Spirit will speak to you of me and of my ways.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Seek the peace of Christ in your daily life through prayer and reflection.
- Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and reveal Christ's presence in your challenges.
- Remember that true peace is not found in worldly possessions but in a relationship with Jesus.