“A TIME OF WAR, AND A TIME OF PEACE”

INTRODUCTION

A. Ecclesiastes 3:1

1. “The words of the Preacher” (1:1), Solomon, inform us that a time is available for every event that transpires in the lives of men.

2. For the last several weeks, we’ve been studying this subject.

B. Ecclesiastes 3:8c-d Our study resumes this morning with “a time of war, and a time of peace.”

I. “A TIME OF WAR”

A. Physically

1. Romans 13:1-4 God authorizes the existence and function of the military.

2. Luke 3:3, 10-14; Acts 10:1-8, 34-48; 11:18 Christians are not restricted from service.

B. Spiritually

1. John 18:36; 2nd Corinthians 10:3-6 We do not engage in mortal combat for a spiritual kingdom.

2. Ephesians 6:10-18; Romans 13:11-14; 1st Peter 2:11 We wear an armor of light to thwart the lusts of the flesh which war against us.

3. Hebrews 4:12; 1st Peter 3:15 We wield the sword of the Spirit, God’s word in defense of our hope.

4. 1st Timothy 1:18; 6:12 Yes, we are called to fight!

5. 2nd Timothy 2:3-4; Hebrews 2:10 We were enlisted by Jesus Christ, “the captain of our salvation.”

6. 1st John 5:4; 1st Corinthians 15:57 Faith is our victory and Christ is our triumph!

II. “A TIME OF PEACE”

A. Physically

1. Matthew 10:34-39 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.”

a. Although many pursue it, world peace is a vain goal.

b. Jesus’ mission was not material peace, but spiritual.

i. John 14:27 The peace Jesus imparts is altogether distinct from worldly peace.

ii. Colossians 3:15 It is a peace within our hearts.

iii. Romans 14:17 This peace is not fleshly, as is eating and drinking, therefore, not the absence of war and conflict, but spiritual peace.

iv. John 16:33 It is a peace we may enjoy despite tribulation.

2. Romans 13:1-4 So long as evil is practiced on earth, the governing authorities are obligated by God to punish it. Therefore, peace cannot happen in the physical realm.

B. Spiritually

1. Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1-2; 14:17 The Lord offers us peace from the conflict of sin.

2. 1st Thessalonians 5:13b; 2nd Timothy 2:22-26; Ephesians 4:1-3; Romans 14:19 We are called to be at peace among ourselves.

3. 1st Corinthians 15:54-58; Hebrews 4:9-11 The ultimate peace we seek, though, comes after death.

Grace Be With You, Bryan Matthew Dockens

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