Scripture Texts – Psalm 122.1-9 and John 16.25-33 – Tasha/CJ
Subject – Pursuing Peace through Obedience

Think about a time when you were told by your mom, or dad, or someone given charge over you. They told you to do something or don’t do this or that. Perhaps you disobeyed them. On the surface, it appears as though you got away with it. But on the inside, there was a conflict, an upheaval, a lack of peace because you knew you were wrong. Our subject today is Pursuing Peace through Obedience.

I.Pursuing Peace through Obedience can bring a blessing for others (Jonah, Jon 1.7-10)
A.Jonah’s disobedience caused inner and outer turmoil
B.Jonah’s disobedience nearly cost others their lives
C.People were saved because of his obedience (Nineveh)

II.Pursuing Peace through Obedience will bring inner peace (Jeremiah, Jer 20.8-11)
A.Known as the weeping prophet. Called to a ministry of preaching to a people who would not listen.
B.He was threatened, tried for his life, put in stocks, forced to flee from King Jehoiakim, publicly humiliated by a false prophet, and thrown into a pit.
C.As bad as his outer circumstances were, his inner conflict was greater.
D.His inner peace came through his obedience. He had to follow his calling.

III.Pursuing Peace through Obedience is not dependent upon others (Paul, 1 Cor 9.11-16)
A.Paul had rights. Other were compensated for their ministry work. But not him currently.
B.Other Apostles were ministering to the Jews. They knew to give to the ministry.
C.Paul was sent to the gentiles. He was on a missionary journey. He did not want to burden the people nor make them think he was in it for personal material gain.
D.Paul knew his calling, embrace his calling, and lived out his calling.
E.Woe to me if I do not do what the LORD has commanded me to do!

Conclusion: Let’s pray for peace… in the world, in our nation, in our churches, in our families, and in each of us as individuals. And as we are praying, let us do our part by pursuing peace for ourselves through obedience to the LORD. Amen.