Establish Shalom In The Kingdom

To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

sermon snippet | Peace is not the absence of turmoil

Peace is not an absence of turmoil, conflict, or difficulty. We often think that when the conflict finally ends, we’ll have peace. That idea of peace is definitely not Biblical. We are not simply waiting for the storm to end.

Establish Shalom
in the Kingdom

This is the 2nd in a sermon series:

What the Kingdom of God is NOT
Establish Shalom in the Kingdom | sermon notes CLICK HERE

Peace is NOT the absence of turmoil . . . Shalom is life

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8.5-8, NRSV

We’re constantly establishing “life and peace.” We either give in to our “flesh” . . . or to life and peace. It’s as if Shalom is a verb, and we’re actively living it out.

What about turmoil? . . . That’s part of life

In the Bible, it’s as if peace is constantly conquering turmoil.

Some people like turmoil if it leads to a challenge or time of growth.

Others don’t like turmoil . . . they’d rather have some peace & quiet. When there is peace & quiet, they have a great sense of security.

So security is like an opposite of turmoil . . . Shalom offers great security

Shalom is life . . . it’s active . . . encouraging life . . . providing security

“The peace which Jesus brings is rooted in the Old Testament promises. It therefore clearly means universal shalom throughout the whole created order – not just absence of conflict but harmony, balance and health.” Howard Snyder *

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