1

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.[By Ron Halbrook]

2

P E A C E On Earth

• Introduction1. Great, grand theme—What does it mean?

Oft quoted to celebrate Dec. 25 as holy dayOft quoted to make Jesus a symbol of social, political, & military peace

2. Read the context to clarify: Lk. 2:1-20

3

Luke 2:1-5 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

4

Luke 2:6-7 6 And so it was, that, while they were

there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

5

Luke 2:8-12 8 And there were in the same country

shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

6

Luke 2:13-14

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

7

Luke 2:15-20 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were

gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

8

P E A C E On Earth• Introduction

1. Great, grand theme—What does it mean? 2. Read the context to clarify: Lk. 2:1-20

Vs. 10 Good tidings of great joy…to all people

Vs. 14 Highest glory to GodVs. 11 The Savior… Jesus Christ the LordVs. 14 Peace on earth to men of good will

9

P E A C E On Earth

• Introduction1. Great, grand theme—What does it mean? 2. Read the context to clarify: Lk. 2:1-203. Spiritual message: Salvation of our souls!

10

P E A C E On Earth• Introduction

4. Underlying concept: Man alienated from God by sin, reconciled when forgiven Col. 1:20-22

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

11

P E A C E On Earth• Introduction

1. Great, grand theme—What does it mean? 2. Read the context to clarify: Lk. 2:1-203. Spiritual message: Salvation of our souls!4. Underlying concept: Man alienated from God by sin, reconciled when forgiven5. Theme of peace on earth in Scripture:

ProphesiedPersonifiedPreachedPervertedPracticed

12

P E A C E On EarthI. Prophecied A. Isa. 9:6-7 The Prince of Peace

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

13

P E A C E On EarthI. Prophecied B. Zech. 6:12-13 King & Priest of Peace

12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

14

P E A C E On EarthI. Prophecied C. Zech. 9:9-10 Peace to Gentiles

9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.

15

P E A C E On EarthII. Personified A. Mission of Jesus: Peace on Earth

B. Lk. 1:30-33 Mission Explained by Gabriel

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

16

P E A C E On Earth II. Personified

C. Lk. 1:67-79 Mission Explained by Zechariah

Vv. 68-75 speak of Messiah, vv. 76-79 speak of his forerunnerChrist: redeem, save, & deliver

68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 77 …remission of sins… 79 …guide our feet into the way of peace.

17

P E A C E On Earth II. Personified D. Lk. 2:10-14 Mission Explained by Angels 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

18

P E A C E On Earth

II. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Lk. 4:16-21 Spiritual Not Social Gospel

19

Luke 4:16-21 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been

brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to

the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

20

P E A C E On Earth

II. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Lk. 5:18-26 Power to Forgive Sins

21

Luke 5:18-26

18 And,…men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. 19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch…before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? 23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. 25 And immediately he rose up before them…

22

P E A C E On Earth

II. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Lk. 5:30-32 Call Sinners to Repent

30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

23

P E A C E On EarthII. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Lk. 7:36-50 Forgave the Sinful Woman

37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment… 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

24

P E A C E On EarthII. Personified

E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by HimselfLk. 15:1-10 Joy When Sinners Repent

1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

25

P E A C E On Earth

II. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Lk. 19:1-10 Salvation Came to Zacheus

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

26

P E A C E On EarthII. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Lk. 12:13-15 Spiritual Life Supreme Concern

13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

27

P E A C E On Earth

II. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Jn 18:33-37 A Spiritual King & Kingdom, Not Political

28

John 18:33-37 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

29

P E A C E On Earth

II. Personified E. Messiah’s Mission Explained by Himself

Lk. 24:46-47 Great Commission: Spiritual

46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

30

P E A C E On EarthIII. Preached

A. Acts 10:34-38 Word of Peace for All Men 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a

truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. [NOTE vs. 43 …receive remission of sins…]

31

P E A C E On Earth

III. Preached B. Rom. 5:1-11 Peace with God When

Reconciled by Faith in Christ

32

Romans 5:1-5

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

33

Romans 5:6-11 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

34

P E A C E On Earth

III. Preached C. Eph. 2:11-17 Peace & Unity with God

for All Men

35

Ephesians 2:11-17 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

36

P E A C E On EarthIV. Perverted A. Claim Christ Promised Social, Political,

& Military PeaceDid he fail?Focus on spiritual above material concerns:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…But…in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-20)“Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33)“A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15)“My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18:36)“The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness,…peace,…joy” (Rom. 14:17)

37

P E A C E On EarthIV. Perverted

A. Claim Christ Promised Social, Political, & Military Peace

Did he fail?Focus on spiritual above material concernsThe world blessed by example & influence of his followers:

“Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” “Love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matt. 22:37-39)“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matt. 7:12)BUT very few follow Jesus (Matt. 7:13-14)

38

P E A C E On Earth

IV. Perverted B. When Sin Is Justified, Hidden, or

ExcusedIsa. 57:15, 19-21 Peace to Penitent, No Peace to Persistent Sinner

39

Isaiah 57:15, 19-21

15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

40

P E A C E On Earth

IV. Perverted C. Compromise with False Teaching

Jer. 5:30-31; 6:13-16 Compromise Popular with Men, Not with God— Must Ask for the Old Paths, Stand for Truth & Right!

30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

41

Jeremiah 6:13-16 13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. 14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. 16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

42

P E A C E On Earth

IV. Perverted C. Compromise with False Teaching

Ezek. 13:10-11, 15-16 Compromise with Sin & Error: A Weak Wall Doomed to Fall

43

Ezekiel 13:10-11, 15-16 10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: 11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.

15 Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it; 16 To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

44

P E A C E On Earth

V. Practiced A. 2 Cor. 5:20 First, Be Reconciled to God

Alien sinner receives pardon when hear, believe, repent, confess Christ, baptized in waterErring saint receives pardon when repent, confess sin, pray

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

45

P E A C E On EarthV. Practiced

B. Eph. 4:1-6 Peace & Unity with Brethren

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

46

P E A C E On EarthV. Practiced

B. Eph. 4:1-6 Peace & Unity with Brethren“Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God” (Matt. 5:9).“Let us…follow after the things which make for peace, and things where one may edify another” (Rom. 14:19).“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (Ja. 3:16-17).

47

P E A C E On Earth

V. Practiced C. Gen. 2:24 Peace & Harmony in the

Home

“The discretion of a man deferred his anger; and it is a glory to pass over a transgression” (Prov. 19:11).“A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping” (Prov. 19:13).

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

48

P E A C E On Earth

V. Practiced C. Gen. 2:24 Peace & Harmony in the Home

“It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, than with a brawling woman in a wide house” (Prov. 21:9).““And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32).

24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

49

P E A C E On Earth

V. Practiced D. Rom. 12:18-19 Peace with All Men

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14).

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

50

P E A C E On EarthV. Practiced

E. Heb. 4:9-11; Rev. 14:13 Extends into Eternity: Peace & Rest with God

Heb. 4

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Rev. 14:13

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

51

P E A C E On Earth• Conclusion: 1. Great, grand theme—What does it

mean? 2. Spiritual message: Salvation of our souls!3. Underlying concept: Man alienated from God by sin, reconciled when forgiven4. Theme of peace on earth in Scripture:

ProphesiedPersonifiedPreachedPervertedPracticed

52

P E A C E On Earth• Invitation:

1. NOW is the time to receive the greatest of all blessings: Peace with God!

2 Cor. 6:1-2 1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Acts 22:16 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.