John 20:19-22

Blessings of Peace

Introduction:

We have looked at the seven last words of Christ upon the cross in previous sermons:

• “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”

• “Woman behold your son”

• “Today you shall be with me in Paradise”

• “I thirst”

• “My God, My God why hast Thou forsaken Me”

• “Father into Thy hands I commend my Spirit”

• “It is finished”

These really are not the His words because after the resurrection, Jesus had spoken to His disciple’s last words which perhaps are more important and of greater significance than these:

• “Peace be with you” 20:19-20

• “As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you” 20:21

• “Receive the Holy Spirit” 20:22

• “Be not faithless, but believing” 20:27

• “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” 20:29

• “Feed my Sheep” 21:21:16,17

• “Follow Me”

These seven last sayings challenge and commission us to do His perfect will.

1. The Biblical Meaning of Peace

   1. Appearance in the upper room

      1. Shut doors!

      2. Common greeting – Greek (iray-nay) Hebrew - Shalom!

2. Shalom defines the complete work of redemption

   1. Shalom in the New Testament was always connected with what Jesus accomplished by His death and Resurrection – Rom.4:25-5:1

   2. Shalom may also be defined as an agreement to end hostilities.

      1. Signing the terms of peace – General Douglas Mac Arthur

      2. God Himself settles the terms of peace

      3. Rebellious men seek to bargain the terms of peace with God – Isa.64:6

      4. When we come to God on His terms of peace His wrath is turned from us. – Turn To: Ephesians 2:1-10

2. The Two Kinds of Peace

   1. There is the peace with God – Rom.5:1

   2. There is the peace of God – Phil.4:6-7

      1. Prayer is one of the benefits we have through Christ’s death and Resurrection – Rom.5:2; 8:26,27

      2. Prayer is not for everyone – John 14:6; Psa. 34:17; Prov. 15:29; I Pet.3:12

3. Preparing His Disciples For Ministry:

   1. Renewed Ministry – Rom. 15:33; 16:20; II Cor.13:11

   2. Authoritative Ministry – v.21 (Eph.4:11; I Cor. 12:1-31; Matt.28:18-20) cf. (Lenski John 4:38; 13:16; 15:16; 17:18)

   3. Empowered Ministry –v.22

      1. Jesus exhaled – Our passive role and the Sovereignty of the Spirit

      2. Receive the Holy Spirit – (aorist imperative)

Conclusion:

1. Have you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?

2. Will you give your entire self to be used by the Lord Jesus?

3. Illustration: Invited into the King’s palace… Bring your burlap bags.

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

5/11/2008