Now Is the Time, Part 14: War | Peace

Pastors Grant Fisbhook & Julie Burleson

Our final focus:
There is a time for war and a time for peace.

War: the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
Peace: harmonious relations and freedom from disputes; an absence of war

War is a regrettable reality in a .

God used war for two purposes (Deuteronomy 20, Numbers 31, Joshua 8, Isaiah 13)

1. To territory set apart for use
2. To eliminate

The example of King Uzziah from 2 Chronicles 26

He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (vs. 4)
He sought God, and God gave him success (vs. 5)
He went to war (vs. 6)
He built defensive towers and fortified them (vs. 9)
He built a well-trained army (vs. 11)
He accumulated weapons (vs. 14)
He made machines that shot arrows and hurled large stones (vs. 15)
…but after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. (vs. 16)

Piety is not , and ruins everything.

The tension within Solomon’s family: 1 Chronicles 22:5–10

As believers, we engage in a every day. (2 Corinthians 10:3–5, Ephesians 6:11–18)

A Time for Peace

Peace = – wholeness, health, security, well-being, salvation

Peace is a wholeness

Where can we experience peace? 

• In our
• Inside

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

We can be people who bring peace

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 

 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18

We have what we need to bring peace

…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. – Ephesians 6:15

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… Galatians 5:22

God gives us the peace we need

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. – 1 Thessalonians 3:16 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

Small Group Questions

1. What is your primary way of coping with a heat wave?
2. Read the whole story of Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26. What’s the primary lesson you take away from his life?
3. What is your personal perspective on war? Did this message affect that view in any way?
4. What are some ways we can bring peace to others? Is there something practical you can do this week to be a person of peace?
5. Are there parts of your life where you need God’s peace to guard your heart and mind?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?