How can we discern true peace from false assurances in our lives today? A warning from Jeremiah 6:14 “ ‘They have dressed the wound of My people with very little care, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace.’ ” • In Jeremiah’s day, religious leaders offered soothing words instead of confronting sin and rebellion. • God declared their assurances empty—judgment was literally at hand. • The verse reminds us that any promise of peace that ignores repentance and obedience is counterfeit. Common sources of false assurance today • Cultural slogans that dismiss sin: “Follow your heart,” “Everyone’s truth is valid.” • Shallow religion: rituals without repentance, sermons that omit sin, hell, or the cross. • Emotional highs: momentary calm from entertainment, substances, or positive thinking. • Material comfort: assuming financial stability equals God’s favor. • Human approval: mistaking popularity or online affirmation for divine endorsement. Scriptural echoes of counterfeit peace • Ezekiel 13:10 – “They have misled My people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 – “While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly.” • Isaiah 48:22 – “ ‘There is no peace for the wicked,’ says the LORD.” Together these passages underline that any peace promised apart from submission to God’s Word is illusory. Marks of true peace • Sourced in Christ alone: John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” • Grounded in reconciliation with God through the gospel (Romans 5:1). • Accompanied by ongoing obedience (Psalm 119:165). • Confirmed by the indwelling Spirit: Galatians 5:22 lists peace as His fruit. • Able to endure pressure: John 16:33 promises peace “in Me” even amid tribulation. Tests for discernment 1. Word test: Does the assurance align with the whole counsel of Scripture, especially its calls to repentance and holiness? 2. Lordship test: Does it exalt Christ’s authority or flatter human autonomy? 3. Fruit test: Does it produce increasing righteousness, humility, and love (Matthew 7:20)? 4. Endurance test: Does the peace remain when circumstances turn hard (Habakkuk 3:17-19)? 5. Conscience test: Does the Holy Spirit’s witness in your heart agree (Colossians 3:15)? Practical steps to walk in true peace • Daily submission to the Bible—read, meditate, and obey. • Honest confession of sin with quick repentance (1 John 1:9). • Persistent prayer and thankful petition, receiving “the peace of God” (Philippians 4:6-7). • Fellowship with believers who speak truth in love, not mere flattery (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Choosing trust over fear, fixing the mind on God (Isaiah 26:3). • Practicing godly discernment—testing every message, song, book, or post against Scripture (1 John 4:1). When peace is anchored in Christ’s finished work and evidenced by Spirit-produced fruit, we can rest securely. Anything less—no matter how soothing—mirrors the hollow cry of “Peace, peace” that Jeremiah exposed. |
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