This point was emphasized in lesson two: a basic concept of ekklesia is the "called out." Consciously realize the concept of "called out" requires people in the "called out" to be called from something to something in surrender to a purpose.
Paul used a "before and after" comparison to stress the lives of Christians reflect a genuine transition and transformation. For example, the "before and after" conversion contrast is used in Ephesians 4:17-5:5. Paul discussed the transition from "before" to "after" in Ephesians 4:24. As the "called out," their new purpose was this: leave ungodly existence and be created anew by God to reflect Him. This statement emphasized the "called out" transition: "for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light" (5:8). Or, "Live daily in all of life as a person who belongs to God."
Christians generally agree we are "called out" of evil. However, many need a clearer understanding of the meaning of rejecting an ungodly lifestyle. Basically, the "called out" reject the feelings, attitudes, behaviors, and social pressures that oppose God. In the typical view of American society, it is the "call" to allow God's values to direct daily life rather than allowing society's values to determine attitudes and behavior. The "call" is centered in the person's influences in life and in interactions with people."
The "called out" of God are called to peace. The word "peace" immediately is associated with numerous concepts and perspectives. Allow Jesus to define his and God's focus when they call us out of evil/darkness/Satan's interests to peace. Perhaps his most insightful commentary on this peace was given to eleven of his twelve disciples. The statement was given the last evening of Jesus' earthly life just prior to his arrest. It occurred in a conversation in John 16:29-33.
Perhaps it would be insightful to note the conversation/events found from John 13:31-16:33. These disciples had a stimulating previous week. Jesus returned to the Jerusalem area without catastrophe. The twelve discouraged his return (11:7,8). When he raised Lazarus, Jesus' popularity soared in the area--he could openly teach in Jerusalem without arrest occurring. His popularity convinced the twelve that danger to Jesus had passed--he was untouchable!
Then on the last evening they spent with him, Jesus did and said troubling things. It began when he washed the twelve's feet (13:5-11). After Judas left, he spoke of God being glorified in him (13:31), of their being upset (14:1), of leaving (14:2,3), of their responsibility (14:12-15), of the coming of the Spirit to replace him (14:16-21), of the essential commitment to be a part of him (15:1-11), of their relationship of love to each other (15:12-17), of coming hatred (15:18-25), of coming suffering (16:1-4), and of his impending death (16:16-22).
The entire conversation confused the eleven men. Jesus' emphasis and their expectations did not mesh! They did not hesitate to state their confusion. Thomas asked, "Where are you going, and why can't we go with you?" (14:5) Judas [not the betrayer] asked about Jesus revealing himself to them and not to those who opposed God (14:22). Some asked, "What is he saying?" (16:17) Some declared, "We do not know what he is talking about!" and wanted to question him (16:18,19).
As the conversation ended (16:29-33), the disciples made a dramatic shift. They said they understood and had total confidence in him. Jesus knew their confusion continued and declared they soon would desert him. Then he said they would have peace in him even though they would experience suffering because he had overcome the forces that opposed God.
Ask, "What was the nature of this promised peace?" Began by noting what that peace was not. (1) It was not based on perfect knowledge or complete insight/understanding. (2) It was not based on every physical expectation and desire being an experienced reality. (3) It was not based on the desirable occurring. (4) It was not based on the acceptance and understanding of others. (5) It was not based on freedom from hurtful opposition. (6) It was not based on freedom from pain. These confused men who would have their current expectations dashed, who would experience numerous undesirable moments, who would be rejected by many important to them, and who would experience pain would soon find peace in Jesus. How is that possible? Do those circumstances and occurrences fit your concept of peace in Jesus Christ?
Note: they would have peace because of him and what he accomplished, not because of them and what they accomplished.
What would his death produce? Forgiveness! Redemption! Atonement! Justification! Sanctification! Remember Paul's statement to Corinthian Christians? "But by His [God's] doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
To better focus on Jesus' promise, consider today's multitudes who have so much but live in anxiety and despair. Jesus' peace is not found in possessions, ungodly lifestyles, or personal pleasure and indulgence. It is found in trusting what Jesus does for us that we cannot do for ourselves. Please read Acts 10:34-36; Romans 5:1,2; Philippians 4:7; and Colossians 3:15.
Christians as "the church" are "called out" from the despair of evil to Jesus' assurances. Peace does not occur because our circumstances change. It occurs because we allow Jesus Christ to change us.
Thought Questions:
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 5