KINGDOM CHARACTER: Peace

Galatians 5:22 CSB

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

INTRO—

“The Music Machine” (1977…children’s musical about the Fruit of the Spirit) — “Whir, whir, chicka, chicka, bomm, bomm, psst”… “Peace, Peace…I think I understand. Peace, Peace…is holding Jesus’ hand.”

[[Peace is when / The wind stops blowing / Peace is when / The sun is showing. / Knowing that my Daddy’s home / God gives me peace.

Peace, peace, / I think I understand. / Peace, peace, Is holding Jesus’ hand.

Peace is when / I’m tucked in bed / When my Mommy / Pats my head. / Peace is smiling while I sleep / God gives me peace.

Peace, peace, / I think I understand. / Peace, peace, / Is holding Jesus’ hand.]]

Certainly this take focused on kids is rudimentary…not wrong—the fact is that peace is not less than this, but it certainly is more than (fuller than) this. …

PEACE = Shalom (Heb) ; Harmony, Order, Well-being, Safety, Tranquility

[Greek: Eirene — quietness, rest, harmony, welfare (a state of)]

…with God.

Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The PEACE of Gospel reconciliation [Salvation] — and on the basis of peace with God we have the peace…

…of God.

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

[[Philippians 4:4–7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”]]

Shalom in the presence of, under the wing of…our great God!

“Grace to you…& peace” (Rom, 1 & 2 Cor, Gal, Eph, Php, Col, 1 & 2 Thess, Phlm; 1 & 2 Pet; Rev) [also…1 & 2 Tim, Tit, 2 Jn, Jude]

PEACE is Wise [James 3.13-18]

James 3:13–18 “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.”

This statement is our goal (James 3.13). How do we get there?

Good conduct…is gentle…is pure…then peace-loving (peaceful)…gentle (re-emphasized)…compliant…full of mercy…

“The fruit of righteousness is sown in PEACE by those who cultivate PEACE.”

Sown & Cultivate = WORK!!

PEACE Must Be…

Our initial setting:

James 3:18 “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.”

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

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

Questions:

Are we more known—by all those around—us as peace-loving peace makers, or are we more known as warmongering strife-stirrers?

1 Timothy 2:1–2 “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”

While we love and want peace for ourselves, do we invest ourselves in sowing and cultivating peace for others?

Philippians 2:4 “Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”

Will we show a world dying in chaos and turmoil…the Prince of Peace? [Because with God is the first and greatest proirity.]

Isaiah 9:6 “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!”

CONCL—

Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

INVITATION:

Salvation

Church Membership

Peace

Galatians 5:23 CSB

gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.