FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - PEACE

Peace – where does it come from? Peace – is it situational or is it more of a lifestyle? Who controls our peace? Us? Circumstances? Life? God? Some definitions of peace include lack of conflict, freedom from fear and violence, living in harmony or a calm state of mind. The Greek word that Paul utilizes here is eirene, i-ray-nay; fearing nothing from God, a soul assured of its salvation, content and no fear with its earthly situation. In Galatians 5:22, we see the spiritual peace that allows man to be at peace with himself, peace with others, and at peace with God. Spiritual peace promotes unity in the home, church and community. Peace allows us to trust God to lay it all down at the foot of the cross. Sin made us a enemy of God, but Jesus being the peacemaker and peace bringer brought peace between us so we could be in union with the Father again. Once Jesus ascended into Heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to us, given to us to complete that mission, constantly bringing us peace in union with the Father. It is the level of peace that when everything we hold dear to us is gone, we can say like Horatio G. Spafford did in his hymn, “It is well with my soul.” Horatio’s son died before he lost everything in the Chicago fire. Attempting to escape for a little in Europe he sent his wife and daughters ahead, the boat sank killing all of them but his wife. It was on the boat ride over that Horatio wrote this hymn. That is the peace that the Holy Spirit brings and fills us with. But without love, without joy, peace would not be possible.

Let us pray!

Fruit of the Spirit #3: Peace

“But the fruit of the Spirit is peace” (Gal. 5:22).

Am I resting in the strength and security of God or worrying about my circumstances?

I. PEACE IN LORD COME FROM SALVATION FROM THE LORD

A. Peace because of our faith— Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.”

B. Peace because of forgiveness— Since all our sins are forgiven, we do not have to be afraid to stand before God.

John 5:24 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

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

1 Peter 3:9-11 – Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

C. Peace because of following. He calls us to follow Him He then makes us what He wants us to be.

Matt. 4:19 – And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Romans 8:6 – For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

D. Peace because of fellowship— Knowing that we are cleansed from all sin, we can enjoy fellowship with other Christians.

1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin

Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Romans 12:18 – If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Ephesians 4:3 – Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

II. PEACE ALLOWS US TO EXPERIENCE SECURITY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. Our minds are free from worry—He gives us peace in our hearts, souls, and minds.

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

Psalm 4:8 – In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

B. Our minds are free from doubt if we trust God—We may not understand, but we trust Him in all things.

Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

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

C. Our minds are free from unbelief. We please God by our faith

Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Philippians 4:9 – What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Isaiah 55:12 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

D. Our minds are free from fear— Fear destroys faith and trust in God.

Isaiah 41:1 – Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 54:10 – For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

III. PEACE BRING HIS SATISFACTION INTO OUR LIVES

A. Peace—The Lord will give peace to those who dedicate their lives to Him.

Psalm 29:11 – May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

2 Corinthians 13:11 – Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

James 3:17 – But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

B. Promise—His strength and power keep us.

Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

C. Power—In the world there will be trials and tribulation. However, Christ has overcome the problems of the world. He will give us peace.

John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 16:20 – The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

D. Partition—He is our peace. Though we were once separated from God, Christ made a way for us to come back to God.

Ephesians 2:14 – For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

Isaiah 12:2 – “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

IV. PEACE ALLOWS SERENITY TO DEVELOP

A. Rest—When God rules our hearts, we will have peace.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Proverbs 12:20 – Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.

Numbers 6:24-26 – The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

B. Redemption—Through His blood we have not only forgiveness, but peace.

Colossians 1:20 – and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Romans 14:19 – So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

C. Relaxation—Because we are justified we have peace and a relaxed attitude at all times.

Proverbs 16:7 – When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 3:24 – If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Leviticus 26:6 – I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land.

How closely do you walk with the Holy Spirit?

If the world dealt you a hand like Horatio G Spafford, would you still be at peace? How does the closeness of your walk with the Holy Spirit affect your level of peace?

How have you experienced the fruit of peace in your life?

Has unforgiveness robbed you of peace? Who can you forgive so that the fruit of peace may bloom in your life?

How can you incorporate God’s peace that provides security?

How can God’s peace keep fear and worry from taking root in your mind?

How do you rest in the Holy Spirit?

How do you allow the Holy Spirit to provide relaxation in your life?