Galatians 5:22, The Fruit of the Spirit Is Peace
The Fruit of the Spirit Is Peace, Galatians 5:22
When the Spirit bears the fruit of peace in a believer, it brings an inner tranquility of soul and spirit even during adversity.
Jesus addressing His disciples just before He went to the Cross promised . . . John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I.
A. Peace With God (Romans 5:1), Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
1. We are not naturally at peace with God
Romans 5:10, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Colossians 1:21, And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
a. Sin broke the peace with God
b. This is why the world is in trouble
2. The search for peace
a. Trying to find peace in pleasure
b. Trying to find peace in entertainment
c. Trying to find peace in substance (alcohol and drugs)
d. Trying to find peace in financial security
3. There is no peace apart from God (Isaiah 57:19-21), I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. 20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
4. Christ came to bring us peace
a. He died for sinners (Romans 5:6-9)
b. He is the source of peace (Ephesians 2:13-17)
c. C Norman Bartlett rightly writes that . . . “We cannot have the peace of God until we have made our peace with God through Him who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14-note). But being reconciled, we have the peace which passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7-note). If we abide in Jesus as we ought, there is in our souls a calmness that no outward hostility can upset: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3). For the Christian surrounded by foes there is ever open a secret passage to the heart of GOD.”
5. One step further
a. Some have peace with God but do not feel peaceful
b. Peace with God should not be limited to position
c. Peace with God should be our daily experience
6. Saints in Christ Jesus are at peace with God (Romans 5:1)
7. The war between the believer and God is over and the peace treaty was "signed" in blood, the precious blood of Christ.
8. Because of this great transaction, believers can be at rest and secure in experience or practice as well as in position.
B. The Peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7)
1. This peace in all circumstances
a. When things aren’t going well
b. When anxiety would otherwise replace peace
c. This peace which our Lord gives transcends human understanding
d. Be careful = Be anxious (present imperative with a negative = stop having this attitude of worry) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known (present imperative = continually) to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
2. Peace when funds are low and debts are high
3. Peace when health is uncertain
4. Peace when storms are raging
5. An interesting side note is that the Greek word eirene is the root the English word serene which conveys the idea of that which is clear and free of storms or unpleasant change, stressing an unclouded and lofty tranquility!
6. God’s formula for this kind of peace
a. Prayer: The Holy Spirit prompts prayer
b. Thanksgiving: The Holy Spirit produces thanksgiving
c. Faith: The Holy Spirit gives faith
C. Peace With Others (Ephesians 4:1-3)
1. The Holy Spirit breaks down barriers between believers
2. “The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”
a. This is always characteristic of revival
3. Consider the early church (Acts 1:14; 2:1)
4. Things that grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
a. Bitterness
b. Anger
c. Evil Speaking
5. The Holy Spirit can mend your relationships