The Fruit of the Spirit Peace Galatians 5:22,23 1

John 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciple. Love - a kind affection that reaches out to another person without regard to anything that might be received in return. Joy - godly optimism even in trying circumstances. Peace - godly contentment in spite of our circumstances. 2

What is “Peace” Peace is the result of God having reconciled sinners to himself. 3

What is “Peace” Peace is the result of God having reconciled sinners to himself. Peace is not the absence of activity and more than the absence of trouble. 4

What is “Peace” Peace is the result of God having reconciled sinners to himself. Peace is not the absence of activity and more than the absence of trouble. “Shalom” -- outward freedom from disturbance as well as an inward sense of well-being. 5

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

Three “directions” of peace Peace with God – vertical Peace of God – internal Peace with others – horizontally 7

Peace with God (vertical) Apart from Christ, we are: Enemies of God (Romans 5:10) Deserving of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) 8

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life. Romans 5:10 9

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. Ephesians 2:3 10

Peace with God Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 11

Colossians 1:19,20 For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 12

Peace of God (internal) Unlike Peace with God that can’t be disturbed, the Peace of God is experienced in proportion to the room we give the Holy Spirit in our lives. 13

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” 14

Peace of God Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 15

Philippians 4:6,7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 16

We fail to experience God’s peace when... We constantly worry We fail to pray about everything We don’t cultivate “an attitude of gratitude” When we fail to let God’s peace take root in our minds and souls 17

Peace with Others (horizontal) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19 18

Peace with Others Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 19

Peace with Others A practical step to keeping peace with others….be a “Holy Meddler”! “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it many benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 20

Job 22:21 Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. 21

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Take this with you… 1.John 15:8 -- We bring Glory to God when we bear much fruit; nothing should motivate us more! 2.Phil. 4:6,7 – Be anxious for nothing; rather pray and give thanks so the Peace of God will guard your heart and mind. 3.Peace with God will result in a future with God. The Peace of God allows you to begin to enjoy Him now! 23

Hillsong Worship “Here With You” 24