2. The Fruit of the Spirit Peace

3. Review Fruit of the Spirit versus works of the flesh Fruit of the Spirit versus works of the flesh Fruit Fruit Love – a decision Love – a decision Joy – a result of grace Joy – a result of grace Now we will look at PEACE Now we will look at PEACE

4. Peace defined In English, we think of it as the absence of conflict In English, we think of it as the absence of conflict Greek eirene Greek eirene “peace between individuals, i.e., harmony, concord” “peace between individuals, i.e., harmony, concord” “the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is” “the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is”

5. Peace with whom and how? Peace with God (Romans 5:1-11) Peace with God (Romans 5:1-11) Comes when we are justified by faith (5:1) Comes when we are justified by faith (5:1) Though not “faith alone” Though not “faith alone” Companion of love and joy (5:2-5) Companion of love and joy (5:2-5) Made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice (5:6-9) Made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice (5:6-9) Continues to be possible because of His resurrected life (5:10-11) Continues to be possible because of His resurrected life (5:10-11)

6. Peace with whom and how? Peace with man (Eph 2:11-22) Peace with man (Eph 2:11-22) Jews and Gentiles, once separated from each other, can now be at peace (2:11-14) Jews and Gentiles, once separated from each other, can now be at peace (2:11-14) Made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice (2:15-17) Made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice (2:15-17) A peace that allows access to the Father by the Spirit (2:18) A peace that allows access to the Father by the Spirit (2:18) A peace where all can be fellow-citizens (2:19a) A peace where all can be fellow-citizens (2:19a) A peace where all are one family (2:19b) A peace where all are one family (2:19b) A peace where all can be a temple (2:20- 22) A peace where all can be a temple (2:20- 22)

7. Peace with whom and how? Peace with self (Phil 4:4-7) Peace with self (Phil 4:4-7) Comes from joy Comes from joy Comes from a gentle spirit Comes from a gentle spirit Comes from reliance upon God Comes from reliance upon God Comes from God Comes from God Flies in the face of reason Flies in the face of reason Serves as our fortress to guard our hearts and minds Serves as our fortress to guard our hearts and minds

8. Preserving peace 1 Pet 3:8-12 1 Pet 3:8-12 Peace must be sought and pursued (3:11) Peace must be sought and pursued (3:11) Qualities needed for peace Qualities needed for peace Being harmonious Being harmonious Being sympathetic Being sympathetic Being brotherly, kindhearted, and humble Being brotherly, kindhearted, and humble Not returning evil for evil, but giving a blessing Not returning evil for evil, but giving a blessing Not using his tongue for evil Not using his tongue for evil Not using his tongue for lies Not using his tongue for lies

9. Conclusion James 3:17-18 James 3:17-18 To bear the fruit of righteousness To bear the fruit of righteousness It must be sown in peace by those who make peace It must be sown in peace by those who make peace That is, you can’t have the fruit of the Spirit if you are not peaceful and if you are not making peace with God, others and yourself That is, you can’t have the fruit of the Spirit if you are not peaceful and if you are not making peace with God, others and yourself