Peace
Galatians
5:16-26
We celebrate the PEACE
our Savior brought to us.
The scripture teaches in Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word peace as meaning (as defined in context with our study today): "The absence � other hostilities" "Freedom from quarrels or disagreement." "5. Inner contentment, serenity, peace of mind�" or, AT PEACE as meaning "1. In a state of tranquility; serene" or "2. Free from strife" or "To be silent, keep the peace. To maintain or observe law and order."
Galatians
5:16-26 tells us:
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the
desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to
the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in
conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are
led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the sinful nature are
obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions,
factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did
before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
BUT the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
SURPRISE!!! Peace is a requirement for believers. Did you ever think about that???
In the book of Psalms we find more admonition to be one with peace. Psalm 34:14 "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
And in Psalm 58:10 "Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other."
Then in Proverbs 14:30 "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
In the New Testament there are many references to peace. However, Jesus himself said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
And again in John 16:33 Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Paul told the Roman Believers in Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ�"
Then he speaks to the believer Timothy (who he looked on as his son) II Timothy 2:22 "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and PEACE, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
In our scripture reading today Galatians 5:22 we read "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law." In other words, we can not experience the PEACE of GOD without exhibiting all the fruit of the Spirit.
The FRUITS Are:
-
What are the fruits?
1. V22 tells us there are 9. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance. -
V23 - These things are outside the law.
1. Why?
a. They ARE the LAW made alive in hearts and souls.
When we consider peace we must consider it along with those other attributes of a Spiritual Existence.
How Received:
-
How do I receive the fruit of the Spirit?
1. V24 - Christ's own have crucified the flesh with the passions and lusts that control it.
2. V25 - If we LIVE in the Spirit
a. We should WALK in the Spirit. -
In effect, we show forth the fruit of the Spirit, to which we have surrendered.
1. If the Spirit of Satan is our Spiritual base then the things listed in Verses 19-21 (READ) are the fruit we
bear. -
If we submit to God's Holy Spirit, then the fruits we find listed in Verses 22-23 (READ) are what we shall bear.
How Light Imparted to Dark w/Fruit of Spirit:
-
How do we impart light to darkness with the fruit of the Spirit?
1. If we LOVE and don't HATE, we show the truth in God's Word.
a. Only True believers can love those who hate them.
2. If we follow the PATH of PEACE rather than STRIFE, we show the truth in God's Word.
a. Only a true believer will be filled with true peace when others are immersed in strife and conflict
and upset.
3. If we exhibit JOY instead of a dull Spirit, we exhibit God's Truth.
a. Only God's Joy can be evident at times when others have no Joy.
Summary:
Only through the spirit of God can we experience ALL the fruit of the Spirit. Anyone can exhibit a fruit or maybe more than one. Only believers filled with God's Spirit can exhibit them all. These are not something you can conjure up. These are things that become a part of our very being. If we are truly filled with God's Spirit these things become our very nature.
Does this sound difficult? For man alone it is. With God it is not.
