PEACE, JOY & SPIRITUAL FREEDOM GODLY ORDER. Dr. Kenneth W. Jones, Pastor, Practical Living Ministry

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1 1 PEACE, JOY & SPIRITUAL FREEDOM GODLY ORDER Dr. Kenneth W. Jones, Pastor, Practical Living Ministry

2 Why This Message? 2 At a time when the world needs the Peace of God, the church is becoming more naturally minded, carnal, mystical, and ungodly gravitating towards worldly solutions to deal with a spiritual dilemma Spiritual leadership is choosing to be relevant than reconciling The reason for the chaos is that there is disorder

3 Why This Message? 3 As families shift from biblical principles, we are seeing an increase in divorce, separations, abuse because of no divine godly order in the home. The peace of God is experienced through the venue of relationship.

The Kingdom of This World: Chaos 4 We must be careful as Christians not to align ourselves with a system that is anti-god and is destined and operates in chaos The reason that some Christians are

4 The Kingdom of This World: Chaos 4 We must be careful as Christians not to align ourselves with a system that is anti-god and is destined and operates in chaos The reason that some Christians are discontent and without peace is that many seek "life" from the world instead of from Christ. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

5 What is the World System 5 Represent more than just a geographical, but represents, Mankind and a System of Influence. Under Satanic control (2 nd Cor 4:4) it strives in chaos, lawlessness, and violence (1 st Tim 1:9; 2 nd Thess 2:3) 2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Satan s world system thrives in spiritual darkness that envelopes, permeates, and controls the human race, influencing every aspect of their lives through thought and behavior in such a way that the depraved nature of man is magnified while God is excluded. (Romans 1: 21-25)

6 The World s System 6 It Represents Rebellion Against God 1 John 3:4 - Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. Lawlessness is a disregard for the law of God, which is inherently a disregard for the law Maker, God Himself. What we are seeing today is man forsaking the Word of God to pursue doctrines of devils, mystical deeds, and worldly influence adding to his torment as he lacks the peace of God We are not to love the World (1 st John 2:15) The Influence of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life draws us away from the Father Worldliness is a mindset that perverts the enjoyment of God s creation by causing men to use it in ways God never intended.

7 7 Example of the World s System: The Tower of Babel At the tower of Babel, there was an anti-god leader of humanity (whose name was Nimrod). (Genesis 11) There was organized rebellion against God (in disobeying the command to disperse over the whole earth). There was direct distrust of God's word and promise (in building in expectation that God would flood the earth again). The world's progress, technology, government, and organization can make man better off, but not better. Finally, the story of the tower of Babel shows us that the world system - as impressive and winning as it appears to be - will never win out over God. Reference: Excerpts from David Guzik s Commentary

8 Question 8 Why chase after a system that is at odds with your Christian beliefs? The world is the Christian s enemy because it represents an anti-god system, a philosophy that is diametrically opposed to the will and plan of God. It is in this wicked world we must rear our families and earn our livelihoods and while we are in this world, we are not to be a part of it. This worldly system actually hates the believer (John 15:18-19; 1 John 3:13)

9 Exhortation to Christians 9 As Christians living in the world we are to be careful not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ (Col. 2:8). Realizing that satan attacks the mind with oppression, fear, imaginations, it is important that we think biblically in everything, which is our only safeguard against the enemy. Much of our conflict and lack of peace today comes from an un-renewed mindset. (Romans 12:1,2)

10 The World s Response Today 10 There is a Call for Discussions But Not For Discernment There is a Call for Reform but Not for Repentance There is a Call Violence But Not for Peace There is a Call for Blame and Not Accountability There is a call for Change but Not Revival There is a Call for Justice, but not for Judgment

11 The Kingdom of God 11 Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. We have made the kingdom of God about meat and drink; materials and worldly blessings; This is what caused strife and contentions among the Romans But the kingdom is about righteousness Being pardoned of sin, and obtaining holiness of heart and life. And peace - In the soul, from a sense of God's mercy; peace regulating, ruling, and harmonizing the heart. And joy in the Holy Ghost - Solid spiritual happiness; a joy which springs from a clear sense of God's mercy; the love of God being shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost. In a word, it is happiness brought into the soul by the Holy Spirit, and maintained there by the same influence.

Everything Follows an Order 12 Romans 5:19 - For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so

Right standing - Reconciliation Right Thinking Restoration Relationship with the Father Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of

Renewed Mind Refreshing of the Spirit Nehemiah 8:10b - for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the

12 Everything Follows an Order 12 Romans 5:19 - For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. Right standing - Reconciliation Right Thinking Restoration Relationship with the Father Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Renewed Mind Refreshing of the Spirit Nehemiah 8:10b - for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Sustaining Strength As we accept Christ, we are made righteous before God having peace with God, leading to the peace of God, and now can truly experience the joy of the Lord.

13 The Kingdom of God is Peace 13 Shalom is the environment of God s kingdom in which His new covenant community of people thrive. Thus peaceful harmonious fellowship and wellbeing in the community of the King flows from God our Father. (Bill The people of God experience the Peace of God as they walk in the Spirit, producing the fruit of Peace The Wisdom of God is peaceable (James 3:13-18), therefore promoting harmony and trust in God Pursuing the peace of God can bring order in your home, church, community, and this nation

14 14 Divine Order In Your Life Leads to Divine Order in Your Relationships While most teachings regarding Divine Order comes from defining roles and responsibilities of the Man, Woman, and Children, sustaining peace within the home and within the church comes in three areas: Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) Much strife, confusion, and disobedience can be avoided if each of walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. We will please God and be a blessing to others Abide in the Word of God. "Great peace have they which love Thy Law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:165). As we study and abide in God s Word, we may find ourselves becoming less offended and in error. Prayer: Pray without ceasing - Experience the peace that the LORD Jesus Christ gives, flows from a life that abides in prayer. (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 st Thessalonians 5:17).

15 Regarding Divine Order 15 Our attitudes toward our mate and our children are determined by our attitudes toward GOD. Your spouse and/or your children may not always be perfect, but our response is based upon our relationship with the Father Your role and responsibility is not cultural, but ordained of God There is power and blessings in the marriage because it is founded in covenant with God We have everything we need to live in divine order 2 Peter 1:3: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

16 Regarding Divine Order 16 You Don t Respect Me! You re not in Order! This is Why I Act Up! How About Submitting to God?

17 Godly Order Example: King Asa 17 2 Chronicles 14:2 - And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: 2 Chronicles 14:4 - And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. King Asa started out this way, but through disobedience and turning away from God, his latter years ended in conflict, sickness, and death.

18 Keeping Order 18 2 Chronicles 16:9 - For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. It is obedience to God and trusting in Him that allows for peace and godly order in our lives This scripture which is often quoted comes with allowing God to prevail in our lives and not trusting in the arm of flesh

19 Godly Order Ensures Peace 19 Genesis 18:19 - For I know him (Abraham), that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Can God speak to you regarding your family? Godly order is not one person being in dominion but that each member understand one s Roles, Attitude and Purpose

20 King Asa Brought Peace 20 King Asa had ensured that the altar in his kingdom (home) was established 2 Chronicles 14:5 - He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. And the kingdom was undisturbed under him. 2 Chronicles 14:6 - And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.

21 King Asa s Response: 21 2 Chronicles 15: 8,12: And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. 12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul

22 What Did Asa Do? 22 Heard the Words: Spoken by God s servant Considered the Condition of His People He took courage and repented for his people Renewed the Altar of the LORD Bringing back the Altar in the Home

23 What Did Asa Do? Cont d 23 He and the kingdom entered into a covenant (agreement) to seek the Lord King Asa restored their relationship with the Father Chronicles 15:15 - And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

24 King Asa s Response 24 He even removed ungodly influences from his home 2 Chronicles 15:16 - And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. There are times that one must remove things, even relatives, from one s household to maintain peace and godly order in the home

25 All Went Well Until Chronicles 15:17 - But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. 2 Chronicles 16:1 - In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah. When faced with war, Asa made a pact with another King instead of seeking the Lord (Ben-Hadad, king of Syria). Even though things worked out, it was not as God desired it to be

26 King Asa s Fault 26 God had brought peace and rest to the land God wanted to show Himself strong on Asa s behalf Due to Asa s disobedience, he will now experience war and conflict God Wants to do the Same For You How Will You Respond?

27 King Asa began to respond in rebellion instead of repentance 2 Chronicles 16:7: And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king

27 27 King Asa began to respond in rebellion instead of repentance 2 Chronicles 16:7: And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. 2 Chronicles 16:10 - Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.

28 King Asa s Dilemma 28 And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time: Asa not only struck out against the prophet, Hanani, but he also oppressed others who were committed to God and could see the error of the kings ways. There is a price to be paid for disobedience and rebellion 2 Chronicles 16:12 - In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet--until his disease became very severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but relied on the physicians.

29 29 Asa Became Severely Diseased in His Feet This happened after he refused to hear Gods word of correction through Hanani the seer This shows a connection between sickness, disease, sin, rebellion, etc. Spiritual Root of Gout: The need to seen in the need to dominate; Impatience, anger.

30 King Asa s Dying Dilemma Today 30 Too many Christians today are running to the aid of ungodly men for answers and forsaking the wisdom of God and the ministry gifts God has provided for them Many are searching for peace through movements, mystics, and people. Peace is found in our faith in God and trust in His workings in our lives

31 Peace With Others A Reminder 31 Sometimes it is that last statement spoken in contempt, anger or distress that not only defiles the speaker due to one's unwholesome word but presents itself as a bait on the hook to the other person that may entrap them in strife, bitterness or anger A soft answer turns away wrath Our words can promote peace or strife just like a thermostat can set an environmental setting in the house. Sometimes it's that one extra statement, that look of contempt that can destroy relationships

Practical Living Ministry 32 Practical Living Ministry exists to assist individuals, groups, and organizations to operate to their full God-given ability by sharing life changing principles for

32 Practical Living Ministry 32 Practical Living Ministry exists to assist individuals, groups, and organizations to operate to their full God-given ability by sharing life changing principles for spiritual growth and development. If this message touched you, please let me hear from you. If you would like to encourage us financially to keep sharing these kind of messages, please go to our donation section on our website at If you would like to contact Dr. Jones for a speaking engagement at your church or event concerning biblical leadership, mentoring, and Christian culture. Please contact Pastor Kenneth Jones at kenjones@practicallivingministry.org

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