Part 4: Peace Galatians 5:16-26 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 law. Galatians 5:16-26 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, 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. 1
8/6/12 Galatians 5:16-26 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. It is the fruit of the spirit in our lives that demonstrates our discipleship in Christ and allows us to live fruitful lives in this world. In a world that is unpredictable and uncontrollable, Peace is often the most elusive part of the fruit-bearing life of a disciple. 2
8/6/12 The real problem: All of our solutions are external, while the real issue is internal. No external solution that humanity can produce will solve our problem Only through the Spirit s transforming work can we experience the peace of Christ that we all long for. What is Biblical Peace? Peace in the old testament: SHALOM (Hebrew) The peace of Heaven: a personal and communal soundness and completeness found through the fulfillment of God s covenanted promises. 3
What is Biblical Peace? Peace in the NEW testament: EIRENE (Greek) The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:5-7 Peace is a God-given calm based on His promises, power, and presence that exists not in the absence of, but in the midst of fear, doubt and anxiety. Perspective on Biblical Peace All of the persecution, trial or testing we experience can only affect the flesh it cannot damage our spirits. Are we depending more on the reality of our physical being or on the reality of our spirits to moor us in the storms of life? 4
Perspective on Biblical Peace When we come to the knowledge of Christ, we choose to surrender our flesh-oriented focus for a life-giving focus on the spiritual reality we have in Jesus. Perspective on Biblical Peace The more we live according to the Spirit and less according to the flesh, the more fruit we will experience and produce in this world. Perspective on Biblical Peace Not only is God s peace a taste of heaven for those that believe, it is an invitation to those who do not yet believe. 5
So how do we get this peace? #1 by GRACE John 14:27; 16:33 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 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. So how do we get this peace? #2 through ABIDING relationship 6
8/6/12 John 15:5-8 I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. Abiding in Jesus teaches us to trust him as he entrusted himself to the father. What does abiding trust that produces peace look like? A mental/emotional focus on Jesus, not circumstances You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you. Isaiah 26:3 7
What does abiding trust that produces peace look like? An honest, vulnerable relationship Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. PHILippians 4:6 What does abiding trust that produces peace look like? An attitude of gratitude Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. PHILippians 4:6 What does abiding trust that produces peace look like? An ongoing affection for God and His direction Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. PSALM 119:165 8
These spiritual habits must be founded on abiding in God s promises, power and presence that is where true peace comes from! Thank you for joining us! 9