Spiritual power - the fruit of the Spirit - arises out of the Holy Spirit s life within us. The Holy Spirit gives expression to God-honouring character traits through our lives as we yield to Him and walk in step with Him.
SPIRITUAL POWER: Peace vs Anxiety
Four reasons I get anxious with people and situations that destroy my Peace.
1. I get anxious, if I think that people will say something that will hurt me or put me in a situation that will make me feel uncomfortable, so I d rather stay away from them.
2. I get anxious when I think of what could happen in the future and once that starts I can t get it out of my head.
3. I get anxious when I think of the stuff that has happened to me in the past, and I feel stuck and I can t seem to move on in my life
4. I get anxious when I see how bad things are getting and I just can t see any solution to the horrid mess I m in.
Life is full of situations that can choke the life out of you and destroy your peace.
Luke 8:14 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
Peace comes from the Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Ephesians 2:14-18 For He Himself is our peace, 14 who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
Ephesians 2:14-18 and that He might reconcile them both 16 to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to 17 you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled; you 1 believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father s house are many mansions;fn if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.fn 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
John 14:25-27 These things I have spoken to you while being 25 present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to 27 you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
So how do I have Peace with God? Respond to Jesus invitation!
Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
SIN IN YOUR LIFE burdens you change is essential. failing to do what you know is right (omission) Begin something new doing something that was wrong. (commission) Stop something old.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:5).
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
So how do I maintain my Peace with God?
The Prince of Peace is The Way of Peace
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Helping Others
Proverbs 12:25, NIV An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Romans 10: 14-15 How then shall they call on Him 14 in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Romans 10: 14-15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!