Today’s thoughts bring us to the fruit of the Spirit is peace. It will be produced in the man or woman who is living their life in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit produces Good Fruit …Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (KJV).
God desires to do good things in and thru us. Fruit and earthly works contrast. Romans 4:4-5, Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV). Romans 11:6, And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace? Otherwise, work is no more work (KJV).
The key that unlocks peace in our lives: The Fruit of the Spirit is given to us because of God’s grace but we must accept the Gospel truth and allow the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives; then we will begin to experience Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (KJV). Works comes from earthly effort, but Fruit grows from within through the Holy Spirit.
Many kinds of Peace…
International…. peace between nations (Israel’s Victory over the Philistines) …1 Sam 7:14
National…peace throughout the entire land…….1 Kings 4:24
Domestic…peace in the home/live at peace with each other….1 Corinthians 7:15
Individual…trusting in God by faith brings peace…Luke 8:48
False…people say there is peace all around (true peace by obedience to God’s ways) …1 Thessalonian 5:3
Hypocritical…overlooking others when they are in need…faith proves itself by good deeds…James 2:16
Spiritual…peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us …Romans 5:1
Our source of Peace
Peace from God (Phil 4:7),
Peace from Christ (John 14:27),
Peace from the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22)
Peace with God…Yes…the Holy Spirit wants to bring peace to your life. Romans 5:1-2, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (KJV).
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Peace does not come naturally…sin broke the peaceful relationship with God. This is why the world is in trouble today…for Peace with God has been lost, and the world is searching for peace.
The world is trying to find peace in pleasures.
The world is trying to find peace in entertainment.
The world is trying to find peace in substances (alcohol, drugs).
The world is trying to find peace in financial security.
World peace is impossible without Christ…that is, apart from God as stated in Isaiah 57:19-21 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. But the wicked [are] like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. [There is] no peace, saith my God, to the wicked (KJV).
Peace is not known among the wicked: Isaiah 59:8 states, The way of peace they know not; and [there is] no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace (KJV).
Christ came to bring peace. Matthew 24:6-8, And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these [are] the beginning of sorrows (KJV).
Yes…Christ died that we might have peace with God…Romans 5:6-9, And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all [these things] must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these [are] the beginning of sorrows (KJV).
Christ is our source of Peace as Ephesians 2:13-17 states, But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh (KJV).
- The Lord reveals peace…Jeremiah 33:6
- The Lord gives peace…Psalm 29:11
- The Lord establishes peace…Isa 26:12
The Peace of God… Some have peace with God but do not feel peaceful… peace is not limited to a position…for true peace should be our daily experience…
Philippians 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (KJV).
True Peace of God is Peace in all circumstances…
Peace when things aren’t going well.
Peace when anxiety would otherwise replace peace.
Peace when funds are low and debts are high.
Peace when health is uncertain.
Peace when storms are raging.
For this kind of peace, one should be in prayer, thanksgiving, and faith. The Holy Spirit prompts Prayer. The Holy Spirit produces Thanksgiving, the Holy Spirit gives Faith.
This is why we are to live by Faith in the Spirit. Peace with others is part of the life of every believer. Ephesian 4:1-3, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (KJV).
Believers should live in Peace….2 Cor 13:11.
Believers should pursue Peace…There is to be peace among the believers. 2 Tim 2:22.
Peace comes thru Christ’s atonement. Isa 53:5
Peace is the result of reconciliation. Col 1:20
Peace is the product of justification. Rom 5:1
Peace is obtained by faith. Isa 26:3
The Holy Spirit breaks down barriers between believers. The characteristic of revival is the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. As in Acts 1:14, They all met together continually for prayer, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. Also, as in Acts 2:1, [Act 2:1, And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place (KJV).
We as believers must stay in unity with the Holy Spirit as stated in Ephesians 4:1-3, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (KJV).
There are three things that grieve the Holy Spirit: Bitterness, Anger, and Evil speaking. The Holy Spirit can mend your relationships. Christ was and is the great Peacemaker (2 Cor 5:18-21) We as Christians – children of God – are to become Peacemakers… (Matt 5:9 and Rom 14:19), for this pleases God.
Today, let’s stop resisting the Holy Spirit. Let’s be sensitive to His voice. Allow the Holy Spirit’s Peace to Rule in Your Heart and Control Your Life. Walking in Christ brings PEACE. Christ is The Way, The Truth, and The Life!
Share Life Ministries 