July 26, 1990

PEACE

The word peace is used 274 times in the NIV Bible, an indication that
God has a lot to say about peace. Peace is almost universally sought
after. We hear of "Peace through strength" "negotiated peace" "labor
peace" and many other references. Some people in the 1960's even used
the symbol of a broken cross as a "peace sign".

This is the third element of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Love, Joy,
Peace) and together they form a group which represents character as an
inward state. These things we experience in our hearts directly from
God.

The Bible speaks of 3 kinds of peace. They are peace between men,
peace with God, and the peace of the Holy Spirit which we have resident
in our hearts.

The next 3 verses speak about key elements of peace between men. On
who's strength do we receive peace? What are some of man's
deficiencies that prevent long term peace?

Psalms 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love
you be secure.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Psalms 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD
blesses his people with peace.

Read Romans 5:8. What does this mean as far as our day to day life
style?

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live
at peace with everyone.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection,
listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of
love and peace will be with you.

Who brought peace between God and man? Why wasn't there peace between
God and man already?

Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 52:7

Romans 5:1

Are the reasons for lack of peace with God the same as the reasons for
lack of peace between men?

Isaiah 48:18

Malachi 2:5

How do we know God's favor rests with us?

Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men
on whom his favor rests."

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is
steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Read Phil 4:6, We must do our part to experience peace in our hearts,
what must we do?

In the old testament the words translated "peace offering" and
"fellowship offering" are used in the same way. Why is it necessary to
have peace to have fellowship? Define fellowship.

Luke 10:5 "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this
house.'

The peace of the Holy Spirit enables us to have a full and contented
heart in spite of our circumstances. Can you think of an example of
this from the Bible or present day? Can you share an example from your
life?

We hear the word peace on many news broadcasts, think about the
differences between the common understanding of peace and what we have
just studied.

John 14:27

Philippians 4:7

Numbers 6:26

The Amplified Bible translates Phil 4:7 as follows. "And God's peace
(be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation
through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its
earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all
understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and
minds in Christ Jesus."

Christ has allowed us a marvelous freedom by sending the Holy Spirit
into our hearts. He has given us the ability to have Love, Joy, and
Peace wherever we are, and with whatever circumstances we live in.
This makes the Christian a "pillar" because our support comes from a
solid foundation and extends to the heavens. We are not dependent on
our family, job, etc. to support us.

We have every opportunity to change the world because of this.
Sometimes we become afraid because God takes away the ordinary things
we think we need, and if we were ordinary we would need them. Probably
each of you here has some part of your life that can sometimes nearly
crush you. However remember that God is in us. If we get so cluttered
with things of the world no-one can see God working in us. Miracles
require problems and suffering to exist. We have to allow God the
freedom to work in and through us, if we spend all our time working on
our lives so that we don't need God we are just like the world. Give
God the freedom to stretch and challenge us, you will be surprised!

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