Jan16-22: The fruit of the Spirit is Peace

Teaching Points

1. Read John 14:27 and consider the following questions.

·      What is the definition of peace?

o   Strong’s 1515: prosperity, one, quietness, rest, set at one again.

Note: It is very interesting that "peace" has the implication of unity: one or to set at one again.

·      Whose peace are we given?

·      Does the world try to give false peace?

·      How does guarding the thoughts and feelings relate to retaining this peace?

·      Our heart is our thoughts and feelings. Jesus says don't let your heart be troubled or afraid.

·      In what ways does Eph. 4:3 bring out the same ideas?

2. Read Romans 5:1

·      What does it mean to be justified by faith?

·      How does this justification bring us into peace with God?

·      What is our condition before we are justified?

·      Who is the only source of true peace? Compare with Isaiah 9:6

OBSERVATIONS:

·      To be justified means not only forgiven but also without sin. Our record of sin must be blotted in addition to our need of Christ’s strength to overcome today.

·      This is why justification is by faith. We believe we are justified because God promises, but in reality sins are not blotted out until the end of the judgment in heaven.

·      Our sins separate us from God. They alienate our hearts from God. When we are justified by faith we are brought into unity with God.

·      The true meaning of peace is oneness or unity when we have peace with God we become one with Him.

·      True peace comes from our relationship with Christ: the Prince of Peace.

SOP:

·      When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man's justification. "Being justified by faith," he has "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1.  {AA 476.2} 

3. Meditate on Psalm 37:11, 37 and the following questions.

·      What is the description of those who have peace?

·      What does it mean to be meek?

·      How does meekness lead to peace?

·      What do these qualities of being meek, upright and perfect have in common?

·      Does this peace mean an absence of trials?

·      How much peace is this?

·      Can the world give us this kind of peace?

·      Compare meekness with Matthew 11:28-30 and look at the meaning of “meek.”

OBSERVATIONS:

·      Strong’s H6035 meek means: humble, gentle, lowly H6031 to abase self, to afflict self or chasten self.

·      Are we not to afflict our souls during the Day of Atonement in which we are living?

·      This meekness, self-abasement, or surrender leads to true peace and inheriting the earth made new.

·      There is a connection between surrender to Christ—taking His yoke—and meekness.

·      Love of self does not end in peace.

·      Strong’s H8535 Perfect means: complete, morally pious, gentle. This kind of person has peace.

SOP:

·      True happiness is found, not in self-indulgence and self-pleasing, but in learning of Christ. Those who trust to their own wisdom and follow their own way complain at every step. But those who take Christ at His word, and surrender the soul to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. The Lord says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee."  {ST, January 13, 1904 par. 10} 

4. Read Matt. 8:23-27 and make observational questions.

·      What can this story teach you about peace?

·      How does trusting Christ tie into having peace?

5. Compare Hebrews 12:14 and Romans 12:18 and make observational questions.

·      What does it mean to follow peace with all men?

·      Should we ever compromise truth for the sake of peace?

·      Did Jesus, our example, compromise true in order to have peace?

·      How does Romans 12:18 balance Hebrews 12:14?

·      What is the correlation between seeing God and following after peace and holiness?

6. Carefully consider Matthew 5:23, 24 and the following questions.

·      What should you do before you bring your gift to God?

·      What should you do if you remember that someone has something against you?

·      What basic principle is Jesus teaching here?

·      Why is it so important to make things right with others before coming to God?

·      Why should we go to them even though we have nothing against them?

·       If a church member stops coming to church because you did something they did not like, what should you do?

OBSERVATIONS:

·      Perfect trust in Christ leads to peace.

·      There is a connection between peace with man and holiness that helps qualify us to see our Lord.

·      Compromise never leads to true unity, which is the definition of peace.

·      In order to follow peace with all men we need to go to others who we, perhaps unknowingly, offended and make things right.

·      If they are upset at us for any cause we should go to them and make things right.

SUMMARY:

·      True peace comes from full surrender of self to Christ and acceptance of His righteousness and blood on my behalf—justification by faith.

·      The world cannot give this peace because the world focuses on self-gratification.

·      True Christians will reveal peace in their lives by calmness, gentleness, and thoughtfulness of others.

·      We can experience true inward peace even through the most trying circumstances if we are surrendered to Christ.

APPLICATION:

·      Do you find yourself constantly worrying, getting upset, frustrated, or stressed?

·      Ask the Lord to help you surrender and have true inner peace.

·      What choices can you make which will help make the promise of peace in Christ real for you?

·      Are you spending the necessary time with Jesus that you need in order to have constant inner peace?

·      Think about the principle in Hebrews 12:14. Do you relate to others in a peaceful way?

·      In what areas are you falling short?

·      What can you change in your relationship with Christ that can keep you from falling short in these areas?

·      What would your church be like if each member peacefully and humbly dealt with each other, especially in mistakes?

·      Are you a peacemaker?

·      Can you think of anyone who has something against you? Are you willing to go make that right?

PROPHETIC APPLICATION:

·      The world is looking for peace by unity in compromising truth. What happens when they cry peace and safety?  (1 Thessalonians 5:3; Jeremiah 8:15, 11)