Galatians 5:18-24 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

INTRODUCTION

• Like love, joy, and freedom, the concept of peace is broad and subject to interpretation. What did John Lennon mean by peace? What does a person mean when they say, “I haven’t gotten a peace about that yet”? Or “I have made my peace with God”?
• Even Madea, when she heard the quote “Peace be still,” recognized the truth. She said, “Well, peace always comes with still.” She pulled out her revolver and clicked it saying, “Cause I keeps me a piece of steal.”
• As one of the fruit of the Spirit, peace is a reality that Christians should feel and know on a personal level. It is also a reality that should spill out of us onto others. Therefore, it is certainly worthy of our study and reflection today.

DEFINING PEACE

1. Negatively

a. Lacking hostility

b. Lacking physical irritation or pain

However, being at peace is not simply a neutral (cold war-type) stance with another party. True peace is when the hostility ceases, and there is a movement toward friendly, deep, meaningful, mutual relations.

2. Positively

a. Harmony and friendly coexistence between parties. (use half steps to illustrate conflict, a third to illustrate harmony)

b. Inner tranquility (at ease; restful); Soundness (or completeness) of soul; a deep wellness of the soul.

c. Peace also relates strongly to the idea of security. For example, a nation at peace is a nation secure, who can focus on building wealth, etc.

LIVING IN PEACE

Bearing the fruit of peace means to strive for peace with God, self, and others:

1. Peace with God

a. God is the God of Peace (it is His nature)

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

b. God has labored to secure peace between Himself and His people

Colossians 1:19-20 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

c. Peace with God is not simply an initial event of forgiveness (though that is huge), but it also a daily living in peace with God, which provides the foundation for love and joy.

2. Peace with Self

a. Why do we lack internal peace?

i. Because often we are in conflict with ourselves about what kind of person we intend to be.

Romans 8:5-6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

ii. But Christ gives us an identity that resolves the conflict, and destroys the internal hostility.

iii. We no longer feel the overwhelming need for the approval of others, which provides for deep inner tranquility.

b. Christ also moves us to fight personal sin, which can bring loads of peace to our personal lives.

c. Christ also provides wisdom in making decisions, which often leads us to “find peace” about difficult choices.

3. Peace with Others

Hebrews 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

a. People you like

b. People you don’t like. How?

i. Your security is in Christ.

ii. You joy is in Christ.

iii. Love is the fruit blossoming from you.

iv. Love leads to peace.

PEACE AND THE OTHER FRUIT