In order to understand true peace, what do we need to do? (Look in the Bible!) God’s Word is our ultimate source of truth. We are first going to look at some verses that will define what peace is.
Read: Philippians 4:4-7
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
What can we define about peace based on these verses? (It comes from God, it comes as a result of prayer, it is the opposite of anxiousness, and it goes beyond our understanding.)
t is definitely clear from Scripture that peace comes directly from God! Many of the books in the New Testament are actually letters written to different churches. In many of the letters, the writer begins and ends the letter with a blessing of peace.
For example, 2 Corinthians 1:2, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Second Thessalonians 3:16 states, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
(See also Romans 15:33, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9, Romans 15:13, 2 John 1:3.)
Why should we have peace as Christians?
Read Romans 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A huge part of biblical peace is the fact that because of Christ we have been declared righteous before God and no longer have to pay the penalty for our sin (justification). Our relationship with God is one of peace and not of wrath.
Peace ultimately comes from God, has been made through Christ, and is available to us daily through the Holy Spirit’s work inside of us
We are also called to live in peace with others.
Part of the fruit the Holy Spirit is producing in us as we abide in Christ. We have the ability through Him to live in peace with everyone.
Personal Pursuit
Peace is such an amazing result of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives! Our days can often be filled with worry and stress and fear. Biblical peace is completely opposite of all of these feelings! It is the absence of stress, worry, fear, and chaos. It is the resting and quieting of our souls before God as we remember who He is and trust in Him completely.
How is biblical peace different from the peace the world offers us? (It never ends, it is real, it comes from our God of peace, it is always available to us as we trust in Christ, it is expected of us as believers, etc.) There is nothing in the world that could ever compare to the perfect peace of God!
Write or draw out some situations in your own life where you want to experience the peace of God.
We are also commanded to live in peace with one another. What does the verse mean when it says “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18)? (Doing everything in our power to live at peace with the people around us. This could mean putting aside your own feelings and opinions for the sake of promoting peace.) Are you a peace-maker in your home? Why or why not? What are ways you can change?
We can experience the peace of God through the storms of life when we remember who He is, that He keeps His promises, He is in control over every part of our lives, and we have His Spirit within us who is producing the fruit of peace. I am going to start a beautiful song called Still that declares trust and stillness (peace) in God through the storms of life. Sing along as you learn the lyrics or just listen to the truth and beauty of their words.
- Still by Hillsong, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6Fw8DgvTQA&feature=related
Try to memorize John 14:27 this week. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”
These are the very words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We know we can trust and believe His Words are true.
When you are going through worry, stress, fear, or just a chaotic day, I want you to remember these words of Christ, be still, and remember who your God is. Trust in Him, and you will experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Prayer:
Dear God, Thank you for for the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and the peace we are able to have because He lives within us. Amen
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