Fruit of the SpiritFruit of the Spiritweek four:

peaceweek four:

peace

TCBTCB

1. I’m posting all the powerpoints to the HBC website under the “Miscellanious” tab at the top. (www.hbc-ashland.com)

2. We forgot to take prayer requests last week, I apologize.

“Peace” language study

“Peace” language study

Greek: eirene (aye-ray-nay)

feminine noun

some debate as to the Greek root word (many believe it’s a derivative from “eiro” which means “to join”)

Occurs 397 times in 369 verses in NKJV.

Biblical UsageBiblical Usage

Interesting appearances of

“peace” in scripture.

Interesting appearances of

“peace” in scripture.Pursue peace with all [people], and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: (Heb. 12:14)

Jam 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (One of my favorites)

What theologians have said:

What theologians have said:

Peace towards God and men. Christians are to be peaceful and quiet. Not argumentative, not hateful, but thoughtful and patient. There can be no peace without longsuffering, and therefore Paul lists this virtue next. (Martin Luther)

peace, with God and conscience, or a peaceableness of temper and behaviour towards others (Matthew Henry)

My proposal for a working definition:

The M.F.P. approach

My proposal for a working definition:

The M.F.P. approach

The imperative command given to the saints to:

1. Make (both actively and passively) peace with everyone (believer or non)

2. Foster an environment of peace/safety (preventative measures)

3. Possess a tranquil state of being because of the surety of Christ. (salvation, return, judgement)

The “How To” depends on the “How

not to”

The “How To” depends on the “How

not to”For pragmatic purposes, I think it would be best if we, as a group, were honest with areas where we find it very hard to either make, foster, and/or possess peace in our lives.

Pastor Ben’s “Peace Struggles” include:

1. How do I make peace with those who seek to harm me, or those who can’t defend themselves? (terrorism, genocide, persecution of believers)?

2. Dudes and Dude-etts who claim Christianity but refuse to acknowledge Christ.

3. People who are purposefully antagonistic or completely non self-aware.

• Other ideas?

Answers from Scripture: one

example

Answers from Scripture: one

exampleQ: How do I make peace with those who seek to harm me, or those who can’t defend themselves? (terrorism, genocide, persecution of believers)?

1. Paul says, “If it is possible” indicating that it isn’t always possible.

2. Fostering an environment for peace often means taking measure to preventatively ensure peace. (Fence around a yard, “beware of dog” sign, cold war.)

3. Sometimes “making peace” necessitates making “non-peace”

4. Devil’s Advocate: Christ says turn the other church, so are we to be total pacifists?

A good submitted question:

A good submitted question:

Are those who have the peace spoken of in this passage more likely to be/necessarily the peacemakers that are spoken of by Christ? What is the connection between peace and peacemaking?