Galatians 522 But the fruit of the Spirit is ----, ---, -----, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The Fruit of the Spirit: PeaceJohn 14:23-27

Relationships are trickyThey can be complicatedThey can be frustrating

Even hostile

Co-workersNeighbors

FriendsFamily

Spouses

God wants us to be at peace with othersThe bible reminds us that it is most important to be at peace with God

A relationship with God (peace with God)…

Colors our worldviewGuides our decisions

Helps us to live better

John 1423 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

Those who chose to have a relationship with Christ…

ObeyWhen it seems we are alone

We have God’s peace

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 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.

In the world peace is here one moment – gone the next

It often eludes usIt is temporary

In Christ, peace does not mean there won’t be troubles and

reasons to be afraidIt is that we face those issues

differently because the peace of God is within us

John 1632 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

How do we overcome the world?By knowing and accepting Christ

into our heartsThis peace is not one that can be

learned and managed through practice and skill

It is a gift from God

Romans 5Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2

through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand...

3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Jesus made a way for us to have access to God

He reconciled usHe paid the price for our peaceIf we accept Christ and his gift,

we receive that peace

Since Jesus reconciled us while we were his enemies…

He has the right to ask the same of us

We are to be seeking peaceWe are to be about peace

Romans 1217 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

This world is toughComplicated

Not nice enough

When we are at peace…We win

God winsWhen we are angry and warring…

We have allowed the enemy to winWe have lost

We are called to accept God’s gift of peace

We are called to be about peace• At peace with God• At peace with each other• As much as possible at peace

with the world