The
Fruit Of The Spirit Study Course
The
Fruit Of The Spirit Study Course
Lesson Fifteen: The Fruit Of Peace
TEXT: Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. <Emphasis Mine>
Peace comes from the Greek word elrene which means the “quietness of heart and mind based on the knowledge that all is well between the believer and his or her heavenly Father.” (Romans 15:33; Phil. 4:7; 1 Thes. 5:23: Heb. 13:20)[1]
Peace is not just a feeling that one experiences at salvation to assure him that he has been born again; peace is a fruit whose functions are vital for anyone desiring to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
B. The Function of Peace In the Believer.
1. Peace Prevents God’s People from being troubled.
Matthew 24:3-8 - And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Jesus said there would be some things that come upon the earth that we cannot pray, fast or “confess” away. Jesus said In Matthew 24:6 that these things MUST COME TO PASS. Luke’s accounts expound what Jesus said in Matthews’s gospel.
These things shall be so fearful that they will have the potential of literally scaring people to death (Luke 21:26). Believers who are haphazardly living for God have no guarantee they will be immune from this fear. Jesus said these things are the beginning of sorrows. Sorrows in the Greek refer to birth pangs or travail. In other words the earth is about to give birth to the Great Tribulation. Paul talks about this somewhat in the 8th Chapter of the Book of Romans.
Romans 8:22 - For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Jesus gave his followers only one commandment concerning these things: SEE THAT YE BE NOT TROUBLED. Jesus was In essence saying. “See to it that YOU be not troubled.” The Lord Is not going to come down and automatically establish peace In the heart of the individual believer. Therefore, we Christians must not wait on God to provide peace for us: we must take the initiative and CULTIVATE the FRUIT of peace within our own heart. Before Jesus left this earth he told his disciples this:
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
The presence of peace then is the thing that will keep trouble out of our heart. Regardless of the extent to which the forces of hell come against us, we will not be troubled if we possess the peace of God. As the birth pangs of the earth get greater, we must cultivate the fruit of peace NOW, The reason is that peace will be our only means of preservation.
Philip. 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The Greek word translated “keep” is phroureo. It is a military term that means to keep with a military guard or garrison. Having the peace of God is the same as having a military troop guarding ones heart and mind against the enemy. It’s because we let our guard down that we don’t have more peace in these troublesome times.
Martha and Mary
Modern Christians identify with the story of Mary and Martha, for it contrasts the troubled believer with the believer who is at peace.
Luke 10:38-42 - Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
‘THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENS TO BELIEVERS WHEN THEY LACK PEACE IS THEY BEGIN TO NEGLECT THE MOST NEEDFUL PART OF LIFE- SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS AND HEARING HIS WORD.”
Too often Christians sit at the feet of Jesus to hear his Word, but lack the self-discipline to persevere until they find that peace of mind and heart to hear His voice. We are so troubled sometimes, that even if God was shouting, we would be incapable of hearing His voice .God speaks in a still, small voice. (1 Kings 19:11,12). It’s when we take the time to diligently put forth the effort to sit quietly and calmly at the feet of Jesus, that the Lord will flood our troubled minds with peace.
The second thing that happens to a troubled believer is they become cumbered with cares and serving instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus. Some Christians today actually get upset with other believers who do not worry as they do. Martha asked, “don’t you care?” The truth is that In order to be totally honest, many believers would have to answer “No.” Why? Because they have been sitting at the feet of Jesus and have cast their cares upon Him.
1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Col. 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Once again, it is the responsibility of the believer to let peace rule in his heart, for peace must be DEVELOPED and CULTIVATED by an act of the will and through practice. The Greek word for “rule” is brabeuo that means to “act as an umpire, arbitrate, and decide.” In other words, the peace of God will be a deciding factor in a believer’s life as peace is cultivated. It will keep the believer safe in the boundaries of God’s will. In this sense, God uses peace to direct and guide the steps of His children so that their lives will be in keeping with His perfect plan and purpose. The peace of God will act as an umpire. We need to learn to resist the temptation of jumping ahead of God and going on without His peace. We must learn to listen to our heart and detect whether or not we are peaceful or disturbed about a decision that is going to be made. If we miss God’s will, don’t PANIC AND BECOME DISCOURAGED. This is a growth process. There are no instant sainthood techniques.
Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
3. Peace Enables Believers to be Peacemakers.
Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Ephes. 2:13-17 - But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Proverbs 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Jesus is a perfect example of the principle of Proverbs 4:23. Jesus’ heart abounded with peace, enabling Him to minister peace to all those with whom He came in contact. Believers who are irritable, moody, and rude in their actions toward others are that way because their hearts are wrong. In the same respect, a believer who has cultivated the fruit of peace in their hearts will find themselves in the position of being peacemakers. The reason peacemakers are blessed is because they are the children of God. The Greek word for children is hubs, which means “son.” It denotes the relationship of an offspring to its parent, with the emphasis upon the nature of the parent being evident in the child.
Hebrews 12:14 - Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
People who are not peacemakers shall not see the Lord, for this is a clear indication they are not of God nor Joint-heirs with the Prince of Peace. All true believers at least have a seed of peace in their hearts. If we desire to see the Lord, we must CULTIVATE THIS SEED to reach full maturity in our lives with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Characteristics of Peacemakers.
1. Non-Resistance To Evil
Too many Christians are always concerned about their rights and opinions, which usually justify whatever actions they take in every situation that arises against them. We hold an eye for an eye mentality. For this reason, there is a terrible lack of difference between the believer and non-believer in the matter or repaying evil for evil. PILATE marveled greatly at the non-resistance of Jesus to His crucifixion. (Matthew 27:14). The end result of returning good for evil - of suffering injustice without murmuring or retaliation-Is evidence to the whole world which of Its inhabitants are truly the SONS OF GOD.
Romans 8:19 - For the earnest EXPECTATION of the creation eagerly awaits the MANIFESTATION (or revealing) of the Sons of God.
1 Peter 2:20 - For what credit is it if when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? Eat when you do well and suffer, it you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
Matthew 27:54 - So when the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened. they feared greatly, saying. TRULY THIS WAS THE SON OF GOD~.
Jesus clearly stated the law of retaliation permitted under Mosaic Law is abolished in the dispensation of Grace:
Matthew 5:38-39 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
We are to react to evil with acts of LOVE. It is the Love of God given to undeserving people. It’s GRACE:
Romans 12:19-21 - Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing thou shall heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Greek word “avenge” is ekdikeo that means to “inflict pain or harm in return for pain or harm inflicted on oneself.” God is the payer back of evil. God wants his Children to be PEACEMAKERS and not to infringe on God’s role as avenger. As soon as we fight our own battles, we lose our peace, thus opening the door for a spirit of retaliation to come in. Peter tried this type of action when he sliced off the ear of one of the men who came to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus said to Peter:
Matthew 26:52 - Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Luke 22:51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
JESUS IS SAYING TO US: “PUT UP YOUR SWORD USED TO GET EVEN, LEST IT BE USED AGAINST YOU!” When peace is cultivated in our hearts we will have the strength to bestow blessings, kindnesses and prayers upon those who either outwardly or subtly resists us with evil. Obeying Jesus’ voice will make us overcomers.
C. Cultivating the Fruit of Peace.
1. Prayer Cultivates The Fruit of Peace In a Believer.
Philip. 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Prayer produces the peace of God. For those who are still troubled about certain matters when they rise from their knees, it maybe because they neglect a certain condition for peace in their prayer: thanksgiving. Peace comes through praise and worship and appreciation.
Isaiah 57:19 - I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.
Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Believers can give thanks in their prayers by praying in the Spirit. (1 Cor. 14:14-17)
Two Things to Pray For
1 Tim. 2:1-2 - I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
It is possible that many of our prayers are hindered because we believers are not praying for what God commanded us to pray for. Prayers must be made for ALL MEN. This means our enemies as well as our friends.
1. We are to pray for those in authority and prayers upon those who either outwardly or subtly resist us with evil. Obeying Jesus’ voice will make us overcomers.
1 Tim. 2:2 - For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
2. We are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem
Psalm 122:6,76 Pray for the PEACE of Jerusalem: they shall prosper and love thee 7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
3. We are to pray for our enemies. (Matthew 5:43-45).
Matthew 5:45 - Which ye may be the children of your FATHER that is in HEAVEN.
Being like the heavenly Father produces peace in the hearts of his children.
2. Abiding In Jesus
John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Abiding Iin Jesus helps the believer cultivate the peace of God. To abide means to “permanently dwell; to make a homestead, to continue.” Abiding therefore, does not mean to go in and out of His presence at one’s own personal convenience; it means to remain continually in that presence regardless of one’s feelings or circumstances. Jesus said those who abide would bring forth much fruit. One attribute of the fruit we will bring forth is peace.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
There is much peace to be found abiding in the Lord. Abiding in Jesus produces a security in knowing we are the Lord’s. We do not have to be the disciples who, at the table the night Jesus betrayed kept asking Is it I? We can KNOW that we will be faithful to God through the peace that God gives to us by abiding in His Son.
3. By No Longer Resisting the Will of God.
Matthew 10:39 - He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it.
Believers find the peace of God when they die to self. When Jesus finally said, “Father.” “Thy will be done,” the angels came and MINISTERED TO HIM. True peace can only be found when one reaches the point He no longer resists the will of God. When we give up trusting our own efforts, then we will find peace.
Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Luke 9:23 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Believers who have taken up the cross and followed Jesus will find the peace they have been desperately searching for.
Psalm 119:165 - Great peace have they that love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
John 14:21 - He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
We may hear the word of God, but we will not have peace until we have learned to keep it:
Philip. 4:9 - Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Isaiah 48:17-18 - Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teaches thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. [18] O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
Proverbs 3:1-2 - My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: [2] For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
D. Peace Promises.
The world can only offer its inhabitants an unstable, short-lived doomed substitute for true, lasting peace. The white horse rider of Revelation will bring a false peace, but the red horse rider will quickly take peace from the earth.
1 Thes. 5:3 - For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
The child of God is promised peace!
1. There Is Peace In His House: 1 Kings 22:17- Let each return to his HOUSE IN PEACE.
2. Peace In The Land: Lev. 28:6- I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid.
3. Peace In The Grave; 2 Kings 22:20 -Surely, therefore, I will Gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave In PEACE
4. Peace In Prosperity: 1 Sam. 25:6- and thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: PEACE BE TO YOU, PEACE TO YOUR HOUSE and PEACE TO ALL THAT YOU HAVE.
5. Peace In The End: Psalm 37:37 - Make the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.
6. Peace In His Mind: Phil 4:7-And the PEACE of God, which passes all understanding, shall KEEP your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
7. Peace In His Soul: Psalm 55:18- He has redeemed my soul In PEACE from the battle that was against me.
8. Peace In Abundance: Psalm 72:7-In his days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of PEACE, until the moon is no more.
9. Peace In His Head- Phil 4:7-And the PEACE of God, which passes all understanding, shall KEEP your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
10. Peace In His Borders- Psalm 147:14- He makes PEACE in your borders, and FILLS YOU with the finest wheat
11. Peace In His Children- Isaiah 54:13- Al your children shall be taught by the Lord, and GREAT SHALL BE THE PEACE of your children.
12. Peace Throughout Eternity -1 Kings 2:33-.... But upon David and his descendants, upon his house and his throne, there shall be PEACE forever from the Lord.
13. The Child of God Lives In Peace- 2 Cor. 13:11- Be of good comfort, be of cue mind, live In PEACE; and the God of love and PEACE will be with you.
14. He Lies Down In Peace- Psalm 4:8-1 will both lie down In peace, and sleep; For you alone, 0 Lord, make me dwell In safety.
15. He Sows In Peace- James 3:18-Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in PEACE by those who make PEACE.
16. Follows Peace - Hebrews 12:14-Foflow PEACE with all men, and Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
17. We Find Peace When We Come To The Lord’s House - Gen 28:21- So that I come back to my father’s house in PEACE, then the Lord shall be my God.
18. Departs In Peace - James 2:16-...“Depart In peace,”
19. Seeks Peace -1 Peter 3:11- Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him Seek PEACE and do good.
20. Preaches Peace -Acts 10:36 - The word which God sent to the children of Israel, PREACHING PEACE through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all
21. The Child of God Experiences Perfect Peace - Isaiah 26:3- Thou wilt keep him In perfect PEACE, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth In thee.
22. Experiences Great Peace -Psalm 119:165-Great peace they have that love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
23. Multiplied Peace- 2 Peter 1:2- Grace and PEACE be multiplied to you.
24. Has Peace Within- Psalm 122:8- For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, Peace be within you.
25. Peace With His Enemies- Prov. 16:7- When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
26. Peace With His Brethren- 1 Thess. 5:13-...Be at PEACE among yourselves.
27. Peace With His God- Numbers 25:12- Therefore say, Behold to give to him my covenant of PEACE.
28. Peace Beyond Understanding - Phil 4:7-And the PEACE of God, which passes all understanding, shall KEEP your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
THE PRINCE OF PEACE MADE ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE!
Isaiah 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
E. Peace and the Kingdom of God.
1. The Fruit of Righteousness
James 3:18-Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in PEACE by those who make PEACE
The fruit of our tree must be that of Peace if we are to be like Jesus. This is another parallel to the statement Jesus said about those who called themselves the Children of God. If we are sowing peace, then we are glorifying God. If we sow peace, we will reap peace. (Gal. 6:8)
Isaiah 61:3 - To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
2. Peace and Righteousness
Eph 5:9-10 - For the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is in all GOODNESS and RIGHTEOUSNESS and TRUST, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Contentment with God is a character trait of those who have cultivated the fruit of peace. It is basically what the Kingdom of God is in experience:
Romans 14:17-19 - For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. [18] For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. [19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Gen. 14:18 - Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High
Hebrews 7:1-21 For this Melchizdek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.2 To whom Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, meaning, “King of Peace.”
Melchizdek, mentioned only twice in the Old Testament is a type of Christ in his high priestly ministry. One of the similarities is in their names: King of Righteousness and King of Peace.
Psalm 85:10 - Mercy and truth hath met together; Righteousness and PEACE have kissed.
In Jesus, we have the righteous nature of God and the Peace that He came to bring those who trust Him. As He ever lives daily to make intercession for us, He is always praying for us to be filled with His peace. As Melchizidek met Abraham with bread and wine after the battle, so does our heavenly Melchizidek seek to provide us with bread (nourishment and sustenance) and wine (the joy in the Holy Ghost). It is not what we are doing that matters, it’s if we know the heavenly Melchizidek. His presence will forever provide us with the peace of God that so many are desperately seeking.
Fill In The Blanks
1. Eirene is the Greek word for ____________________
2. Jesus said the peace He gave would keep our _____________________from being troubled.
3. Jesus said the last days would be the beginning of_____________
4. The Greek word for keep is _____________________
5. _________________ and _______________ contrasts the troubled believer with the believer at peace.
6. Peace also helps a believer determine the _____________ of their life.
7. Peacemakers are _________________________ to evil.
8. ___________________ marveled greatly at Jesus who did not resist when He was crucified.
9. __________________ cultivates peace in the believer.
10. Once we stop resisting the ____________________ for our lives, we will then see peace.
1. Melchizidek A. Jesus Christ
2. Fruit of Righteousness B. Greek for avenge
3. Preaches Peace C. Greek for children
4. Abiding in Jesus D. Greek for keep
5. Prayer E. Produces peace
6. Ekdlkeo F. King of Salem
7. Huios G. Greek for peace
8. Eirene H. Believer
9. Phroureo I. Sown in Believers Peace
10. The Prince of Peace J. Communication to God