#BibleStudy Timeless Truths. The Miracle Tree – Fruit of the Spirit. #3 PEACE
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-23
#3 Peace
Some define peace as “an absence of conflict.”
Scripture has different definitions, all of which can become a long-lasting reality in your life.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 [Living Bible]
Paul’s definition in Philippians is only part of the Biblical definition. Let’s take a look in the Old Testament.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
Isaiah 11:6 [NIV]
That’s a description of real peace.
An Aside
Just for the record, nowhere in the Bible does it say, “the lion shall lie down with the lamb.” That’s a misquotation—actually a fusion of misquotations—from Isaiah 11:6-7.
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
THREE STORMS IN THE LIFE OF JESUS
1. FEAR DESTROYS PEACE. Jesus walks on the water.
16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
John 6:16-21
The disciples are afraid for their lives.
They fear the “ghost on the water.” (See below*)
When you are fearful, all peace leaves.
2. REAL PEACE IS NOT DEFINED BY CIRCUMSTANCES. Peter walks on the water.
25 Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Matthew 14:25-31
*This is the same storm as John reports above. Matthew provides more details.
Christ maintains peace throughout the whole story.
You can have peace, regardless of what is going on around you because…
God’s peace comes from within.
The eye of the hurricane is peaceful in the center of a raging storm.
3. PEACE REQUIRES US TO LIVE SOMETIMES IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM. Jesus is asleep in the boat.
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Matthew 8:23-26
This passage is often used to show the power Jesus had but usually chose not to use.
This passage is not only about power.
Look back to the second storm.
Jesus is asleep because He has the peace of God in Him.
There is peace is Jesus’ presence and words.
2 And when they [Peter and Jesus] climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
Matthew 14:32
Peace comes from a relationship with Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone 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.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, 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.
John 14:23-27
Jesus grants/desires peace for His disciples.
Need peace?
Let God fill you.
Then live in a relationship with Him.
Thanks to Dr. Scott Peterson for the primary teachings in this blog post.
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