Introduction:

1. Today we consider the peace that is a product of the Spirit-led life.

2. Again, this fruit holds a different meaning in Scripture from the world.

Discussion:

I. Peace Defined

A. Shalome= the Hebrew beginnings of eirene.

1. The presence of all needed for man’s highest good

2. To the Hebrew mind it meant total well-being

B. Eirene= in Greek thought was the absence of alienation, a state of reconciliation and oneness.

C. Eirene= in the New Testament means calmness and tranquility of soul, an inner sense of well-being.

II. Peace Promised

A. Peace occurs 236 times in the OT and 92 times in the NT.

B. Jesus promised His peace to the twelve (John 14:27; 16:33).

C. Zacharias, father of John the Baptizer, prophesied that Jesus had come “to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).

D. The peace of God is of a different nature than worldly peace (Matthew 10:34; John 14:27; 16:33; Philippians 4:7-9).

III. Peace Provided By

A. Justification with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)

B. Trusting in and leaning on God (Philippians 4:6-7)

C. Adhering to apostolic teaching (Philippians 4:9)

D. Being spiritually minded (Romans 8:6)

E. The knowledge of God and Christ (2 Peter 1:2)

F. Because knowing God is eternal life (John 17:3).

G. Overcoming the world as Christ overcame the world (1 John 5:4-5).

1. Though serving Christ will draw the ire of the world (Matthew 10:34-36), the faithful child of God has peace with God through Christ (Romans 5:1).

2. May we ever be led by His Spirit, and so produce the fruit of peace.