24 January 2021 (am) – Galatians 5:16-26 PEACE
 | Andy Bruins preaching from Galatians on Sunday 24th January 2021. |
The third part of the fruit of the Spirit is Peace.
We tend to think of peace as simply being an end to conflict and strife. But the concept of peace in the Bible goes further. The Idea of Shalom in the Hebrew is one not just of a cessation of hostilities, but of mending that which is broken and making it whole and prosperous.
We have peace with God through what Jesus has done for us on the cross. This does not mean that God has reluctantly removed His wrath from us – it means that God now welcomes us into relationship with Him as His children!
To have the peace of God growing in our hearts is to have a “peace that transcends understanding”! For we know that the God who rules all things is our heavenly Father – He is our shelter in times of trouble.
Here’s a brief definition:
Peace is a confidence and rest in the wisdom and control of God, rather than your own.
Q The opposite of this fruit of peace is anxiety and fear. Why do you think these are such a big problem in our world today?
Q What are some of the ways that people seek to restore peace in their hearts? To what extent do these things work? Why don’t these things bring genuine, lasting peace?
Q Read Philippians 4:4-7. How does thankfulness grow this fruit of peace in the Christian?
Q Read v8-9. What are the most lovely, excellent and praiseworthy things that we can think about? How does meditating on these things grow the peace of God in us?
Q Read v10-13. Did contentment come naturally to Paul? How did he learn this secret? Where did Paul learn to look for help with everything in life? How can we learn to do the same?
