March 2 2014 How To Experience Peaceful Living

How To Experience Peaceful Living 

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Proverbs 14:30 – A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Three Kinds Of Peace:

1. Spiritual peace.

Romans 5:1 – Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Emotional peace.

Colossians 3:15 – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since you were called to peace.

3. With people around us.

Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

God’s Promise: John 14:27 – 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.

Five Keys To God’s Peace:

1. Obey God’s principles.

Psalm 119:165 – Great peace have they who love your law.

2. Accept God’s pardon.

Micah 7:18 – Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression

I John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.

3. Focus on God’s presence.

Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

• Be still.
• Realize that God is God.

Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.

Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

4. Trust God’s purpose.

Proverbs 35:6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

• Trust.
• Acknowledge.

Philippians 4: 12, 13 – I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed, or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

5. Ask for peace.

Philippians 4:6,7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your request to God, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Luke 8:14 – The seen that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries.

1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

November 11 2012 The Choice Of Peace

THE CHOICE OF PEACE

Matthew 5:9 - Happy are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.

Misconception:
1. Peace making is not avoiding.
2. Peace making is not appeasement.
3. It’s actively seeking to resolve the conflict.

I. Why should I be a peacemaker?

1. Unresolved conflicts block my fellowship with God.
1 John 4:20 - If anyone says I love God yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

2. It can prevent answered prayers.
1 Peter 3:7 - Husbands in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Matthew 5:23 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and then remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, first go and be reconciled to your brother.

3. It hinders my happiness.
Job 18:4 - You are only hurting yourself with your anger.

II. How can we be a peacemaker?

1. You need to plan a peace conference.
Matthew 5:23-24 - If you remember your brother has something against you, go at once to make peace.

2. You need to empathize with their feelings.
Philippians 2:4 - None of you should think only of his own affairs, but consider other people’s interests also.

3. You attack the problem, not the person.
Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed.

4. Cooperate as much as possible.
Romans 12:18 - Do everything possible on your part to live at peace with all men.
Romans 16:17 - I urge your, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way, keep away from them.
James 3:17 - Peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.

5. You emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.
2 Corinthians. 5:18 - God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gives us the ministry of reconciliation.

Where To Start:
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

August 26 2012 How To Live A Life That Counts

HOW TO LIVE A LIFE THAT COUNTS
James 4:1-10
Vs. 6 & 10 - He gives us more Grace, and He will lift us up.

Step 1. Remember the loving desire of God.
Vs. 5 - The Holy Spirit whom God has placed within us with tender jealousy.

Step 2. Remove the obstacles to real life.
Vs. 6 - He gives us more grace.
Vs. 10 - He will lift us up.

Step 3. Rely on Christ’s support.
Jude 1:24 - To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

Step 4. Respond to Christ’s security.
2 Timothy 1:23 - I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him.

Williams Translation: I am absolutely sure that God is able to guard what I have given to Him.

Step 5. Reverse the flow.
Vs. 10 - Humble yourself before the Lord.

4 Steps

• Give in to God.
Vs. 7 - Submit yourself then to God.
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.

• Get wise to satan.
Vs. 7 - Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2 Corinthians 2:11 - In order that Satan might not outwit us, we are not unaware of his schemes.

• Grow closer to God.
Vs. 8 - Come near to God and He will come near to you.
Isaiah 26:3 - He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord.

• More Grace than forgiving Grace.
Vs. 8 & 9 - Wash your hands, purify your hearts.