How to Walk in the Spirit of Peace
Psalm 34:14
Introduction.
“The gospel in a word in peace.”
The song includes love, and joy, and finally Christ.
If we have the gospel, the good news about Jesus, we can have all of these things.
And we should share it, too (Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15).
How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” (Isa. 52:7)“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:15)and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15).
Peace is something we need to pursue, to chase after! (Psa. 34:14; Rom. 14:19; Heb. 12:14).
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it. (Psa. 34:14)Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Rom. 14:19)
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled (Heb. 12:14-15).
When we think of peace, what is the first thing we think of?
It depends on the context.
Often, esp. for us men, it’s an absence of conflict or war—call a truce.
Sometimes it’s after someone has died and you wish that they R.I.P.
But what does the Bible have to say about peace?
Peace is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
As the song suggests, it is closely tied with love and joy.
As you might imagine, we cannot find peace in the works of the flesh.
If that’s not already apparent, we will find that out when we define peace.
Preview.
What is Peace?
Where Can We Find Peace?
How Long That Can Peace Last?
Body.
What is Peace?
In Greek, it is used much the same way as we understand peace.
We also see it in Hebrew as Shalom.
This is where Jerusalem gets its name: it is a city of peace.
State of national (church) tranquility (Luke 14:32; Acts 9:31).
National (Luke 14:32).
Church (Acts 9:31).
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Harmony between individuals.
Can we exhibit the works of the flesh and be at harmony with others?
Hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, etc.
Proverbs 6:19b – “one who sows discord among brethren.”
Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”
In fact, we even see a how-to manual in Ephesians 4:1-3 <turn and read>.
Here are the traits we need to pursue so that we might be at peace with one another: lowliness (humility), gentleness, longsuffering, love, and a strong desire for unity and peace.
The blessed state of devout men after death (Psa. 116:15).
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Salvation—the way that leads to peace.
Where Can We Find Peace?
At home (Prov. 17:1; SoS 8:10b).
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
Then I [the Shulamite] became in his [my beloved’s] eyes as one who found peace.
In prayer (Psa. 122:6-8; Phil. 4:6-7).
In God’s Law (Psa. 119:165; Lev. 26:6; Isa. 59:8; Rom. 5:1; 8:5-7).
Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble. (Psa. 119:165).
One of the blessings in Lev. 26 for obeying the Lord is peace in the land.
The way of peace [the wicked] have not known … whoever takes that way shall not know peace. (Isa. 59:8).
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Rom. 5:1).
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. (Rom. 8:5-7).
In His kingdom (Rom. 14:17; Isa. 9:6-7).
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17).
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isa. 9:6-7)
In the Lord (Rom. 5:1-2; Jdg 6:23-24; John 14:27; 16:33a).
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Rom. 5:1-2).
Then the Lord said to him, “Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die.” So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. (Jdg. 6:23-24)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.” (John 16:33a)
How Long Can That Peace Last?
As long as it depends on others (Rom. 12:18; Psa. 120:7; Matt. 10:34).
We will have tribulation on this earth (John 16:33b; Phil. 4:11-13).
Thayer: “According to a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity, the tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.”
Despite that tribulation, we can have peace with God.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:11-13)
But as long as we are in Him, His peace will be with us (2 Cor. 13:11; 2 Thess. 3:16).
Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Cor. 13:11).
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. (2 Thess. 3:16).
Conclusion.
Peace is so elusive for many of us, but ultimate peace can be found in Christ.
If you can’t find it at home, you ought to find it with the church.
And we ought to foster a church home that is not contentious but one of peace.
It ought to reflect the peace that exists in Christ, a peace that can only be had by those with no worries about our eternity, and in turn, no worries about our now.
True, not everyone will want to share in that peace, but you can have it in whatever state you’re in.
I rest beneath the Almighty’s shade,
My griefs expire, my troubles cease;
Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed,
Wilt keep me still in perfect peace.
~ Charles Wesley
B. Such peace can only be had in Christ.