The Fruit of the Spirit is PEACE.
This past week we have considered how Jesus left the LIGHT of heaven, the JOY of heaven, and the PEACE of heaven to come down into our dark stormy world to rescue us and bring us PEACE. Jesus Himself is our PEACE. (Ephesians 2:14)
We have also considered how Jesus, the “Prince of PEACE” will one day crush Satan and bring an end to Satan’s stormy reign of chaos, confusion, and terror in the world. Jesus will crush Satan with the Word of God; and Jesus will establish a new kingdom of PEACE, which will never end.
We have seen that the Fruit of the Spirit PEACE is cultivated in our lives by actively using the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
* The Fruit of the Spirit PEACE is a weapon of spiritual warfare! … defensively shielding and protecting our hearts and minds. (“You will keep in perfect PEACE him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” -Isaiah 26:3)
* The Fruit of the Spirit PEACE is a weapon of spiritual warfare! … offensively responding in PEACE to Satan’s storm of conflict, hatred, anger, rage, slander, etc.. (“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:18, 21).
Today’s Daily-verse states: “I will lie down and sleep in PEACE, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” -Psalm 4:8
How can we possibly lie down and sleep in the middle of a raging storm of chaos and terror??
“Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ … Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” -Matthew 8:24-26
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him … He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” -Mark 4:37-39
“As they sailed, He fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.” -Luke 8:23-24
* Jesus, the Word of God, brought PEACE to the storm by the Word of God!
* Likewise, we too can have PEACE in the middle of the storm by the Word of God!
“I will lie down and sleep in PEACE, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” -Psalm 4:8
“A heart at PEACE gives life to the body.” -Proverbs 14:30
