Scripture Text: Philippians 4:4-9
Memory Verse: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
Lesson Aim: To understand peace and show how the Holy Spirit works in our lives to produce peace.
The third element of the fruit of the Spirit is peace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus produces peace within the heart of the surrendered believer. He has, “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). The believer can experience peace in spite of turmoil and confusion.
Worry, anxiety, and fear are common experiences of modern man. People worry because they do not realize God’s fatherly care for His children. Worry results from looking to one’s self; trust results from looking to God. When a person’s heart is filled with anxiety and care s/he is denying, to a certain extent, God’s providence and loving care. God does care for His children and they should cast their cares upon Him.
Worry is useless; it wastes time and mental energy. Worry has been compared to an automobile standing still with its motor racing. It uses up energy, but it never gets anywhere.
The believer can overcome worry, anxiety and fear by turning his thoughts from self to God. He can cleanse and empty his “worry cycle” by surrendering all of his cares to God. Instructing men not to worry about sinners who prosper, David said, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord” (Psalm 37:1, 4-5, 7).
God gives the believer peace of mind not only by removing the uncertainties and difficulties that cause him to worry, but also by changing the believer’s attitude toward those uncertainties. This peace is confident assurance in any circumstance, poise and serenity in the midst of turmoil and confusion. With Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace.
Peace is one of our Savior’s characteristics which He imparts to the believer. “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). Jesus wants to give His peace to us. The world gives tribulation; Jesus gives peace. The Master, who rebuked the wind on the Sea of Galilee, is able to bring calm and peace to storms of confusion within men’s hearts today (Mark 4:35-41). As our Lord rebuked the disciples, so He questions us today, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
Interact with God’s Word
- What will produce peace in our lives? Romans 5:1; Job 22:21 What is the Gospel called in Romans 10:15, Acts 10:36?
- How is the spiritual life related to peace? Numbers 6:26; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:6; Philippians 4:7
- What part does our obedience play in our peace? Philippians 4:9. According to Colossians 3:15, discuss how the peace of God can rule in our hearts.
- How should the peace of God affect our relationship with our neighbors? Genesis 13:8-9; Romans 12:17-21; Hebrews 12:14
- What was Jesus’ desire as He spoke to His disciples the night before He was crucified? John 14:27; 16:33
- Discuss how our knowledge of God’s Word contributes to our peace. Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 54:13
- Can we be at peace even while we sleep? Psalm 4:8