THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS PEACE

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The Fruit of
the Spirit Is Peace

Memory Text: John 14:27 NKJV 27 "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.

“Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION”. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. Used by Permission.

Sabbath Afternoon

Ephesians 4:3 NKJV 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Sunday

Peace With God

Romans 5:1 NKJV 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Colossians 1:21 ESV And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds

Colossians 1:21 NKJV 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled

Psalms 119:165 NKJV 165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.

Colossians 1:20-22 NKJV 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight--

Romans 5:1-11 NKJV 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Romans 5:4-11 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Monday

Finding Peace: Part 1

Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV 28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 330-331

There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world's standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred, and their life made a weariness. In order to gratify ambition and worldly desires, they wound the conscience, and bring upon themselves an additional burden of remorse. The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." He bids them seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to them for this life shall be added. Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. {DA 330.1}

"Learn of Me," says Jesus; "for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest." We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn from Him meekness and lowliness. Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained for heaven. This training means a knowledge of Christ. It means emancipation from ideas, habits, and practices that have been gained in the school of the prince of darkness. The soul must be delivered from all that is opposed to loyalty to God. {DA 330.2}

In the heart of Christ, where reigned perfect harmony with God, there was perfect peace. He was never elated by applause, nor dejected by censure or disappointment. Amid the greatest opposition and the most cruel treatment, He was still of good courage. But many who profess to be His followers have an anxious, troubled heart, because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete surrender to Him; for they shrink from the consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this surrender, they cannot find peace. {DA 330.3}

It is the love of self that brings unrest. When we are born from above, the same mind will be in us that was in Jesus, the mind that led (p. 331) Him to humble Himself that we might be saved. Then we shall not be seeking the highest place. We shall desire to sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him. We shall understand that the value of our work does not consist in making a show and noise in the world, and in being active and zealous in our own strength. The value of our work is in proportion to the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Trust in God brings holier qualities of mind, so that in patience we may possess our souls. {DA 330.4}

The yoke is placed upon the oxen to aid them in drawing the load, to lighten the burden. So with the yoke of Christ. When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, and we use His gifts to bless others, we shall find life's burden light. He who walks in the way of God's commandments is walking in company with Christ, and in His love the heart is at rest. When Moses prayed, "Show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee," the Lord answered him, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And through the prophets the message was given, "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Exodus 33:13, 14; Jeremiah 6:16. And He says, "O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." Isaiah 48:18. {DA 331.1}

Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest. The Lord says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3. Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. And that character which expresses the glory--character--of Christ will be received into the Paradise of God. A renovated race shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy. {DA 331.2}

As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here. We respond to His invitation, Come, learn of Me, and in thus coming we begin the life eternal. Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness. As we walk with Jesus in this life, we may be filled with His love, satisfied with His presence. All that human (p. 332) nature can bear, we may receive here. But what is this compared with the hereafter? There "are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Revelation 7:15-17. {DA 331.3}

Tuesday

Finding Peace: Part 2

John 14:27 NKJV 27 "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.

Matthew 8:23-27 NKJV 23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" 26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"

Mark 4:35-41 NKJV 35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

Luke 8:22-25 NKJV 22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!"

John 14:27 NKJV 27 "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.

Wednesday

Peace at Home

Hebrews 12:14 NKJV 14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Romans 12:18 NKJV 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:9-21 NKJV 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Thursday

Peace in the Church

Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV 23 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:9 NKJV 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Colossians 3:13-15 NKJV 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

James 3:17 NKJV 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Read Matthew chapter 5

Friday

Psalms 4:3 NKJV 3 But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

Psalms 119:165 NKJV 165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV 3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Romans 8:6 NKJV 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Philippians 4:7 NKJV 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 NKJV 27 "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.

Ellen G. White, The Act of the Apostles, p. 84

Shortly before His crucifixion Christ had bequeathed to His disciples a legacy of peace. "Peace I leave with you," He said, "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27. This peace is not the peace that comes through conformity to the world. Christ never purchased peace by compromise with evil. The peace that Christ left His disciples is internal rather than external and was ever to remain with His witnesses through strife and contention. {AA 84.1}

Christ said of Himself, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34. The Prince of Peace, He was yet the cause of division. He who came to proclaim glad tidings and to create hope and joy in the hearts of the children of men, opened a controversy that burns deep and arouses intense passion in the human heart. And He warns His followers, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." "They shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake." "Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." John 16:33; Luke 21:12, 16. {AA 84.2}

This prophecy has been fulfilled in a marked manner. Every indignity, reproach, and cruelty that Satan could instigate human hearts to devise, has been visited upon the followers of Jesus. And it will be again fulfilled in a marked manner;

for the carnal heart is still at enmity with the law of (p. 85) God, and will not be subject to its commands. The world is no more in harmony with the principles of Christ today than it was in the days of the apostles. The same hatred that prompted the cry, "Crucify Him! crucify Him!" the same hatred that led to the persecution of the disciples, still works in the children of disobedience. The same spirit which in the Dark Ages consigned men and women to prison, to exile, and to death, which conceived the exquisite torture of the Inquisition, which planned and executed the Massacre of St. Bartholomew, and which kindled the fires of Smithfield, is still at work with malignant energy in unregenerate hearts. The history of truth has ever been the record of a struggle between right and wrong. The proclamation of the gospel has ever been carried forward in this world in the face of opposition, peril, loss, and suffering. {AA 84.3}

Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 102

Press Together, Press Together.--Love of self, pride, and self-sufficiency lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed in the religious world. Again and again the angel has said to me, "Press together, press together, be of one mind, of one judgment," Christ is the leader, and you are brethren; follow Him.--Letter 4, 1890. {Ev 102.1}

Strife for Supremacy.--Linked together in confidence, in the bonds of holy love, brother may receive from brother all the help that can possibly be obtained from one another . . . . {Ev 102.2}

Strife for the supremacy makes manifest a spirit that, if cherished, will eventually shut out from the kingdom of God those who cherish it. The peace of Christ cannot dwell in the mind and heart of a workman who criticizes and finds fault with another workman simply because the other does not practice the methods he thinks best, or because he feels that he is not appreciated. The Lord never blesses him who criticizes and accuses his brethren, for this is Satan's work. --Manuscript 21, 1894. {Ev 102.3}

To Value Gifts of Others.--My brethren, try the wearing of Christ's yoke. Come down from your spiritual stilts and practice the grace of humility. Put away every evil surmising and be willing to see the value of the gifts God has bestowed on your brethren. --Letter 125, 1903. {Ev 102.4}

Different in Temperament, but United in Spirit.-- In our home we have no dissension, no words of impatience. (p. 103) My workers are different in temperament, and their ways and manners are different, but we blend in action and stand united in spirit, seeking to help and strengthen one another. We know that we cannot afford to be a variance because we differ in temperament. We are God's little children, and we ask Him to help us to live, not to please ourselves and to have our own way, but to please and glorify Him.--Letter 252, 1903. {Ev 102.5}

Jerry Giardina of Pecos, Texas, assisted by his wife, Cheryl, prepares a series of helps to accompany the
Sabbath School lesson. He includes all related scripture and most EGW quotations.



http://www.whiteestate.org/

Jesus the Prince of Peace

Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Matt.
7:12.

Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is employed, and
love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we
seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and their strength of
resistance is increased. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. He came into the
world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to Himself. Wisdom
and strength He could command, but the means He employed with which to
overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love. . . .

"Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."
Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course. "With what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Here are strong motives
which should constrain us to love one another with a pure heart, fervently.
Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others.
Love beautified and ennobled all his actions. We are not commanded to do to
ourselves what we wish others to do unto us; we are to do unto others what
we wish them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is
always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and is
distinct from any other principle of action. . . . Love should be cherished
and cultivated, for its influence is divine (Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 135,
136).

In Jesus you may love with fervor, with earnestness. This love may increase
in depth and expand without limit. . . . Love to God will ensure love to
your neighbor, and you will engage in the duties of life with a deep,
unselfish interest. Pure principles should underlie your actions. Inward
peace will bring even your thoughts into a healthful channel. . . .

Peace of mind, which comes from pure and holy motives and actions, will give
free and vigorous spring to all the organs of the body. Inward peace and a
conscience void of offense toward God will quicken and invigorate the
intellect like dew distilled upon the tender plants. . . . The meditations
are pleasing because they are sanctified. The serenity of mind which you may
possess will bless all with whom you associate. This peace and calmness
will, in time, become natural, and will reflect its precious rays upon all
around you, to be again reflected upon you.

The more you taste this heavenly peace and quietude of mind, the more it
will increase. It is an animated, living pleasure which does not throw all
the moral energies into a stupor, but awakens them to increased activity.
Perfect peace is an attitude of heaven which angels possess (ibid., pp. 326,
327).

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God's Chosen People

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each
other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Col.
3:12, 13, NIV.

Love "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." He whose heart
is imbued with love is filled with sorrow at the errors and weaknesses of
others; but when truth triumphs, when the cloud that darkened the fair fame
of another is removed, or when sins are confessed and wrongs corrected, he
rejoices. . . .

Love not only bears with others' faults, but cheerfully submits to whatever
suffering or inconvenience such forbearance makes necessary. This love
"never faileth." It can never lose its value; it is the attribute of heaven.
As a precious treasure it will be carried by its possessor through the
portals of the city of God.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace. Discord and strife are the
work of Satan and the fruit of sin. If we would as a people enjoy peace and
love, we must put away our sins; we must come into harmony with God, and we
shall be in harmony with one another. Let each ask himself: Do I possess the
grace of love? Have I learned to suffer long and to be kind? Talents,
learning, and eloquence, without this heavenly attribute, will be as
meaningless as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Alas that this precious
treasure is so lightly valued and so little sought by many who profess the
faith! . . .

If we would not build our hopes of heaven upon a false foundation we must
accept the Bible as it reads and believe that the Lord means what He says.
He requires nothing of us that He will not give us grace to perform. We
shall have no excuse to offer in the day of God if we fail to reach the
standard set before us in His Word.

We are admonished by the apostle: "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor
that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one
to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another." Paul would
have us distinguish between the pure, unselfish love which is prompted by
the spirit of Christ, and the unmeaning, deceitful pretense with which the
world abounds. This base counterfeit has mislead many souls. It would blot
out the distinction between right and wrong, by agreeing with the
transgressor instead of faithfully showing him his errors. Such a course
never springs from real friendship. The spirit by which it is prompted
dwells only in the carnal heart. While the Christian will be ever kind,
compassionate, and forgiving, he can feel no harmony with sin. He will abhor
evil and cling to that which is good, at the sacrifice of association or
friendship with the ungodly. The spirit of Christ will lead us to hate sin,
while we are willing to make any sacrifice to save the sinner (Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 169-171).

>From Lift Him Up - Page 313

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