THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS PEACE

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The Fruit of the Spirit Is Peace

“ ‘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, NKJV).



What Jesus Meant by “My Peace”
Divya V. Selvaraj, Pune, India
sabbath Introduction
John 14:27


A heartrending story is told of a South African woman named Ellen Tipnar. One cannot count the many tragedies that occurred in her life. She lost her eyesight at a young age, when she had undergone an examination due to a slight pain in her eyes. The nurse put acid in her eyes instead of eye drops. After a few days, one of her legs was cut off due to some excruciating pain. And later, she contracted leprosy. While she was living in a center for people with leprosy, her son died of polio. Immediately after that, her beloved husband died of cancer.

Yet despite it all, no one had ever seen her sad.

By the time she was released from the center, she was so disfigured that nobody could recognize her. By the time she was fifty-five years old, she had undergone fifty-six major operations. What a discouraging life she had. Yet despite it all, no one had ever seen her sad. She never missed a chance to share the love of God and all the good things He had done for her.

The Bible talks of an innocent man called Jesus. “He was despised and rejected by others; / a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; / and as one from whom others hide their faces / he was despised, and we held him of no account” (Isa. 53:3, NRSV). Also read Isaiah 53:7. Only the worst criminals died the way Jesus did. He was powerful enough to pray to the Father for legions of angels to protect Him and know that these angels would come (Matt. 26:53) and within seconds dispose of His enemies. Instead, He submitted Himself to the will of God, thereby showing us, not just telling us, what real peace is all about.

The same Jesus said, “ ‘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, NKJV). If we follow His example when trying situations come, we won’t say, “Why me?” but rather, “Try me.”
This week, as you study peace as a fruit of the Spirit, always think about how this peace can make a difference in your life.



Reconciliation and Peace
Lamm B. Fanwar, Pune, India
Sunday Evidence
Rom. 5:1–11

At the completion of Creation, God saw that everything was “very good” (Gen. 1:31). There was absolute peace everywhere. Humanity was in constant communion with God. But peace did not last. When the serpent struck, antagonism and alienation replaced peace (Isa. 59:2).

The work of returning us to the original relationship of peace with Himself was His top priority.

The God of peace, whom we worship, was neither caught by surprise nor unprepared. He already had established a plan from the foundation of the earth (Eph. 1:3, 4; 1 Pet. 1:17–20; Rev. 13:8). The work of returning us to the original relationship of peace with Himself was His top priority. So, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8, NKJV). In dying on the cross, Jesus not only redeemed us, but He also reconciled us with God.

God reconciled us to Himself. It therefore makes sense that He expects us to reconcile with one another. It is not possible for us to be reconciled only to God and still grow the fruit of peace when there is animosity between us and other people. Read John 4:11, 20, 21. Here is a powerful command of God. Hebrews 12:14 presents the concept clearly and directly, “Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (NRSV). When reconciliation exists between God and humans and between humans and humans, then the fruit of peace is manifested in our lives.

Jesus revealed another aspect of peace, which completes the description of the fruit of peace. Read John 14:27. Peace is from God. Peace is of God. Peace is a gift that God gives to us. Peace appears in our lives only when we are in the presence and in the holiness of God (Matt. 11:28).

REACT
1. Why does God always insist on the human component as a condition for spiritual relationships?
2. How durable is God’s peace? How effective is it?



Peace That Protects and Transforms
Joy Kuttappan, Pune, India
Monday Logos
Ps. 34:12−16; Matt. 8:23−27; 11:28, 29; Mark 4:35−41; John 14:27; Rom. 5:1−11; 12:9−21; Col. 3:13−15; Heb. 12:14


Our Lord is the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6), and His presence in our lives creates a state of spiritual tranquility. Many times, this presence helps us in difficult situations, and that is the main focus of our study this week.

Calm Follows Storm (Matt. 8:23−27; Mark 4:35−41)
Some experiences in life create fear in our minds. Take, for example, what happened to Jesus’ disciples as they were crossing the Sea of Galilee. When their boat was swamped by the waves, they were terrified they would drown. Recognizing the power of nature to destroy, they cried to Jesus, who created all that there is (Col. 1:16).

“Their cry arouses Jesus. As the lightning’s glare reveals Him, they see the peace of heaven in His face; they read in His glance self-forgetful, tender love, and, their hearts turning to Him, cry, ‘Lord, save us: we perish.’ ”1 Jesus was as calm as ever, and He commanded the sea to be still. The Lord, who called His disciples to go with Him in the boat, also calls us to be with Him; and He accepts His responsibility to take us safely to the other shore. So don’t lose faith like the disciples did, because He can calm any storm we may encounter (Ps. 107:29). Knowing that He will safely guide us to a place of rest gives us peace (Ps. 107:30).

Rest for the Burdened (Matt. 11:28, 29)
Jesus extends an invitation to all of us to go to Him so that we can receive rest. In Matthew 11:28, 29, Christ is not talking about physical labor, but rather about rest for the soul and mind.2 This invitation had a special effect on those who heard Him, because the Israelite religion had degenerated into a meaningless round of effort to keep the Pharisees’ rules and regulations in an attempt to gain salvation by works.3

Sin is our heaviest burden, and only the yoke that Christ offers us can lighten the load. By “my yoke,” Christ meant His way of life to which we are to submit. His way of life is summarized in God’s law.4 When through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we keep God’s law, we will find rest for our souls and peace of mind from our burdens.

Having Peace With God Through Jesus (Rom. 5:1−11)
Paul begins Romans 5 by affirming that “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1, NKJV). When we have such peace, there is nothing that stands between us and our relationship with God. We rest on God’s grace, which we have accessed through faith in Christ. This doesn’t mean that our problems or suffering will come to a halt. It does mean that even though we will experience difficulties, we can find peace in the fact that Jesus remains by our side. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. What love! When we accept that love, we are justified by His blood and saved from eternal death. We are reconciled to God. Then we can confidently rejoice because we have peace with Him through

Peace With Others (Heb. 12:14; Rom. 12:9−21; Ps. 34:12−16)
Having peace with God through Jesus Christ is reflected in our relationship with others. Thus, Paul admonishes us to “pursue peace with everyone” (Heb. 12:14, NRSV). When we pursue peace under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our love will be without hypocrisy; we will give preference to one another, we will readily serve the Lord, and we will meet the needs of others (Rom. 12:9–13).

Once we’re reconciled with God, it seems that we have more trials; and in our human weakness, we may tend to curse those who cause us problems. However, Paul admonishes us to bless those who persecute us (Rom. 12:14). We also need to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (verse 15).

We are to have regard for good things (verse 17); and more important, we are to live peaceably with all people by seeking, actually seeking, peace (Rom. 12:14–17, 21; Ps. 34:14).

The Peace of Christ (Col. 3:13−15; John 14:27)
The peace of Christ is not a static virtue. It is an active power. It helps us to live in tranquility amid the hardest situations of life. When we accept the peace of Christ, He becomes the Captain of our lives, who can guide us to the safe shores of heaven.5

REACT
1. Share a tumultuous experience that you overcame with the peace of Christ.
2. What efforts are you making to have peace with God and those around you?
____________
1. The Desire of Ages, p. 334.
2. The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 389.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid., vol. 7, p. 213.




From Pieces to Perfect Peace
Esther Synthia Murali, Chennai, India
Tuesday Testimony
Matt 11:28, 29

Whether we know it or not, the whole world is weary and burdened. The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin. If we were left to bear this burden alone, it would crush us. However, there is a Great Prince who is willing to take the load from our weary shoulders.

“Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare.”

“Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our welfare. . . . It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with care. . . . He does not propose to take His people out of the world of sin and evil, but He points us to a never-failing refuge. He invites the weary and care-laden. . . . We may find rest and peace in God, casting all our care upon Him; for He careth for us.”1 “It is His purpose to impart peace and rest to all who come to Him for the bread of life.”2 “The heart that is in harmony with God is a partaker of the peace of heaven and will diffuse its blessed influence on all around. The spirit of peace will rest like dew upon hearts weary and troubled with worldly strife.”3

“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.’ Isa. 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.”4

REACT
1 What makes a fruit-bearing Christian? Why is it that we often yield unholy fruit?
2. Compare the symbols of the cross and the yoke. Why is it true that we cannot follow Christ without wearing His yoke and lifting the cross?
____________
1. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 294.
2. Steps to Christ, p. 47.
3. Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 28.
4. The Desire of Ages, p. 331.



A Peaceful Christian Life
Stenoy Stephenson, Pune, India
Wednesday
How-to
Matt. 11:28, 29; Heb. 12:14; James 2:14−26

It’s not easy to lead a peaceful life on one’s own. However, by clinging to the Fountain of peace, a believer can achieve perfect peace. The following steps may help you:

If you were walking alone with heavy baggage and someone offered to help, how happy and relieved you would be.

Act on faith. A dynamic faith is essential for us to face the problems of life. When Jesus called His disciples to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, they faithfully set upon the journey. But when the fury of nature tested them, they failed to act on faith. Jesus, however, came to their rescue, but not without asking them, “ ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ ” (Matt. 8:26, NIV). This question teaches us that in difficult situations, we don’t have to lose faith. Instead, we need to truly act on faith. Read James 2:14–26. Here we learn that faith without works is dead (verse 26). Therefore, for a peaceful life, act on your faith every moment.

Trust the Burden Bearer. If you were walking alone with heavy baggage and someone offered to help, how happy and relieved you would be. It’s the same in our lives as Christians. We’re carrying heavy baggage—the burden of sin. Jesus, however, offers to carry the entire load Himself (Matt. 11:28, 29). His yoke refers to His way of life.* And His way of life was to subject
His will to His Father’s will.

Practice peace. Practicing the peace we receive from Jesus is a lifelong process. That’s why the apostle Paul tells us to “pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14, NRSV). In order for us to have a peaceful life, we need to practice peace with our fellow beings through our words and our actions.
____________
*The SDA Bible Commentary , vol. 5, p. 389.



No Christ, No Peace
Benji Stephen, Pune, India
Thursday Opinion
Col. 3:13−15

There is no peace in the world without Christ. People worry, wait, doubt, and long for things they covet. They want. They need. They demand. Without direction from God, they allow to take root in themselves false needs and hopes that are outside of the will of God. Then they complain to Him and doubt Him when their self-centered prayers go unanswered. The result is a lack of peace. To solve this problem, people often try to create a false peace with alcohol, drugs, sex, or other addictions. Sometimes, they deny their sins and push away the conviction of the Holy Spirit. They no longer feel God’s correcting touch in their hearts. So they are left to their own ways.

Can you imagine God being anxious?

True peace can only be found in doing the will of God. True peace is a gift from God found only through Christ. When God lives in you, true peace will always be yours. With such a wonderful Friend ever thinking of us, ever caring for us, there can never be any need to worry. The Bible says that God is a “God of peace” (Heb. 13:20). Nothing ever disturbs Him. No earthborn storms invade the holy calm of His presence. He is always at peace. With perfect vision, He sees the end from the beginning. Can you imagine God being anxious? Impossible! There is no problem for which He does not have a solution. “There is nothing too hard” for the Lord (Jer. 32:17). The Son of God is called the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7, NIV). Such peace is one of the rich gifts of His love. All of us may have it if we seek Him and practice it.

REACT
1. God is always at peace. With perfect vision, He sees the end from the beginning. But world peace is lacking in places where Christians are being persecuted. Do you still think that peace, as a fruit of the Spirit, can prevail in such places? Be able to explain your answer.
2. What could you do as an individual or as a family when you have a situation at home where there is no peace?



A Peace That Passes Understanding
Renee Coffee, Gobles, Michigan, U.S.A.
Friday Exploration
Phil. 4:7

CONCLUDE
As the world encourages us to seek continual excitement, Jesus invites us to come apart and enjoy His peace. Peace, like the other fruit of the Spirit, is possible only when we are being led by the Holy Spirit. Peace is not dependent on our surroundings or circumstances, but on our willingness to give God control over every aspect of our lives.

CONSIDER
•Drawing or sculpting a symbol that best represents the idea of peace.
•Photographing scenes that illustrate the concept of peace.
•Researching the effects of stress—a lack of peace—on the body.
•Looking through the Joy and Peace section of The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal and choosing one of the hymns that focuses on peace. Sing or repeat the words of the song.
•Sharing with a friend or coworker how God has given you peace for these unsettling times.
•Thinking back to a time when you felt no peace in your life. Analyze why peace was absent. •Then consider a time when you felt total peace. What can you do to live a more peaceful life in the coming week?
•Spending at least 30 minutes in nature. While you are there, identify what it is about being out in God’s second book that diffuses stress and increases a sense of peace and well-being.

CONNECT
Steps to Christ, p. 49.
Luis Palau, “A Priceless Gift That Costs Us Nothing,” in High Definition Life (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Revell, 2006); A.W. Tozer, “Let’s Cultivate Simplicity and Solitude,” in The Best of A. W. Tozer (Camp Hill, Penn.: Christian Publications, 1981).
http://www.cqbiblestudy.org/site/1/lessons/2010-1/English/STUDENT/CQ-10-Q1-04.pdf