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The Fruit of the Spirit 04
Introduction:
1. "The fruit of the Spirit" consists of 9 characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23. 2. "Peace" is the third of these special characteristics. a. Peace: a state of tranquility; freedom from disturbance or turmoil; harmony. b. In the Bible we read about: 1) peace between countries (Acts 12:20) 2) peace between men (Ephesians 2:14-15) 3) peace between God and men (Ephesians 2:16-17). c. The "peace" included in the fruit of the Spirit is "peace [harmony] between individuals." Discussion: I. THE BIBLE TEACHES CHRISTIANS TO SEEK PEACE AND TO BE AT PEACE A. 2 Corinthians 13:11 B. Ephesians 4:3 C. 1 Thessalonians 5:13b D. 1 Peter 3:10-11 II. THE BIBLE ALSO TEACHES CHRISTIANS HOW TO HAVE PEACE A. Certain things must be avoided because they destroy peace, including: 1. "sowing discord" (Proverbs 6:19b) 2. "pride" (Proverbs 28:25a) 3. the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) 4. "respect of persons" (1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 3:3-4; 4:6) 5. the "love of preeminence" (3 John 9-10). B. Certain things must be done to have peace and to maintain it, including: 1. living peaceably with others (Romans 12:18) 2. following after the things that promote peace (Romans 14:19) 3. possessing the right kind of wisdom (James 3:14-18) a. The wrong kind of wisdom is mentioned in vs.14-16. b. The right kind of wisdom is mentioned in vs.17-18. 4. confessing faults (James 5:16a) 5. forgiving faults (Luke 17:3-4; Colossians 3:13). Conclusion: 1. God wants peace in His church (1 Corinthians 14:33). 2. Peacemakers will be blessed (Matthew 5:9). | ||