Fruits Of The Holy Spirit - Peace - Pursuing Intimacy With God

Fruits Of The Holy Spirit – Peace

In our previous studies about the Fruits Of The Holy Spirit, we first looked at what it takes to be filled with the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. Next we looked at the first of the fruits of the Holy Spirit – Love. And finally we studies the 2nd of the fruits of the Holy Spirit – Joy.

Now we will study the next of the fruits of the Holy Spirit – Peace.

A Great Need In The World Today For Peace

One things that is very noticeable in the world today is the lack of peace and hope in a great number of people. With the many unpleasant events in the world today, including the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine, many people are suffering from anxiety, fear, and depression.

Circumstances and events are not the main reason for a lack of peace and hope in many people today. They are just the things that are triggering the fear, anxiety, and even depression in people. There is a much deeper reason there is such a lack of peace and hope today.

Many people lack a saving personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Without a restored relationship with God there will be no peace or hope. Because Jesus is the Source of peace and hope, and many other spiritual riches as well. Without Jesus there is no peace or hope.

“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Can A Person Be A Christian And Still Not Have Peace ?

Absolutely. After a person is saved and becomes a Christian, God then wants to have close and intimate fellowship. And eventually a close friendship.

“God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” – 1 Coritnhians 1:9

The original word in this verse for fellowship means to have the closes possible fellowship with God, unity & oneness with God, and a partnership with God in His kingdom work and mission.

There are many Christians today that are not wholeheartedly seeking God. And seeking to have the closest possible fellowship with God. Jesus is not their main priority and First Love, Treasure, and Passion. Many other things in their lives are higher priorities.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” – Matthew 6:33

Other Reason Why Christians Do Not Have Peace

There are other reasons why many Christians today do not have peace. And why they are not filled with the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit. Many believers are not truly one with God. To be one with God and in unity with Him, we need to fully submit ourselves, our will and desires, and our lives to Him.

Jesus needs to truly be our Lord, not just our Savior. To truly follow Jesus, you need to deny yourself (your will, desires, rights…). And take up your cross. This means to surrender your will and submit to God’s will and plans for your life. Jesus used the words “take up your cross” because for Him, God’s will was to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus is referring to fully surrendering to God’s will.

“And He was saying to them all, ” If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.” – Luke 9:23-24

Believers are simply not experiencing the Spirit filled life because they are truly not denying themselves, taking up their cross (God’s will for their life), and radically obeying and following Jesus. Not matter the cost. Too many people are holding on to their rights to their life, and not letting go and truly following Jesus.

Another Reason Why Many Christians Are Not Living The Spirit Filled Life

True and close fellowship with Jesus involves seeking Him with all of your heart. And having unity and being one with Jesus. Another thing it involves is having a partnership with God in His kingdom work and mission.

After Jesus died on the cross and returned to heaven, He left us, the church, with the task of continuing to fulfill God’s kingdom mission. Which is to take & share the Gospel with all other people in the world, beginning in your local area, and then to make disciples.

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20

There are simply too many Christians who are not obeying and faithfully sharing the Good News of Jesus with as many others as possible. God loves all people, and He wants all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). This means that He wants us to tell as many about Jesus and salvation as possible.

Statistics show that less than 2% of US Christians in evangelical churches are sharing Jesus with others in their daily lives. In Matthew 4:19 and Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus is calling all Christians to do this, not just some. And it is more than a calling, it is a command of our Lord Jesus.

Unfortunately far too few of us are faithfully obeying this calling and command of Jesus. And thus many are not experiencing the supernatural peace in their lives. And they are not experiencing the Spirit filled abundant life that God wants them to have. To be filled with the Spirit and the fruits of the Holy Spirit, we must fully surrender to and obey Jesus.

God’s Peace Is A Supernatural Peace

Like the fruit of Joy, God’s fruit of Peace is supernatural. Which means that no matter what circumstances you are going through, you can experience the supernatural peace that only God can give. Fully submitted and faithful Christians that are wholeheartedly seeking God can experience the wonderful peace of God at any time. And especially during difficulties, trials, and even suffering.

Only God can give this kind of peace. Only God can help you to not have fear and anxiety in the midst of difficulties and trials. And only people that are truly filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit can experience God’s supernatural peace.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4:8

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16

What To Do When Trouble And Difficulties Come

God wants you to experience His supernatural peace in your life. And He wants you to be filled to overflowing with all of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. God’s spiritual riches of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Circumstances in your life can rob you of God’s joy and peace. If you let them. But you do not have to let them. There is a way for you to experience God’s peace and joy at all times in your life. First, it is always a good idea to start your day by spending time with God. Start your day by praising God for who He is, and thanking Him for all He has done for you. And then spend time with God seeking to be closer to Him. And seeking God’s heart and His will.

God has a way for you to experience His supernatural peace when troubles come. No matter what is going on in your life or in the world, you can certainly experience God’s peace.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

God’s formula for peace is this. When troubles come, pray and talk to God. Ask Him for help. And for His grace and strength and peace. And then thank God. Thank God for the privilege to enter into His presence and ask for His help. And thank God for His perfect faithfulness, because He will never let you down or disappoint. And then by faith thank Him for the help He is going to send.

If God is your First Love, and you follow God’s formula in Phillipians 4:6-7, you will experience the wonderful peace of God. It is a supernatural peace that surpasses all of our understanding. It may seem impossible to have peace in the midst of trials and difficulties and even suffering. But it is certainly possible for God to give you His peace.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

Next week we will study the next of the fruits of the Holy Spirit – Patience.

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