The Prince of Peace

On September 30^th, 1938, Neville Chamberlain, then British Prime Minister, returned from Munich, Germany with an agreement for peace. Chamberlain told a cheering crowd that Adolph Hitler had agreed never to go to war with Britain. Chamberlain then proclaimed “My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time."

One year later Britain found itself at war with Hitler’s Germany, staving off his imperial desires. Then, as now, men are searching for answers that will lead to peace. This world’s peace is often fragile, false and defended by force. But Jesus, the prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), has left us a perfect peace.

• John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, _________________________ I give unto you: ______________________________________ giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The peace which Jesus has left us is a two-fold peace. First, by his sacrifice on the cross, he has reconciled us to God – this is peace with God.

• Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have _______________ ______________ ________ through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Q. What has God made peace through? & Colossians 1:19-20.

___________________________________________________

Q. What is the reason for this peace? “by him to…”

___________________________________________________

The Bible says that the unsaved person is at enmity with God. Because the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross he has ”slain the enmity thereby” Eph 2:15-16 and has made peace between God and all those who accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour. All Christians have received this peace with God through Jesus Christ and can never lose it.

We can be assured of our salvation and be confident that we are no longer separated from God, for He has reconciled [us] to God by the death of his Son. Rom 5:10. This truth in and of itself should bring us an overwhelming peace, but Jesus did not only make peace by his death on the cross, but he has also chosen to leave us with a real, practical peace for daily living. We will learn more about this peace in the rest of this study. Throughout your day today take time to meditate on the fact that you are reconciled to God by Christ, and need never worry about your eternal state again!

Peace In this World

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, ___________ . . .
Yesterday we learned that the Christian, through the death of Christ, has received peace with God. Today we will see that it is through the present life of Christ that we can have the peace of God.

In a world of high stress, anxiety and turmoil many Christians are vainly searching for peace in the world. Jesus wants His peace to rule in our hearts, and he has promised that this peace will satisfy our mental and emotional needs.

• Philippians 4:7 And the ________________________, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your ______________ and _____________ through Christ Jesus.

This peace is the result of a right relationship with God. It is a sense of comfort, security and confidence based on a life which has no unconfessed sin. It is evidence that the Spirit of God has been given rule over our lives.

• Colossians 3:15 And ________ the peace of God __________ in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Peace, as a fruit of the Spirit, is not the absence of trouble in the life of a Christian. Rather it is the comfort of knowing that we are right with God and that Christ is with us through every difficulty. This peace gives us the power to meet and overcome every circumstance.

• John 16:33. What did Jesus tell us we will have in this world?
__________________________________________

Despite facing tribulation in this world, Jesus told us to be of __________ ___________. Because He has ______________________ the world.

• John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your ____________________, neither let it be _______________.

The cure for anxiety in this world is not found in a prescription, an addiction, or in recreation, it is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said it is my peace (John 14:27) As we live a life surrendered to Him, where the Holy Spirit is permitted to operate, where we obey His word and seek to glorify Him, his peace will rule in our hearts. Are you stressed out or anxious? Remember that He wants you to have His peace. Be right with God and then cast all your cares upon Him. 1 Peter 5:7.

Conditions for Peace

The Fruit of the Spirit is peace. As with all fruit of the Spirit, the peace of God cannot be manufactured in our lives, we simply bear it. As we yield to the will of God every day, we will begin to display evidence that he Spirit is working in us. The obedient Christian will find peace in the storms of life, and will display characteristics of Jesus himself when trials and tribulations arise.
In order to bear the fruit of the Spirit, we must obey the Spirit. Look up the following verses. Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 119:165, Romans 8:6, Philippians 4:6,7

1. According to Isaiah 26:3, Who will God keep in perfect peace?

a. What are some ways that our minds could be “stayed on him”

2. According to Isa 26:3, Why will God keep this man in perfect peace?

Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

3. According to Psalm 119:165, Who has great peace?

 

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

4. According to Romans 8:6, What is life and peace?

a. What do you think it means to be spiritually minded?

5. According to Philippians 4:6,7, What are some conditions for the peace of God to keep our hearts and minds?

a. Why do you think the conditions in verse 6 would lead to the peace in verse 7?
Promises for Peace

Consider doing your personal Bible reading in John 14 for the next two days. In John 14:1 Jesus said “Let not your heart be troubled…” and in John 14:27 he said “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you”. The reason Jesus said the things he did in John 14 is so that his disciples would have peace. In reading this chapter, we can find at least seven reasons that we should have peace. Each of these reasons rest entirely on the Lord Jesus Christ. Try to summarize each of these in your own words.

1. Our Salvation (verse 1)

2. Our Destination (verse 2)

3. Our Anticipation (verse 3)

4. His Incarnation (verses 5-11)

5. Our Supplication (verses 13-14)

6. Our Consolation (verses 15-18)

7. His Manifestation (verses 21, 23)

As you continue these studies remember to consider previous lessons. As we live each day we should be conscious of the Spirit’s presence and his desire for us to bear the fruit of the Spirit. When opportunities arise for us to display the Love, Joy and Peace of God, we should yield to the Spirit and allow him to live through us. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.