The Fruit of the Spirit – Peace
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. [NASB]
INTRODUCTION
Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888)
In 1871 the city of Chicago was nearly destroyed by fire – [known as the Great Chicago Fire], over 300 people died from the flames and approximately 100,000 were left homeless.
One of the heroes in the aftermath was Horatio Gates Spafford. Spafford, who was an attorney, had lost a great deal of real-estate in the fire. Despite such great personal financial loss and then combined with the untimely death of his son - [during this same time period] - Spafford for around two years unselfishly helped to assist the needs of the homeless, impoverished, and grief-stricken by the fire. Such merciful and kind acts as these to his fellow-men just helped to strengthen the testimony as to why Horatio G. Spafford was known throughout Chicago as a sincere, devout Christian.
After about two years of such work, in November 1873, Spafford and his family decided to take a vacation. Because Spafford was a loyal friend and supporter of Dwight L. Moody, he and his family decided that they would meet up with Moody and Ira Sankey on one of their evangelistic campaigns in England, and then from there the Spafford’s planned on traveling on to Europe.
Just as the Spafford’s were preparing to leave, Horatio was unexpectedly detained by urgent business concerns in Chicago. The decision was made that his wife Anna and their daughters – Anna (Annie), Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta would continue on as scheduled to England. Once after Spafford had resolved the business concern he would then catch up with them on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
The ship, the S.S. Ville du Harve, which his wife and daughters were traveling on never reached England. Off Newfoundland, the ship collided with an English sailing vessel, the Loch Earn. The ship sank rapidly, approximately within 20 minutes after it was struck.
Mrs. Spafford was only one of the 47 to survive; tragically all four of their daughters were part of the 226 who perished in the aftermath. Anna Spafford’s heartbreaking telegram to her husband simply read: “Saved alone.”
Horatio immediately set sail for England to join his grief-stricken wife. As the ship that he was traveling on passed the approximate location where his daughters had drowned, [it is reported] that due to his deep sorrow mingled with his unwavering faith in God’s goodness that he penned the words of his now famous hymn - “It Is Well with My Soul.”
It Is Well with My Soul
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to know;
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul.
My sin – oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin – not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend –
“Even so – it is well with my soul.”
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live,
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for death as in life
Thou shalt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
It is well, it is well with My soul.
[Material adapted from – Horatio Gates Spafford, http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/p/spafford_hg.htm, 10/24/03; The Story of Horatio G. Spafford, http://www.anglefire.com/ms/spiritual/page16.html, 10/24/03; Horatio G. Spafford, It Is Well With My Soul, http://hymns.net/stories/spafford.htm, 10/24/03; It Is Well with My Soul, http://acacia.pair.com/Acacia.Vignettes/It.Is.Well.With.My.Soul.html, 10/24/03]
Probably very few of us will ever face such depth of tragedy like Horatio Spafford.
• However, if we live long enough, some type of tragedy will find its way into our lives.
• For some it will be the death of a loved one – such as a child, parent, or our spouse.
• To others of us tragedy may strike with a heart attack, cancer, or some other major disabling disease.
• There can be divorces, financial ruin, or lost of close friends and associates.
• Sometimes the tragedies are not even personal – who will ever forget the senselessness of 9-11 or the explosion of the space-shuttle, Columbia.
• Tragedy comes up all – non-Christian and Christian alike - no matter the circumstance in life.
So calamity will come --- how do you face them? --- Do you become anxious? --- Or, do you face them with calm, knowing that that too will pass?
What is that calmness – in a Christian it is a peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [NKJV]
OBJECTIVE
To have that aspect of the Holy Spirit’s fruit called peace manifested in our lives - the peace of God that surpasses all understanding no matter the circumstance.
PURPOSE
By examining the aspect of the Spirit’s fruit called peace and then applying it towards our daily living towards God, ourselves, and with others.
DEFINITION
Greek - Eirene - (Strong # 1515) – means: “harmonious relationships between men … between God and man” [Vine’s, 464].
The Wycliffe Bible Commentary – Peace is “the gift of Christ (Jn 14:27) and includes inward repose (Phil 4:6) and harmonious relations with others (contrast Gal 5:15,20).” [1297]
Translated “peace” - all major translation.
I. PEACE WITH GOD
We must have a harmonious relationship with God?
A. It is no secret that man has reproached God -
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of God
Isaiah 53:6a
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [perversion], nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherent the kingdom of God.
*** We need to realize that no matter what we do --- who we know --- what we have --- or where we go --- nothing, nothing, nothing in ourselves will ever remove our reproach before God – for all of our righteousness before Him is unclean (Isaiah 64:6). Oh, may we realize that God is Holy!
B. Christ has reconciled us to God -
Colossians 1:19-20
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him [His beloved Son – v. 13], and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Ephesians 2:13, 16-19
But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. … And … reconcile[d] … in one body to God through the cross, by having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both [Jew and Greek – v. 11] have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household.
*** Nothing, nothing, nothing can come between us and our Saviour – God is so satisfied with Christ’s finished work He has truly cast our sins from his sight as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Praise God for such mercy!
C. Therefore we have peace – harmonious relations – with God
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives so I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.
Hebrews 10:19
Therefore, brethren, having boldness … enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.
*** Lasting peace is found in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. You must come near to God to find peace – draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.
II. PEACE WITH OURSELVES
1 John 3:21-22
Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
*** What is your daily life about?
Rejoicing Always?
Praying without Ceasing?
Thanksgiving in Everything?
Trusting God in Christ Jesus?
[1 Thessalonians 5:16-18]
*** If you want to have peace with yourself – LOVE GOD (Matthew 22:37-40)!
III. PEACE WITH OTHERS
1 Thessalonians 5:13b
Live in peace with one another.
Hebrew 12:14a
Pursue peace with all men.
Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
*** Oh, how one should be alarmed at being “A Sinner in the Hands of An Angry God” [Sermon title: Jonathan Edwards].
*** I realize that we cannot make everyone happy. If we live a Christian witness before this world they will not be pleased with us - (John 3:19 – men love darkness rather than the light). ---- In more and more places around the globe Christianity is being denied freedom to be practiced and slowly, but surely our religious freedoms, as well, in this country are being eradicated. It is becoming harder and harder to confess Christ openly – but rejoice my friend because there in lies your peace – if they persecuted our Lord, they will persecute you also (John 15:20).
John 16:33
[Jesus said,] 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.
CONCLUSION
Oh, what hinders you today from having peace with God?
The world strives for peace among the nations or their neighbors and friends. But truly listen – this is but only a temporary peace. It will last but a short time and then fade away.
I urge you to look --- yes, look today towards the eternal Prince of Peace --- run to Him and cry for mercy --- He was crucified for sinners, buried for sinners, and raised for sinners in order that sinners, such as you and I, can have peace today.
Have peace today my friend –
Job 22:21
[A]cquaint yourself with [Jesus], and be at peace[!]”
Bruce Allen
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
bea0210@hotmail.com
October 26, 2003
