Friday, October 28, 2011

E - FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - 5
PEACE
What a joy to have peace! And yet there is no peace without sincere love. Love, joy, and peace are all in this lovely bowl of fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit which indwells in us as we become a Christian.
So what is peace? Probably the first thought is that peace is the lack of conflict, which is true. In the O.T. (Hebrew) it meant prosperity, well-being, completeness, safety. In a spiritual sense it indicated a peace with God. Peace with God is indicated in the N.T. as well.
David indicates peace with God for the godly ones—His people. Ps.85:8 God will keep those who trust in Him and are of a steadfast mind in peace. Isa.26:3 God is the giver of peace. 1 Kgs.2:33 Righteousness is connected with peace. Isa.32:17
Consider outer peace verses inner peace. Conflict may be rampant around a person and yet in Christ, an inner peace may prevail whereas on the inside turmoil can be raging but on the outside all is calm. A Christian needs both—inner peace and the ability to remain peaceful amid turmoil on the outside.  Phil.4:6
We serve a God of peace and Christ as the Prince of Peace. Isa.9:6 The God of peace will be with us of we live a life of obedience. Phil.4:9 As Paul was exhorting the church in Corinth to avoid confusion hi their assembly, he stressed the fact that God is a God of peace. 1 Cor.l4:33
Peace is a precious gift from our Savior. Fear and trouble are not conducive to peace. These things are of the world but Jesus gives a peace without fear or trouble. Jhn.l4:27 In Christ we can have real peace. Jhn.l6:33
The root of our peace comes from our peace with God. We are reconciled to God through the blood of Christ. Our hostility with God, because of sin, is removed. Col.l:20 Our salvation is made possible because of His death and then life. Rom.5:10
Peace does not come freely. It is not automatic. We are given words to move us forward with peace—follow peace. Rom.l4:19 Do situations appear in life that would not make peace? Paul tells Timothy to flee things that don't make peace and pursue peace along with those of like desire. 2 Tim.2:22 It is easy to be at peace with a peaceful man but not all are peaceful. We still follow peace. Rom. 12:18 If they refuse peace, it must not be our fault. We still owe them forgiveness and kindness.
We must choose peace. Let (we may or may not) the peace of God rule. Col.3:15 There are times it is work to have peace but we are to be diligent hi finding peace. Peace will preserve unity. Eph.4:3; 2 Pet.3:14
God desires peace so if we are found in peace we will be called His son. We will have deep inner joy in our heart if we will do what is necessary to make peace. Matt.5:9 However, making peace does not mean compromise. We must stand firm in the faith as is exhorted in 1 Cor.l6:13. So much false teaching is around us as it was in the days of old. 2 Cor.lO:5 Paul told Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. 1 Tim.6:12 We have been given an armor with which to do that. Eph.6:10,11 The only offensive part of the armor was the sword—the Word of God and the Word will take care of the offensive part of the battle against false teaching. Remember, the battle is not against us personally but against our Lord and His Word for which we stand.
Our next question would be, how can we achieve this peace? Peace comes to those who walk in their new life in Christ. Gal.6:14-16 We love the law of God. Ps.ll9:165 As we study it we gain knowledge of our Lord and peace is multiplied to us. 2 Pet. 1:2 As we gain knowledge, we are moved to obey and follow. lsa.48:18 Then we are justified or made right in God's sight through our faith in Christ. Consequently, we have peace with God. Rom.5:1 As we have peace with God, our minds are set on things of the spirit and then we have life and peace. Rom.:8:6
Christ brought peace among men with whom God is well-pleased. Lk.2:14 That peace of God which brings an inner peace and guards our hearts and minds is beyond understanding, not only to the world but also to us who believe. It is amazing the peace that is brought to us through Jesus. Phil.4:7
What joy and comfort we can find in the peace promised in 2 Cor.l3:ll!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

D - FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT - 4

D – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 4

Love brings joy which is a deep gladness of the heart.  When we truly have love in our heart for God and others and have erased any ill-feelings we might have had, then true joy will bring greater fulfillment to our lives.  Christian joy is deeper than the world’s happiness.  Yes, we can be happy but true joy can come even in trouble, pain, and sadness.  As we look into the Scripture, we can see why this would be.

God has given us so much as we accepted His salvation.  Ps.51:12   Thankfulness for all these things brings us joy.  Discouragement does not bring strength but joy does.  Neh.8:10   As we read of the joy that David put in many of his psalms, our hearts should also reflect joy in our lives whatever the circumstance we may experience.  Ps.5:11; Ps.16:11; Ps.32:11  

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that is a result of our life in Christ but it is active as we rejoice.  We are told to rejoice, not just when all is going well but always.  1 Thess.5:16   It is easy to rejoice in good times; however, James reminds us to rejoice even in trials.  Jam.1:2   Why?  Because we grow in our endurance for maybe more difficult times in the future.  Jam.1:3

Jesus was an example of joy in trials—severe trials.  Heb.12:2   No matter what happens in this life, we have an eternal future with our Lord to which we can look forward.  Jesus wanted us to experience the joy He had.  Jhn.15:10,11  

Our joy in the Lord is so great that words cannot express it.  1 Pet.1:8   The world rejoices in new “stuff”, higher position, popularity.  That gets old and the joy must be replaced with something else.  A Christian rejoices in the Lord.  Phil.3:1   Things of the world are minor compared to the glories of heaven.  This is where our hope is for which we rejoice.  Rom.12:12   This is a kind of joy that does not have to be replaced and no one can take it away.  Jhn.16:22   This joy is everlasting as sorrow is removed.  Isa.51:11   Even in time of great grief, the sorrow will be taken away and joy will come.  Ps.30:5

We can find joy if we earnestly strive to live within God’s will.  Ps.1:1,2   Joy is given to the man that is good in God’s sight.  Eccl.2:26   We do not live for things of this world but for righteousness that brings peace and in turn brings joy.  Rom.14:17  

So much encouragement and joy was felt by Paul as those he taught stood firm in the faith.  1 Thess.3:9   Paul considered the Philippians his joy and crown.  Phil.4:1   We not only bring joy to our Lord and even the angels, but to those who have labored for our salvation.  Lk.15:10; 1 Thess.2:19,20

We can allow our joy to be sabotaged. This can happen in many ways.  Perhaps we are reprimanded when we thought we were doing well.  Someone might talk against us.  We become discouraged and then allow ourselves to become angry or resentful.  This depletes our joy if our joy comes from our feelings rather than our hope in the Lord.  We may become discouraged with others and maybe even ourselves.

Paul was disappointed in himself at times.  Rom.7:15   Paul continues to discuss this weakness and conflict between the flesh and the spirit.  His decision is in Rom.8:37.  If we are following Christ, we need not become discouraged and let our joy in the Lord be sabotaged.

So many were persecuted and yet had joy.  2 Cor.7:4   Jesus has already been mentioned as the ultimate example of this.  Paul suffered many persecutions.  In fact they are listed in the eleventh chapter of 2 Corinthians and yet Paul had joy.  Acts 20:24   The Corinthians had suffered affliction and yet had joy to give to the saints in Jerusalem in spite of their own need.  2 Cor.8:2  

Thanksgiving is connected to joy.  It would be difficult to have one without the other.  Col.1:11,12   Paul received persecution as well as the Thessalonians as they were taught and received the Word yet they gave.  1 Thess.1:6   Even if our property is seized as it is today in some countries, we have better possessions in eternity.  Heb.10:34   If we have persecution, affliction, problems, we can rejoice with Christ when He comes to receive us.  1 Pet.4:13

As we work together for the Lord, we rejoice together.  Jhn.4:36   Whether in tribulation or in good times, we are one in the Lord.  Rom.12:15   This oneness make joy complete.  Phil.2:2

Let us always rejoice.  Phil.4:4   Christ can keep us from stumbling and present us faultless as we remain faithful in Him.  This will give Him great joy.  Jude 24   May we remember our strength is in the joy of the Lord.  Neh.8:10




Wednesday, October 12, 2011

C - FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT- 3

C – FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – 3

In studying the fruit of the spirit, the first and second greatest commandment is involved for love is the first fruit mentioned in Gal.5:22.  Our love of God is of supreme importance as we love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind.  Much difficulty comes in obeying the second greatest commandment—love your neighbor as yourself.  Lk.10:27   Before we leave the subject of love, it is imperative that we take a close look at the “Love Chapter” in 1 Cor.13.

Paul uses the insignificance of some important gifts in comparison to love.  The first gift mentioned was the speaking of tongues.  The Greek word for tongues means languages not previously known to a person.  This would be a tremendous gift, and it happened on the day of Pentecost and also at the conversion of the first Gentile.  But without love—it is just a lot of noise.  The heathen used gongs and cymbals in their worship of false gods.  1 Cor.13:1

The gift of prophecy is closely connected to teaching.  1 Cor.13:2   Even though a person could relay the message of God and teach men accordingly, it would be of no value without love. 

To know is important.  Knowledge comes from study and experience and a person is able to put that knowledge into practical use for the kingdom.  Col.2:2,3   However, knowledge sometimes makes a person “above” common relationships.  1 Cor.8:1   Jesus mentioned faith that could remove mountains.  Matt.17:20   This kind of faith would be deeply spiritual and turn into deeds.  Even that deep faith would be nothing without love.

The next illustration is a practical one.  1 Cor.13:3   Too often the gifts to the needy are done in a spirit of obligation (“have to”) or a spirit of pride (“see what I have done”).  Matt.6:1-4   The humble spirit of joy and love should be present whether we are giving to the church or to the needy.  Matt.25:40    Paul was ready and willing to die for the Lord.  Phil.1:20,21   In the first through the third centuries, many were burned rather than denouncing Christ.  It was done because of love.

The following verses should cause an enormous amount of introspection.  1 Cor.13:4-7   These verses give us one of the most beautiful descriptions of the love that a Christian should have.  May it sink into our hearts.

Love is patient.  How can I achieve patience?  We cannot do it alone.  Col.1:11   We have help from the Holy Spirit.  Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and consequently, we will receive help.  Heb.6:12   A great example of patience is Abraham.  He was given a promise that through his seed all of the world would be blessed.  He had faith and patience that the outcome of God’s promise would be fulfilled.  It was but he did not see it.  He waited many years for a son.  Isaac was born.  If we feel impatience swelling up within us, pray for the Spirit to take over and then give in to the Spirit.

Love is kind.  A very religious person can be very unkind in attitude, speech, and deed.  As a Christian we are told to be kind in many lists of virtues.  Eph.4:31,32   Paul describes the things that would be unkind and then tells us to be kind and compassionate
Love is not jealous.  Envy looks at the good that someone else has and then they want the same.  Another kind of envy wishes the other person did not have it.  Jam.3:14.16   This is not the way of love.  Gal.5:26
Love does not brag and is not arrogant.  Prov.13:10   Pride builds oneself up over another.  Phil.2:3   This would be true humility.
Love is not rude (NIV)  Rudeness has been defined as disrespectful, unmannerly, offensive, even abrasive.  This would not describe love nor would it be an example of a Christian to the world.
Love does not seek its own.  This could include seeking our own way, our own place, our own right.  This would be self-seeking and selfish.  1 Cor.10:24,33   Love cares about others—their feelings, their success, their desires, etc.  We should think less of our rights and more of the things we ought to be doing.
Love is not provoked.  Jam.1:19,20   We need to be the master of our thoughts and feelings.  They can bring us disaster.  Paul gave this admonition to Timothy to preach to others.  1 Tim.2:8   The importance of keeping anger under control is given in Eph.4:26,27   If left to fester, it becomes bitterness and grows.  The devil can use this to our downfall.
Love does not take into account a wrong suffered.  Another translation uses the term, store up.  It is much like an accountant notating each wrong in a ledger and keeping track of it all.  Christian love forgives and forgets.  Isn’t this what God does for us?  Keeping track only makes relationships worse and could never be considered as love.  At times there is a tendency to think evil motives of someone when there is none.  Is this what we would want?
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness.  Do we wish for someone to be in Satan’s grip? 
There are times when it seems people are more interested in misfortunate and a fall into sin than they are to celebrate something good.  This would not be Christlike and certainly not Christian love.
The above has mentioned traits that love does not have.  We now come to what love does.  Love rejoices with the truth.  Sometimes it is difficult for a Christian to face the truth.  If we are willing to do so, we will be better for it and grow.  Eph.4:15   A Christian loves the truth of the Word.  3 Jhn.3   The Word deals with us.  Heb.4:12,13
Love bears all things.  Rom.15:1   Love would rather quietly attempt to mend things and not publicly display them or publicly rebuke them.  Love also will endure slights, insults, misunderstandings and any disappointments.  1 Pet.4:8
Love believes all things.  Love is ready to believe the best of all.  A quote:  “Love ennobles even the ignoble by believing the best.”  Love does not put wrong motives into our thinking about them.
Love hopes all things.  Love hopes for the best in others and puts faith in what they can and will do.  Love will help in a situation if at all possible to encourage and strengthen.
Love endures all things.  Endurance does not cause a passive attitude but “deals with it.”
Paul the apostle had a thorn in the flesh.  After praying and it was not removed, he did not just sit down and quit.  He had the fortitude to conquer with God’s grace.
Love never fails.  Rom.12:9,10; 1 Pet.3:8