Peace 120506 Cell

"The Peace of God.. Will Guard Your Hearts"

Augustine of Hippo captured a biblical view in his definition of peace as "the tranquility of order". For the Christian, there are three applications of the experience of peace.

1. Peace with God - spiritual order
2. Peace on earth - relational order
3. Peace of God - psychological order

True peace i sthat overall sense of well being that comes from knowing that, our lives are in God's control.

Read Romans 5:1-8
Peace with God - spiritual order
Peace is brought about by God's assurance of our salvation, done by the work of Christ on the cross. We have a restored relationship with God!

We can rejoice in sufferings because He is in charge of our lives. Our sufferings under His guidance, leads to perseverance, which leads to character which leads to hope.

The holy spirit's presence in us is a symbol of God's love. Our response in loving Him back, is to surrender our lives to Him.

Read Romans 12:16-21
Peace on earth - relational order
PEE- Pride, Evil, Ego.
"Do not 'pee' on your negihbour if you want to maintain peace."

"An eye for an eye makes the world go blind"
We remain steadfast in loving the unlovable, because we have faith God is in charge and we have seen the extent to which God has loved us.

Read Philippians 4:4-9
Peace of God - psychological order

Paul's prescription for having the peace of God:
- praying and surrendering to God
- thinking upon qualities of Christ (v8)

Link between havng peace with God and peace on earth & peace of God:
Peace of God and peace on earth does not just happen. As with all aspects of the fruit of the Spirit it comes from our obedience to God's commands and with His enabling.