Commentary on "The Fruit of the Spirit is Peace"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, January 16, 2010

 

Overview

Peace is the third fruit of the Spirit listed in Gal. 5:22-23. This is contrasted with the works of the flesh found in Gal. 5:20 such as; enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, & divisions.

The imperative to walk in the Spirit conveys to us idea that God’s intent is that all Christians are meant to display all the fruit of the Spirit which certainly includes peace. Furthermore, we can only display in our lives what is internally real and honest about our lives.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (Gal. 5:24-25 ESV)

Since those of us who call ourselves Christians belong to Christ and do live by the Spirit, we are commanded to walk in the same Spirit as with the one who gives us life.

 

Observations

For today, we will take a look at one of the key texts used in this week’s lesson, Heb. 12:14. By starting at verse 1 and going on through to verse 15, we can develop a fuller understanding of the Holy Spirit’s fruit of peace spoken of in this verse:

Verse 1: The “cloud of witnesses” refers to all the heroes of the faith mentioned in Chapter Eleven. Therefore, we are compelled to follow their example and run the race set before us.

Verse 2: We are to look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who is seating at the right hand of the throne of God. Notice that Jesus has been in the most holy place of heaven, seated next to the throne of God, for the better part of two thousand years.

Verse 3: Keep in mind what Jesus endured for sinners and you will not grow weary or fainthearted.

Verse 4: None of us have shed our blood for our sin. It is Jesus who shed his blood for our sin.

Verse 5: We are addressed as ‘sons’. Accept our Father’s discipline and do not grow weary when reproved by our Lord.

Verse 6: The Lord disciplines the one he loves.

Verse 7: We endure discipline because we are God’s children.

Verse 8: Those without God’s discipline are not his children. Notice that verses seven and eight define God’s children as those who he disciplines. In-other-words, if you know you are saved by the blood of Christ and are one of his children, you will be disciplined as a son or daughter who is in the Kingdom of God. You can know you have eternal salvation. Otherwise, you would be illegitimate, not part of his Kingdom.

Verse 9: This compares to the discipline given to us by our earthly fathers, only more so, because God is the Father of our spirit and is the source of life.

Verse 10: God disciplines us so that we may share in his holiness.

Verse 11: While it seems painful, God’s discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Verse 12: Therefore, consider the peaceful fruit of righteousness this discipline produces and be energized.

Verse 13: The peaceful fruit of righteousness makes for ‘straight paths’ that heal ‘lame feet’.

Verse 14: Strive to display the real Holy Spirit’s fruit of peace and holiness with all people.

Verse 15: Do not allow a “root of bitterness” to become a part of your life. This is what will defile a person, the temple of the Holy Spirit

An additional passage that will bring peace to the life of a Christian, a child of God, is to accept the truth of Matt. 6:25-34 as a reality in your life.

 

Summary

1. Our peace is founded on the work of Jesus Christ who has been seated at the right hand of the Father since he ascended into heaven.
2. Our sins were “nailed to the cross” nearly two thousand years ago.
3. Knowing the security of our relationship with the Father brings great peace.
4. As children of God, he disciplines us to develop the reality of this peace in the display and conduct of our daily lives.

 

GO TO DAY 2

 

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