Review• Love is

– Decisive– Demonstrated– Unconditional

• Joy– “The expression and feeling of gladness" – Verb = "to rejoice"

• Peace

I. Peace Defined “Peace is not the absence of trouble-- peace is the

presence of God.” - J. Oswald Sanders

I. Peace Defined A state of harmony and contentment based on the

person of Jesus Christ resulting in appropriate attitudes and actions.

I. Peace Defined • Peace is Harmony and Contentment

I. Peace Defined • Peace Comes Through Christ

• Colossians 1:19-22 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

• Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

I. Peace Defined • True Peace Demonstrates Itself Through Our Attitude

and Actions • Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

II. Peace Demonstrated: • Jesus’ Attitude of Peace

• Luke 8:22-25

II. Peace Demonstrated: • Jesus’ Peaceful Actions

• Matthew 26:48-54

II. Peace Demonstrated: • Stephen’s Peaceful End

• Acts 7:54-60

III. Peace Developing in Our Lives

• In Attitude: Peace Comes from Understanding God– His Spirit

• John 14:25-27 25 "All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

– His Word• Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law,

and nothing can make them stumble.

III. Peace Developing in Our Lives

III. Peace Developing in Our Lives• In Action

– In Difficult Circumstances– In Relationships

• Be at Peace with Christians – 1 Thessalonians 5:13 Hold them in the highest regard

in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

• Be at Peace with Everyone– Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on

you, live at peace with everyone.• Seek Peace

– 1 Peter 3:11 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

Sharing & Encouraging Each Other

• How have you experienced God’s peace?

• How have you see someone around you demonstrate peace in their attitudes or actions?

RememberColossians 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called

to peace. And be thankful.”