2. THE SPIRIT FRUIT OF PEACE

3. The world says that peace is like an elusive butterfly that we have to catch. The Bible says that peace is a gift of God that is not netted but accepted.

4. The world says that peace is the absence of conflict. The Bible says peace is an inner tranquility that comes from trusting in Jesus’ faithfulness.

5. Who are you going to believe?

6. 1) Jesus commands us to have peace!

7. Col. 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in you.”

8. Peace does not mean the absence of conflict, but we are promised an inner serenity and protection that delivers us through the storms of life.

9. Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” John 14:27

10. Philippians 4:11 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

11. 2) We can’t produce peace, but Christ never intended for us to.

12. Philippians 4:7 “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

13. Can’t follow the herd and find peace!

14. Our tendency is to take our eyes of Jesus and put them on our circumstances.

15. 3) This leads to an excellent way of life!

16. Peace will cause your body to be healthy. Proverbs 14:30 “Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but jealousy is like a cancer.”

17. Peace will make your relationships healthy because it turns you into a peacemaker.

18. Mark 9:50b “Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with each other.”

19. HOW DO WE GET PEACE?

20. 1) Understand that peace comes as a by- product of entrusting your life to God and not from seeking peace itself.

21. Psalm 91:1-7 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my

22. refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers,

23. and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow

24. that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may

25. fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”

26. Galatians 6:14-16- But as for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has

27. been crucified to me through him, and I have been crucified to the world. Being circumcised or not being circumcised doesn't mean anything.

28. What matters is a new creation. May peace and mercy be on whoever follows this rule and on God's Israel.

29. May peace and mercy be on whoever follows this rule and on God's Israel.

30. 2) Then ask the Holy Spirit to slay the enemies of peace through prayer and Bible Study.

31. Some enemies of peace: Worry Hate Bitterness Greed Envy

32. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

33. TRUST GOD.

34. shells or bells?