Let this peace rule.John Farley
Pastor-Teacher Sunday, January 27, 2019 Let this peace rule Col 3:15
peace with God (reconciliation), eirene Eph 2:11-22 Jew and Gentile reconciled to one another – Jew and Gentile together in one body reconciled to God. Peace with God. We have been reconciled to God through the cross of His Son. Col 1:18-22 The peace with God results from the fact that we have been justified by faith. These are all matters of the heart. A state of well-being. It means all of the grace and blessing which we have in Christ. It is a state of freedom from anxiety and inner turmoil. And freedom from worry. We have this peace as a fruit of the Spirit. He produces this peace in us. Paul uses eirene to mean the restful state of a contented heart, assured of salvation through Christ. We have been redeemed, we have been reconciled - and we KNOW IT! Nothing will ever come between us and the love of God in Christ Jesus. This word “eirene” or peace is a word that is perhaps best defined by what it is NOT. What the opposite of this peace is.
But most have to do with what is going on in our hearts. This is why we need to have the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts. HOW do we LET the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? In Philippians chapter 4 verses 4-9, we find the instructions. Phi 4:4-9 verse 4 does NOT say to rejoice always about your circumstances. Rejoice about who He is. Rejoice about the things He has done for us. Rejoice about the promises He has made to us. How does this help with worry and fear and distress? Allowing this gentleness to rule the day will calm your heart. And when you are afraid or distraught, remind yourself that the Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing. Well OK. ASK the Lord for what you need! Gratitude can be very peaceful! Rom 8:26-39 Phi 4:6-9 So take a few minutes today and obsess about these things.
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