X Close Menu

HOPE Covenant Sermons

Peace

March 9, 2014 Speaker: Series: God's Transforming Power

Topic: Transformation Verse: Galatians 5:16–5:25

GOD’S TRANSFORMING POWER
”Peace”
Pastor Duane Cross | 03.09.2014

 

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
Galatians 5:16-25 (NLT)

“The way of peace they have not known.” Romans 3:17 (NIV)

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers! For my brethren and companions’ sake, I will say, ‘Peace be within you. ”
Psalm 122:6-8 (NIV)

“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.” John14:27 (NIV)

“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4 (NIV)

I. Peace is from God

II. Peace is from us.

III. Peace is within you.

“Submit to God and be at peace with him...” Job 22:21 (NIV)

GOING DEEPER QUESTIONS

These questions are designed to help you go deeper with the sermon during your week - to take a closer look at the Scripture and find fresh ways to live out the main points of
the sermon. Going Deeper questions also are used in all of our Grow Groups at Hope.

Scripture Reading

Galatians 5:16-25; Romans 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Psalm 122:6-8; John 14:27; Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 9:6-7; Job 22:21; and Romans 5:1-5

Getting Started

Growing up, did you live in a peaceful home? Explain?

Why is peace so elusive in our homes, communities and world?

If you were a contestant for the Miss America Pageant (use your imagination), how would you propose we could experience “World Peace?

A Closer Look

Read though the passages on peace. Can you identify any “threads” or “themes” about peace?

Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you...” What did he mean by that?

Read Isaiah 9:6-7. What does it mean that “... he will be called... Prince of Peace?”

Pastor Duane said that “peace is from us.” Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?

How do we find peace with God (Romans 5:1-5)?

Digging Deeper

How do you experience...

- Peace with God?

- Peace from God?

- Peace with your friends?

- Peace with your enemies?

How can you take personal responsibility for peace?

 

More in God's Transforming Power

April 6, 2014

Self-Control

March 30, 2014

Faithfulness

March 23, 2014

Kindness