Peaceful Living in an Uptight World

Developing Spiritual Character:  

Peaceful Living In An Uptight World:  

Galatians 5:22-23

Too often we allow stress to consume us instead of allowing Christ to calm us.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” (Colossians 3:15)

How To Experience The Peace of God

1. Accept God’s pardon

• There is a relationship we were Created to have

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)

• It is a relationship we do not have because of what we have Done

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

“but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)

• It is a relationship we can have because of what Jesus Has Done

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (1 Peter 3:18)

“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” (Colossians 1:20)

• It is a relationship we must choose:

• Turn

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,” (Acts 3:19)

• Trust

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12)

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

We will never experience the peace Of God until we are at peace With God

2. Obey God’s Principles

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165)

“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;” (Isaiah 48:17–18)

If you want to experience God’s peace, we must live according to God’s Design

3. Focus on God’s Presence

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

It’s what we concentrate on that determines our level of personal peace:

• If we look at the world: we will be Distressed

• If we look within; we will be Depressed

• If we look at Christ; we will be At Rest

“Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God.”  J. Oswald Sanders

4. Trust in God’s Purposes

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33)

Peace is not a trouble-free life; Peace is a sense of Calm in the midst of the Storms of life

5. Talk to God in prayer

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:6–7)

Notice the order: First Prayer, then Peace

 “I really believe the most important step in developing inner peace is to quit complaining and start praising.” Bob Russell

No God, No Peace

Know God, Know Peace

Making It Personal:

• Have you experienced peace with God by turning from your sin and trusting in the perfect provision of Jesus Christ?

• Review the main points of this message. Which practice do you need more of in your life right now?

• What specific steps do you need to take this week to experience more of God’s peace in your daily life?