PEACE BEYOND THE USUAL 1

PEACE BEYOND THE USUAL

Text: Romans 14:17; Phil 4:17 

Peace is a state being free from disturbance; it is a state of absence of war, violence, hostility, worry or conflict . It is, therefore, synonymous to quietness; tranquility; calmness; wholeness, etc. 

However, beyond all the definitions and insight provided above to what peace is all about to an ordinary man, the scripture says more and gives deeper insight and deeper understanding in order for us believers to live to the maximum, the life in the Spirit expected us (Rm. 8:5-9; Gal.5:16-25). 

From both general and Biblical perspective of peace, we would discover it is relational in its application. Relational in the sense that; it comprises of many factors for it to express its meaning especially it's relationship with God. The Hebrew word 'Shalom' also adds its colour to the understanding of peace above the usual - regular; ordinary; common application of it.

Therefore, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we shall be studying Peace under the following study outline:

• Types of peace

• Dimensions of peace

• Interrelation between the types and dimensions of peace

• Lessons from the study

So let us get started,

Types of Peace

'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' John 14:27

According to the scripture above, there are two types of peace mentioned, that is, the peace of God and the peace of man.

1. The peace of God: This is the kind of peace that is expressly, an expression of God  through the the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, ... My peace I give to you. 

Characteristics of The Peace of God

1. It is expressed as fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22): Because it is the fruit of the Spirit unbelievers cannot have or express this kind of peace we are talking about here. In other words, they don't have the capacity to express it since they are not regenerated. 

2. It is the heritage of every believer (Is.26:3; 2Pet. 1:2): Because we are children of God, His peace is our inheritance 

3. It grows as one grows in the faith (2Pet.1:2): Yes, this explains the fact that the more you grow in the faith, the more Holy Spirit finds expression in your life as believers. This also explains why we react to issues often times differently, why you can easily forgive and let go. 

4. It enables believers build divine capacity (phil.4:7): By divine capacity i meant you constantly develop capacity for more anointing; grace for greater exploits for God in all spheres of life.

5. It has no limitation in expressions (2Thes.3:13; Phil.4:7; Jn.4:27): Because it is Holy Spirit engineered, you couldn't cage or outrightly predict it. Jesus said, "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

6. It is a defense (Phil. 4:7): It is when you can express and maintain this peace you can enjoy safety. Then you can engage in spiritual warfare in the position of victory because you are not clouded in the spirit, so you are spiritually sensitive and can receive from the Holy Spirit. Also, this peace keeps you free from offenses and issues that might create loopholes through which enemies might gain access to your life. It is, therefore, central to victorious kingdom living(Rm. 14:17).

... To be continued in part 2...