#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sun. 6/5/2018
LESSON 10 6/5/2018
EXPERIENCE PERFECT PEACE
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 92,206
Devotional Reading: Phil. 4:1-7
Topic for Adults: Experience the Author of Peace
Topic for Youths: Perfect peace is Your Inheritance
Topic for intermediates: Jesus, the Author of Perfect Peace
Lesson scriptures: Isa. 26:3; Jn. 14:27, Phil. 4:7, Prov. 16:7, Ps 116:7; Ezek. 34:25
MEMORY VERSE: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isa. 26:3) NKJV
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 6/5/2018
Be A Peacemaker
Matt. 5:9; Ps. 15:1-5
Peacemakers in Christ’s glorious church must have been reconciled to God. They live a transformed life which is obvious to people around them. They also enjoy intimate fellowship with God. They can go to the presence of the Lord anytime, because they no longer involve in the acts of unrighteousness, deceit, slander or selfishness. When you become a peacemaker, you will enjoy peace with God so much to the extent of reconciling others to Christ. You will strive by your witness, resources, and life to bring your enemies to experience salvation in Jesus. It is when you become a peacemaker in Christ’s glorious church that you come to realise that to lose peace with God is to lose everything in life.
Point of Emphasis: Work on yourself to become a peacemaker in Christ’s glorious church.
Prayer Point: Help me O Lord, to be a true peacemaker in Your church.
BACKGROUND
When an unexpected wild storm whipped across the Sea of Galilee, the disciples seemed certain they’d sink to the bottom of the lake. But they requested for help from Jesus. He calmed the stormed and there was a perfect peace.
When we decide to follow Jesus, at that moment, we determine how we are to live each day. Deciding for Jesus provides meaning that replaces our emptiness. It allows us to live joyfully instead of envisaging times of trial and despair. The lesson of this week teaches us to depend on Jesus to experience His perfect peace.
NOTES ON THE TEXT
PART 1: GOD’S PERFECT PEACE (ISA. 26:1-5)
When this promise was given to Israel, she was in a dark period of her history. It will help us in the church age, when surrounded by gloom, depression, doubt, fear and worry. When all is going well, it is easy to read a promise like this in a very superficial way; but when clouds of trial, disappointment, anxiety and alarm blow across our skies and the sun is hidden, these words become very precious to us.
There is not a promise in the Bible that says we will be free from troubles, wars, trials, temptations, fears and sorrow in life. God promises something better. He promises peace in the midst of the storm.
The peace that God offered is described as perfect ‘peace’. It is a condition of freedom from disturbances with the soul. The Hebrew word for peace, ‘shalom’ has the idea of soundness of health and freedom from all discord in the soul.
There is no room for jealousy, envy, discontentment, uncontrolled temper, selfishness, pride, intolerance, harsh criticism, fear of anxiety, in the soul that is filled with peace. They are all discordant note. They are out of harmony with those who possess God’s peace.
Therefore, the peace can be obtained;
– by knowing Him, of course, there is a great difference between knowing God and simply knowing about Him (Phil. 4:7, Isa. 57:21) one can know God
– through His words (Ps. 119:165)
– by the Holy Ghost (Gal.5:22)
– by our obedience (Lev. 26:3-6)
– by prayer and praise (Phil. 4:6-7)
Conclusively, the one who will experience perfect peace of God is the one whose mind is stayed on God and trust is in Him.
Peace is not some experience, doctrine or a code of belief. Peace is in the Lord Himself!
PART 2: PEACE THAT TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING (JN. 14:27; PHIL. 4:7)
Perfect peace which Jesus promised can only be enjoyed when you have intimate relationship with Him. It’s obvious that you cannot enjoy Jesus at a distance. It is when you are close to a tree that you will know certainly the kind of leaves it bears. It is when you get closer to God that you will enjoy Him. (Phil. 3:10).
The benefits one enjoys in the relationship can’t be fathomed and exhaustive. However, the following are very obvious:
- Good Health: Many people are sick; some are hospitalised because they lack peace of mind. This peace will give you a rested soul and body. It will keep away worries, stress, depression, heart-related diseases and the likes.
- Positive Mind: people who enjoy peace are positive minded. They expect the best of things.
- Hope: The peaceful are hopeful and the hopeful are peaceful. The peace of God is a powerful ingredient in building up your hope.
- Fortified relationships: A peacemaker will always enjoy his or her relationships with others. Peace within you will manifest in your responses to issues. People will be drawn to you because they enjoy the peace that surrounds you. Being with you will be like medicine to their challenges.
- Satisfaction and Contentment: It is very good to aim for better life, but only the peaceful will be able to be satisfied and contented with every level of progress, giving glory to God. Greed and peace never go together.
- Favour: A peaceful person is highly favoured. Everyone wants to be a blessing to a person who never gives or entertains troubles. Helping such a person will be the desire of every rational person.
The peace of God is a must for anyone who desires to enjoy life and be successful The good news is that God is ever ready to give His peace. It starts with SALVATION.
PART 3: HIDDEN TREASURES IN PERFECT PEACE (PROV. 16:17 PS. 116:7, 119:165; EZEK. 34:25)
It is the act of God to protect and bless His people. He is a gracious God! He that has all hearts in His hand has access to men’s spirit and power to make a man’s enemies to be at peace with him. He can change the minds, or force them into a feigned submission. He will do it for us when we please Him and abide in Him. God made Esau to be at peace with Jacob. Abimelech with Isaac and Daniel’s enemies to court his favour and desire a league with Israel.
The image of God appearing upon the righteous and His particular loving-kindness to them is enough recipe to enjoy the hidden treasures of His perfect peace.
The covenant of grace is a covenant of peace. In it God is at peace with us, He speaks peace to us and gives us peace. He offers us everything we need to make us happy. This is a great treasure.
He provides sufficiently for our comfort and refreshments; He is encouraging you to come to Him for the benefits you will get from the treasure.
CONCLUSION
Peace of mind and the tranquility of spirit that accompanies it are only available when we have true peace with God through Christ Jesus who paid for our sin on Calvary. He is the author of our peace. Those who attempt to find peace in worldly pursuits will find themselves badly deceived. For Christians, however, peace of mind is available through the intimate knowledge of God who meets all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
QUESTIONS
- What is perfect peace?
- What is the Hebrew word for peace?
- Enumerate five ways by which you can obtain the perfect peace of God.
- What are the benefits you will enjoy when you are at peace with God?
- Who is the Author of peace?
