Peace | A Bible Class Lesson on the Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

Paul mentioned peace as a component of the Spirit’s fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23).

What is peace?

Does the world need peace today? Why or why not?

How do people in the world seek to have peace? Why do these methods fail?

In Scripture, peace is often seen as a gift of God.

• “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:8).
• “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” (Jn 14:27).
• “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (Jn 20:21).
• “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36).
• “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 1:7).
• “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom 16:20).

Does the gospel always bring peace?

Jesus said he did not come to bring peace on the earth. “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’” (Matt 10:34-36). How could the Prince of Peace bring a sword to the earth? How does one’s families become enemies because of the Gospel?

How does the Spirit produce peace in our lives? What do we need to do to have that peace?

This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.