WALKING IN THE PEACE OF GOD

Title: WALKING IN THE PEACE OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Supporting Texts: John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 5:1; Matthew 11:28-30

INTRODUCTION:
Peace is a vital aspect of the Christian life. In a world filled with turmoil, fear, and uncertainty, the peace of God stands as an anchor for the soul. This peace is not the absence of trouble but a supernatural peace that transcends human understanding. It is a peace that can only come from God, available to those who walk closely with Him and trust in His sovereignty. The peace of God guards our hearts and minds, helping us to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and serenity.

1. THE NATURE OF GOD'S PEACE

God’s peace is distinct from the peace the world offers. It is eternal, unshakeable, and beyond comprehension.

a) Peace Beyond Understanding
God’s peace surpasses human logic and reasoning. It is a divine peace that gives us calm even in the most stressful situations (Philippians 4:7).

b) Peace That Guards the Heart
This peace acts as a protector, guarding our hearts and minds from anxiety, fear, and worry (Philippians 4:7).

c) A Gift from Christ
The peace we experience comes through Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. It is a gift given to believers (John 14:27).

d) Peace in the Midst of Trials
Unlike worldly peace, which is temporary and fragile, God’s peace remains with us even in the midst of trials and persecution (John 16:33).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus sleeping in the storm (Mark 4:35-41) is a powerful example of the peace that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

2. HOW TO RECEIVE GOD'S PEACE

Receiving the peace of God requires a certain mindset and relationship with God.

a) Trust in God's Sovereignty
Peace flows from trusting that God is in control of every situation and that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

b) Praying with Thanksgiving
Prayer and thanksgiving create an atmosphere for God’s peace. When we bring our worries to God in prayer, His peace replaces our anxieties (Philippians 4:6-7).

c) Surrendering Worry and Anxiety
To experience God's peace, we must surrender our worries and anxieties to Him. God promises peace when we cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7).

d) Being Mindful of God's Word
Meditating on God’s Word fills our hearts with peace. The Scriptures remind us of God’s promises and faithfulness, which calms our spirits (Isaiah 26:3).

e) Biblical Example:
David, amidst distress, chose to trust in God’s faithfulness, and his heart was filled with peace (Psalm 23:1-4).

3. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN WALKING IN GOD’S PEACE

The Holy Spirit plays an essential role in helping believers experience and maintain the peace of God.

a) The Spirit’s Ministry of Peace
The Holy Spirit is the one who imparts peace into our hearts. He is called the Comforter and helps us to experience peace even in times of distress (John 14:26-27).

b) Guidance into Peaceful Living
The Holy Spirit guides believers into peaceful living by helping us make decisions that align with God’s will and leading us away from conflict (Romans 8:14).

c) Conviction of Sin and Peace
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, leading to repentance and restoring peace with God (Romans 5:1).

d) Empowering Us to Live Peaceably
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live peaceably with others, promoting unity and harmony in relationships (Colossians 3:15).

e) Biblical Example:
Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25-34) experienced the peace of the Holy Spirit even in their chains, as they praised God and trusted in His plan.

4. WALKING IN GOD’S PEACE IN DAILY LIFE

Living in God’s peace is not just about experiencing calm in times of crisis but about walking in peace every day.

a) Living in Peace with Others
The peace of God leads us to pursue peace in our relationships. We are to live at peace with others as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18).

b) Peace in Our Minds and Thoughts
Walking in peace means allowing our minds to be governed by God’s truth rather than by fear or negativity (Colossians 3:15).

c) Peace in Our Actions and Reactions
Our actions should reflect God’s peace, and our reactions to difficult situations should be marked by calmness and trust in God (Matthew 5:9).

d) Walking in Contentment
The peace of God also brings contentment. We learn to be content in all circumstances because we trust that God will meet our needs (Philippians 4:11-13).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:46-49) exemplified peace through his trust in God's timing and provision, even after years of suffering.

5. THE BENEFITS OF WALKING IN GOD’S PEACE

Experiencing and walking in God’s peace brings numerous benefits to the believer’s life.

a) Rest for the Soul
God's peace provides deep rest for our souls, bringing relief from the weariness and burdens of life (Matthew 11:28-30).

b) Protection from Anxiety
The peace of God guards our hearts and minds, protecting us from anxiety and fear (Philippians 4:7).

c) Strength in Times of Trouble
Walking in peace gives us strength to endure challenges, knowing that God is with us (Isaiah 41:10).

d) A Witness to the World
A believer who walks in peace serves as a testimony to the world of the transformative power of God’s presence (John 13:35).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel’s unwavering peace in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:16-23) was a powerful testimony to God’s ability to protect and preserve those who trust in Him.

CONCLUSION:
Walking in the peace of God is essential for every believer who desires to live a victorious Christian life. This peace, which passes all understanding, is available to us through Jesus Christ, and it guards our hearts and minds. To walk in God’s peace, we must trust in His sovereignty, surrender our anxieties to Him, and live according to His Word. As we do so, we experience the fullness of His peace that empowers us to face life's challenges with calmness and confidence.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to trust in Your sovereignty and experience Your peace in every situation.

2. Father, I surrender all my anxieties to You and ask for Your peace to fill my heart.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life marked by peace, even in difficult circumstances.

4. Lord, help me to walk in peace with others and build harmonious relationships.

5. Father, fill my mind with Your peace and guard my thoughts against fear and negativity.

6. Lord, help me to find contentment in every season of my life.

7. Father, grant me peace in my heart that surpasses all understanding.

8. Holy Spirit, guide me into peaceful living and keep me from conflict.

9. Lord, give me strength to endure trials with peace, knowing You are in control.

10. Father, let my life be a witness to the world of Your peace and love.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will experience the peace of God that transcends all understanding in every area of your life.

2. God’s peace will guard your heart and mind, shielding you from anxiety and fear.

3. In the midst of challenges, the peace of God will empower you to stand firm.

4. You will walk in peace with others, and your relationships will be marked by harmony.

5. The peace of God will bring rest to your soul, lifting your burdens and giving you strength.

6. As you trust in God, His peace will calm every storm in your life.

7. The peace of God will enable you to be a witness to the world of His transformative power.

8. You will live with contentment and peace, knowing that God provides for all your needs.

9. The peace of God will keep your heart steadfast, even in the most turbulent times.

10. God’s peace will reign in your life, bringing you joy, strength, and assurance in Him.