Fruit of the Spirit: Part 3 - 'Peace, Perfect Peace'

This Sunday, Peter Roe brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 19th February, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

Galatians chapter 5 verses 22-23

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.

 

Isaiah chapter 26 verse 3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
 

John chapter 14, verses 25 - 27

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.”



John chapter 20, verses 19 - 22

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.



Philippians chapter 4 verses 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.




Prayer and Reflection:

One Sunday in 1875, the Rev Edward Henry Bickersteth, rector of Christ Church, Hampstead in North London, was walking on the moors above Harrogate where he was on holiday with his family. He was reflecting on a sermon he had heard that morning on Isaiah 26 v 3 and was struck by the beauty of his surroundings and the “perfect peace” it brought him.
On his way back from his walk he visited a relative, who he found to be struggling with a terminal disease and spiritually ill at ease. Edward’s thoughts from his walk gelled together as a poem, which comforted his relative. Later that day he wrote the verses down and read them to his family, and the poem became a much-loved hymn.
The words are printed below. Each verse is in the form of a simple question and answer. Take some time, on your own or with a small group to reflect on each verse. How do you respond to the question posed? How does the answer encourage you?
 
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
 
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
 
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus bosom naught but calm is found.
 
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they.
 
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
 
Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus hath vanquished death and all its powers.
 
It is enough; earth’s troubles soon shall cease,
And Jesus calls us to heaven’s perfect peace.


Our God,

We thank you that you desire to produce good fruit in our lives and send the Holy Spirit to grow that fruit in us.
Help us to remember Jesus’ promise that he would leave us with peace that transcends what the world around us can offer.
When events in our lives cause us to feel unease or anxiety, please prompt us to talk to you about how we feel.
We ask that you will give us the peace that Jesus promised and that our inner peace will help us to cope and show others your love throughout our lives.
We ask in Jesus’ name.

Amen