God teaches us where to place our priorities in the molding of our hearts! n There is a way of thinking that will put us in a blessed and abundant life

God teaches us where to place our priorities God teaches us where to place our priorities in the molding of our hearts!in the molding of our hearts!

There is a way of thinking that will put us There is a way of thinking that will put us in a blessed and abundant life.in a blessed and abundant life.


There is a way of thinking that will put us There is a way of thinking that will put us in a blessed and abundant life.in a blessed and abundant life.

How many people today are guilt-filled, How many people today are guilt-filled, angry or in despair because of the kind angry or in despair because of the kind

of heart they have built! of heart they have built! (Mt 15:18-(Mt 15:18-20)20)


Matthew 15:18-20Matthew 15:18-20 - "But those things - "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 "For out the heart, and they defile a man. 19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 "These are blasphemies. 20 "These are the things the things which defile a man, but to eat with which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.“unwashed hands does not defile a man.“


Only God has the way to give our hearts Only God has the way to give our hearts His fruit of purpose and direction.His fruit of purpose and direction.


Only God has the way to give our hearts Only God has the way to give our hearts His fruit of purpose and direction.His fruit of purpose and direction.

To grow God’s fruit the field (mind) first To grow God’s fruit the field (mind) first has to be cleared. There is no negotiation, has to be cleared. There is no negotiation, only a complete clearing and starting over only a complete clearing and starting over (repentance). (repentance). (Gal 5:16-17, 24)(Gal 5:16-17, 24)


Galatians 5:16-17Galatians 5:16-17 - I say then: Walk in - I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.that you do not do the things that you wish.


Galatians 5:24Galatians 5:24 - And those - And those who are who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.passions and desires.


Consider the blessedness of this fruit in our Consider the blessedness of this fruit in our lives. lives. (Gal 5:22-23)(Gal 5:22-23)


Galatians 5:22-23Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.is no law.


This passage says “fruit” and not “fruits!” This passage says “fruit” and not “fruits!” We must have all nine.We must have all nine.


We have examined love and joy. Both of We have examined love and joy. Both of these come from knowing Jesus and these come from knowing Jesus and letting that love be tested by standing for letting that love be tested by standing for Him. Him. (1 Pt 1:7-8)(1 Pt 1:7-8)


1 Peter 1:7-81 Peter 1:7-8 - that the genuineness of your - that the genuineness of your faith, faith, being being much more precious than gold much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not not seen you love. Though now you do not see see Him, Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,inexpressible and full of glory,


Going against the world and paying a price Going against the world and paying a price produces joy! produces joy! (Ps 5:11)(Ps 5:11)


Psalm 5:11Psalm 5:11 - But let all those rejoice who - But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.You.

The fruit of the Spirit – PeaceThe fruit of the Spirit – Peace

What is peace?What is peace?


eirene ¤ AV - peace 89, one 1, rest 1, eirene ¤ AV - peace 89, one 1, rest 1, quietness 1; 92 - 1) a state of national quietness 1; 92 - 1) a state of national tranquillity 1a) exemption from the rage tranquillity 1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war 2) peace between and havoc of war 2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord 3) individuals, i.e. harmony, concord 3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous). keep things safe and prosperous).


Jesus is described as “the Lord of peace.” Jesus is described as “the Lord of peace.” What does He want for us? What does He want for us? (2 Thess 3:16)(2 Thess 3:16)


2 Thessalonians 3:16 2 Thessalonians 3:16 16 Now may the 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord always in every way. The Lord be be with you with you all.all.


We must diligently pursue peace with God. We must diligently pursue peace with God. (Rom 5:1)(Rom 5:1)


Romans 5:1 Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through our Lord Jesus Christ,


Do you remember the price Jesus paid for Do you remember the price Jesus paid for your sins?your sins?


Do you remember the price Jesus paid for Do you remember the price Jesus paid for your sins?your sins?

When God speaks of “justification” do you When God speaks of “justification” do you understand what an enormous gift this is?understand what an enormous gift this is? (Col 1:20)(Col 1:20)


Colossians 1:20 Colossians 1:20 - and by Him to reconcile - and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.made peace through the blood of His cross.


Every day we should remember what life Every day we should remember what life was like before we found our new life in was like before we found our new life in Christ. Christ. (Eph 2:1-3)(Eph 2:1-3)


Ephesians 2:1-3 Ephesians 2:1-3 And you And you He made alive, He made alive, who who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.nature children of wrath, just as the others.


When I have peace with God then I can deal When I have peace with God then I can deal with men.with men.



When we choose peace with God we will When we choose peace with God we will find ourselves at war with the world!find ourselves at war with the world!



When we choose peace with God we will When we choose peace with God we will find ourselves at war with the world!find ourselves at war with the world!

We must always ask ourselves the question: We must always ask ourselves the question: “Whose peace do we want?” “Whose peace do we want?” (James 4:4-6)(James 4:4-6)


James 4:4-6James 4:4-6 - Adulterers and adulteresses! - Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? 6 But He gives dwells in us yearns jealously"? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.“the proud, But gives grace to the humble.“


We will even find the war coming within We will even find the war coming within the church against those who wish to the church against those who wish to please men. please men. (Gal 1:10)(Gal 1:10)


Galatians 1:10 Galatians 1:10 10 For do I now persuade 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.bondservant of Christ.


Some who cry for peace the loudest want Some who cry for peace the loudest want peace with the world! peace with the world! (Jer 6:14-15)(Jer 6:14-15)


Finding peace with other Christians is not Finding peace with other Christians is not easy. easy. (Heb 12:14)(Heb 12:14)


Hebrews 12:14 Hebrews 12:14 14 Pursue peace with all 14 Pursue peace with all people, people, and holiness, without which no one and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:will see the Lord:


We must seek and pursue it. A casual We must seek and pursue it. A casual profession is not enough. profession is not enough. (1 Pt 3:10-11)(1 Pt 3:10-11)


1 Peter 3:10-11 1 Peter 3:10-11 10 For "He who would 10 For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.pursue it.


As we flee sin we must pursue peace. As we flee sin we must pursue peace. (2 Tim 2:22)(2 Tim 2:22)


2 Timothy 2:22 2 Timothy 2:22 22 Flee also youthful 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.of a pure heart.


Why is peace with our brethren difficult?Why is peace with our brethren difficult?


Why is peace with our brethren difficult?Why is peace with our brethren difficult? Because we tend to look out for our Because we tend to look out for our

interests and not our brethren. interests and not our brethren. (Rom 15:1)(Rom 15:1)


Romans 15:1 Romans 15:1 We then who are strong We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.and not to please ourselves.


I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that do not Stay Learned.” This is especially do not Stay Learned.” This is especially true of our relationship with each other.true of our relationship with each other.


I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that I have a sermon called “Some Lessons that do not Stay Learned.” This is especially do not Stay Learned.” This is especially true of our relationship with each other.true of our relationship with each other.

Our relationship with God depends on our Our relationship with God depends on our seeking peace. seeking peace. (2 Cor 13:11)(2 Cor 13:11)


2 Corinthians 13:112 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brethren, - Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.the God of love and peace will be with you.


One of the worst things that could happen One of the worst things that could happen to a church is for the membership to to a church is for the membership to become overconfident and lazy. Satan will become overconfident and lazy. Satan will take advantage of this.take advantage of this.

The fruit of the Spirit – longsufferingThe fruit of the Spirit – longsuffering

What is longsuffering?What is longsuffering?


Longsuffering - as a state of emotional Longsuffering - as a state of emotional quietness in the face of unfavorable quietness in the face of unfavorable circumstances circumstances patience, long-sufferingpatience, long-suffering; (1) as ; (1) as patience under trial patience under trial endurance, endurance, steadfastness steadfastness (HE 6.12); (2) as constraint (HE 6.12); (2) as constraint exercised toward others exercised toward others forbearance, forbearance, patience patience (2C 6.6); (3) as God's constraint of (2C 6.6); (3) as God's constraint of his wrath his wrath long-suffering, forbearance long-suffering, forbearance (RO (RO 2.4) 2.4)


Our God wants us to Our God wants us to knowknow this about Him. this about Him. (Num 14:17-19)(Num 14:17-19)


Numbers 14:17-19 Numbers 14:17-19 17 "And now, I pray, 17 "And now, I pray, let the power of my LORD be great, just as let the power of my LORD be great, just as You have spoken, saying, 18 'The LORD is You have spoken, saying, 18 'The LORD is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears by no means clears the guilty, the guilty, visiting the visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth third and fourth generation.'generation.'


19 "Pardon the iniquity of this people, I 19 "Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.“people, from Egypt even until now.“


Before you begin to complain about why Before you begin to complain about why the world continues as it is without the day the world continues as it is without the day of judgement coming, you need to think of judgement coming, you need to think about God waiting for you. about God waiting for you. (2 Pt 3:9)(2 Pt 3:9)


2 Peter 3:9 2 Peter 3:9 9 The Lord is not slack 9 The Lord is not slack concerning concerning His His promise, as some count promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.all should come to repentance.


During the ministry of Christ consider His During the ministry of Christ consider His longsuffering with the apostles! longsuffering with the apostles!


During the ministry of Christ consider His During the ministry of Christ consider His longsuffering with the apostles! longsuffering with the apostles!

Notice the reaction of "..how long shall I be Notice the reaction of "..how long shall I be with you?" with you?" (Lk 9:40-41)(Lk 9:40-41)


Luke 9:40-41 Luke 9:40-41 40 "So I implored Your 40 "So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." disciples to cast it out, but they could not." 41 Then Jesus answered and said, "O 41 Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.“Bring your son here.“


They were unwilling to hear They were unwilling to hear (Lk 9:44-45)(Lk 9:44-45)


Luke 9:44-45 Luke 9:44-45 44 "Let these words sink 44 "Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men." about to be betrayed into the hands of men." 45 But they did not understand this saying, 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.ask Him about this saying.


They competed with one another. They competed with one another. (Lk 9:46-48)(Lk 9:46-48)


Luke 9:46-48 Luke 9:46-48 46 Then a dispute arose 46 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, "Whoever receives Him, 48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.“great.“


They showed competitiveness with the They showed competitiveness with the disciples of John. disciples of John. (Lk 9:49-50)(Lk 9:49-50)


Luke 9:49-50 Luke 9:49-50 49 Now John answered and 49 Now John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us." 50 because he does not follow with us." 50 But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him, him, for he who is not against us is on our side.“for he who is not against us is on our side.“


Some even wanted to call down fire from Some even wanted to call down fire from heaven! heaven! (Lk 9:54-56)(Lk 9:54-56)


Luke 9:54-56 Luke 9:54-56 54 And when His disciples 54 And when His disciples James and John saw James and John saw this, this, they said, "Lord, do they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and did?" 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 "For the Son of Man did not you are of. 56 "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save come to destroy men's lives but to save them." them." And they went to another village.And they went to another village.


Longsuffering is a choice….we put it on! Longsuffering is a choice….we put it on! (Col 3: 12)(Col 3: 12)


Colossians 3:8-12 Colossians 3:8-12 - 12 Therefore, as - 12 Therefore, as the the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;meekness, longsuffering;


This will eliminate the “short fuse,” hasty This will eliminate the “short fuse,” hasty accusations and gossip. accusations and gossip.


Longsuffering is not ignoring the person or Longsuffering is not ignoring the person or harboring hate in silence! harboring hate in silence!


Longsuffering is not ignoring the person or Longsuffering is not ignoring the person or harboring hate in silence!harboring hate in silence!

Longsuffering is essential for the growth of Longsuffering is essential for the growth of Christians and the church.Christians and the church.


Longsuffering is not ignoring the person or Longsuffering is not ignoring the person or harboring hate in silence!harboring hate in silence!

Longsuffering is essential for the growth of Longsuffering is essential for the growth of Christians and the church.Christians and the church.

How can true unity be possible? How can true unity be possible? (Eph 4:1-2)(Eph 4:1-2)


The atmosphere of a church can be that of The atmosphere of a church can be that of optimistic growth and encouragement or optimistic growth and encouragement or that of distrust, suspicion and revenge. that of distrust, suspicion and revenge. Which will it be? Which will it be?


Longsuffering must abound in those who Longsuffering must abound in those who teach! teach! (2 Tim 4:1-2)(2 Tim 4:1-2)


Ephesians 4:1-2 Ephesians 4:1-2 I, therefore, the prisoner I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,love,


Will I let God’s word do its work?Will I let God’s word do its work?


Many refuse to give the seed time to work. Many refuse to give the seed time to work. (Ex. Lima bean in jar.)(Ex. Lima bean in jar.)

Let us renew our knowledge of God and Let us renew our knowledge of God and what He has done for us.what He has done for us.

Peace with God makes what man does to Peace with God makes what man does to me seem small. me seem small. (Mt 6:14-15)(Mt 6:14-15)


Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 6:14-15 14 "For if you forgive 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.your Father forgive your trespasses.


This is why I will contend for the faith. This is why I will contend for the faith. Men cannot be allowed to take away God’s Men cannot be allowed to take away God’s conditional promises for salvation. conditional promises for salvation. (Acts 2:21; 22:16; Rom 10:13)(Acts 2:21; 22:16; Rom 10:13)


Acts 2:21 Acts 2:21 21 And it shall come to pass 21 And it shall come to pass That That whoever calls on the name of the whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.‘LORD Shall be saved.‘


Acts 22:16 Acts 22:16 16 'And now why are you 16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.‘Lord.‘


I must never put the peace of men above I must never put the peace of men above peace with God. peace with God. (Jn 12:42-43)(Jn 12:42-43)


John 12:42-43 John 12:42-43 42 Nevertheless even 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not because of the Pharisees they did not confess confess Him, Him, lest they should be put out of lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.of men more than the praise of God.


My remembrance of God’s longsuffering My remembrance of God’s longsuffering with me helps keeps pride out of my heart. with me helps keeps pride out of my heart. (1 Tim 1:15-16)(1 Tim 1:15-16)


1 Timothy 1:15-161 Timothy 1:15-16 - This - This is is a faithful a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.going to believe on Him for everlasting life.


Please understand that there are spiritual Please understand that there are spiritual people in this church that you can talk people in this church that you can talk to! Our God has been longsuffering with to! Our God has been longsuffering with our weaknesses to.our weaknesses to.


Please understand that there are spiritual Please understand that there are spiritual people in this church that you can talk people in this church that you can talk to! Our God has been longsuffering with to! Our God has been longsuffering with our weaknesses to.our weaknesses to.

How is your fruit testing going? Our God How is your fruit testing going? Our God will help if we let Him!will help if we let Him!

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God teaches us where to place our priorities in the molding of our hearts! n There is a way of thinking that will put us in a blessed and abundant life