Today we continue our series entitled, “Grace and Truth” by continuing to look at by continuing to look at The Law given under Moses vs. the Grace provided by Jesus. Our main scriptures are John 1:14 & 17. Let’s look at them again.
(John 1:14 New International Version)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:17 New International Version)
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
In this series we studied Galatians 3, 4, and 5. We finally got to the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Although love is often listed as one of 9 fruit of the Spirit, I believe the way the Passion Bible lays them out is more accurate. God IS love. So love is NOT listed as one of the fruits. Love is connected to the person of God Himself. The other 8 fruit are listed as expressions of love. Yesterday I introduced you to the first two: joy and peace. I feel led to go back to these two again today. Let’s get into it.
(Galatians 5:22,23 The Passion Translation)
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions:
joy that overflows,
peace that subdues,
patience that endures,
kindness in action,
a life full of virtue,
faith that prevails,
gentleness of heart, and
strength of spirit.
Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
So what does this mean for you today? A few things.
1. The first two fruits of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians, joy and peace, are so powerful that I taught an entire series on them back in 2008. Here is a link to the series. I trust these messages will be a blessing to you: http://todaysword.org/teaching-series/faith/joy-and-peace/.
2. The series I taught in 2008 was entitled “Joy and Peace In Believing.” It was based on Romans 15:13 which says: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
One of the most challenging things to do as a believer is to wait on God. When you know what God said and you believe His promise, you are waiting in expectation of manifestation. But when those days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years (like they did for many people in the Bible), most of us feel the pressure to give up, cave in and quit. If you relax the grip you have on your faith, while you are waiting on God, you run the risk of missing out on what God promised. Paul told us that our harvest “WILL COME” at the “PROPER TIME,” “if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). Unfortunately, many believers give up before their time.
This is where God’s joy and peace come in. Romans 15:13 teaches us that the Holy Spirit enables us to “abound in hope” while we are waiting on God to do what He said He would do. This is a supernatural hope that comes when the Holy Spirit fills us with JOY and PEACE. When you have the excitement and expectation that is fueled by God’s JOY, coupled with the stability and endurance that comes from God’s PEACE, you can believe God no matter how long it takes.
Right now, in 2019, I am personally waiting on God for something major He promised me in 2013. I thought it would have manifested years ago. But while I wait on God, in order for me NOT to lose hope, I must tap into the JOY and PEACE of the Holy Spirit. His JOY and His PEACE cause me to ABOUND IN HOPE while I am waiting on God. I pray you learn to do the same! We must believe God until we see (in our hands) what God said (in our hearts).
3. Joy that overflows from God’s love.
a) All the fruit of the Holy Spirit are expressions of God’s love. When you know God loves you, it’s easy to tap into His joy. Because you won’t question His love or commitment.
b) If the enemy can get you to question God’s love and/or His commitment towards you, those nagging seeds of doubt will lead to fear. Fear will cause your faith to fail. At that point, when you are in-fear and no longer in-faith, it’s easy for the enemy to strip you of your joy. This is how you can be saved and miserable.
c) Don’t let the devil steal your joy. Remind yourself of God’s love daily. If you know God loves you, His joy will fill your heart!
4. Peace that subdues based on God’s love.
a) The Holy Spirit can give you a peace that will withstand every attack of the enemy. When you know God loves you and you open your heart to His peace, you are not moved by anything or anyone.
b) The highest form of faith is REST. When you enter into God’s REST you are unbothered by changing circumstances. At that point the peace of God fills your heart and mind and you are not moved by anything. The best way to get to this point is to remind yourself, over and over again, how much God loves you. Faith works by love (Gal 5:6). Your faith will never be strong until you are convinced that God loves you with an unshakable, unwavering and unconditional love. When God’s love fills your heart, His peace will too!
That’s enough for today.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your JOY and PEACE! I declare that I abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I have the excitement and expectation that comes from Your JOY. Your JOY fills my heart daily, because I remind myself, over and over, how much You love me. Since I am convinced You love me, satan cannot steal my JOY! I also have PEACE. I have PEACE that cannot be shaken. I am not easily moved. I am steadfast, unmovable, and unbothered by changing circumstances. I have entered into Your rest where Your promises are concerned. There is a season when my harvest will come DUE. I shall REAP in DUE SEASON, because I refuse to quit. I will never quit because I know You love me! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
