Lesson 7: Walking with God in Joy and Peace

The Fallacy of Thinking we have the God-given
Right to the "Pursuit of Happiness"

More than any other characteristic, people say they would love to have happiness. How they go about trying to find it is an epic tale within itself. Too often the terms happiness and joy are used interchangeably. This is unfortunate because searching for happiness usually takes folks to all the wrong places. People pursue happiness exactly like a dog chases its tail. Happiness is always just beyond their reach and even if they do find it, it is a brief and fleeting experience. 

The "Pursuit of Happiness" is unfortunately not a godly pursuit as much as we would like to think so. Our obsession for seeking happiness resulted in being expelled from The Garden. Once able to walk in the very presence of The Omniscient and Loving God, we traded it in for a moment of spectacular stupidity. 

Never being content is the hallmark of an unhappy life. 

The stupidity with which we now live our lives in this consumerist, militaristic, materialistic, self-engrossed American culture is exactly a reflection of our Mother Eve. We are blessed with soooooooooo much and yet, we are always wanting MORE! More fame, more accolades, more material good, more money, more prestige, more promotions, more status, more, more, more, more! (Dog chasing his tail!) 

Happiness will never be permanently acquired in growing our skills, advancing our education, or being recognized for our talents when the purpose is to gain recognition for ourselves. Happiness will ALWAYS be a PURSUIT...and not a permanent possession. 

What is the difference between happiness and joy? 

Depending on the version of Scripture you are using, you might see the words for "happy" and "blessed" interchanged and this makes a tedious exercise in explaining the difference between happiness and joy. Let's agree on several definitions to get the most out of this study.

In The N.T., the term for "happy" is the Greek word "makarios" or supremely blessed. Isn't it better to take the focus off our pursuit of happiness and place it in an attitude of thanksgiving to the ONE who blesses His people?  

"Makarios" is obviously not the kind of "happiness" that we pursue through enteraintment or shopping sprees. "Makarios" is a deeper contentment. 

An example of how "blessed" is used in the NASV and "happy" is used in the NKJ can be seen in 1 Peter 3:13 f

¹³ Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed (happy). And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, ¹⁵ but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; ¹⁶ and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.

In these verses Peter is talking about suffering and trouble, nothing we would ever associate with "happiness." 

(1) How can we suffer for Christ and yet be "happy"?
(2) How can we not fear intimidation but instead place Christ on the throne of our hears?
(3) How can we share the joy of our salvation with grace?
(4) How can we keep a good conscience while being slandered?

In 1 Peter 4:13, the Apostle gives a little better understanding of what is meant by being blessed in suffering. 

1 Peter 4: ¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; ¹³ but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation (joy). ¹⁴ If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed (makarios), because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

So many things we need to discuss from this verse! 
(1) In verse 13 "you may rejoice with exultation or joy. The Greek word for "joy" is "agalliao" which literally means to "jump for joy!"  When was the last time you jumped for joy due to persecution, insults, or evil ordeals? 

(2) Notice that "makarios" and "agalliao" are both associated with suffering in these passages. They represent the deeper heart-filled joy that Christians experience because of Christ.

(3) The blessing (makarios) of exultation (jumping for joy) in the face of suffering and trials is the kind of joy that comes from the indwelling Spirit! These characteristics cannot be manufactured by the natural man in these settings of persecution.

Meditate on these Scriptures to see if you can answer the questions above:

2 Cor 6:4
2 Thess 1:4
Romans 5:1-5
James 1:4
2 Peter 1:6

Another Greek word used in the N.T. for "joy" is "chara" which means calm cheerfulness, to be filled up with joy. It is the ONLY type of happiness that is fulfilling and fully filling. "Chara" brings contentment and calm satisfaction to the inner soul. 

We see this word used in Matthew 13 in the parable of the Kingdom:

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

TRUE JOY results in the EXACT OPPOSITE of PURSUING HAPPINESS

Here we see "joy" as the motivational force to forsake all that we have when we recognize the enormous and eternal value in the great treasure of God's Kingdom. This "joy" has exactly the opposite affect of those who pursue happiness. 

They seek and seek and never find, creating an addiction to the seeking. 

The man in this parable found the Kingdom and stop seeking, stop clutching onto his possessions. He let it all go for the joy of being a servant in the Kingdom of God. 

When does the Spirit allow us to experience joy? Meditate on the verses associated with each bullet below.

Joy comes when:

• We find salvation in The Lord - Acts 8:8; Romans 5:11
• We are on mission for the Kingdom - Luke 10:17
• We imitate Christ - Heb 12:2
• We witness one sinner repent - Luke 15:7, 10; Acts 15:3
• We worship the Risen Lord - Luke 24:52
• We hear the Word of the Lord - 15:11
• We submit to the Holy Spirit - Acts 13:52; Romans 14:17; Gal 5:22
• We witness for The Lord - Acts 20:24
• We bring others to The Lord - 1 Thess 2:20
• We give sacrificially to The Lord - Phil 1:7; Heb 10:34
• We step out in faith in the power of God - Romans 15:32; Col 1:11
• We suffer for Christ - 2 Cor 7:4; 8:2; Phil 2:17; 1 Thess 1:6; 1 Pet 4:13
• We meet with the saints face to face - 2 John 1:12
• We overcome temptation - James 1:2; Jude 1:24
• We petition the Father - Phil 1:4
• We walk in faith and not by sight - 3 John 1:4
• We endure in our faith - Phil 1:25; 1 Pet 1:8
• We see Him coming in the clouds - 1 Thess 2:19

As we can see by these Scriptures, the Christian life in all of its aspects is to be filled with deep abiding joy. We have joy if we are walking with God in the Light of His Son. Joy is a result of being in a close, abiding, moment by moment relationship with God. 

JOY from the SPIRIT does not rely on EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES

When we experience true joy, it does not depend on external circumstances. True joy relies on our relationship and trust in God through faith, things not seen. Missionaries testify about the joy they have had in the face of bodily harm during persecutions. We are once again being made aware of Christian persecutions in the world today. News reports detail how the Devil is amplifying his attacks. No one can "steal" your joy!

MEMORIZE THIS VERSE

Romans 15:13 ¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As a friend of mine put it:

Sometimes you just have to choose, take your stand, and decide what you believe in even if you think your prayers are just hitting the ceiling and your heart breaks at the pain you see around you. "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce not food...yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior." (Habakkuk 3:16, 17) 

PEACE through the Spirit

Everyone cries "peace!", but few know how to bring it about. Many FB posts recently showed pictures of two of my ex-students with machine guns and ammo belts. Neither one has been faithful to their calling in the Lord. So I commented on the pictures that I was hoping they were paying as much attention to their souls as they did to all the armory they were always flaunting on FB. Both of them are police officers and so they both wrote back saying, "Blessed are the PeaceMakers".... I promptly corrected them for their misuse of the term. What have we done? We have taken the word "peacemaker" and associated it with violence and weapons. This is NOT the picture Christ paints for us in His Word. 

Peace is a fruit of the Spirit.

Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Peace in this verse is the Greek word "eirene" which means unity, quietness, rest, serene. In the midst of crisis, a person who walks by the Spirit can experience a serene confidence. 

Romans 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Kingdom people have a calmness, serene beauty about them because they trust in the power of the Creator. Kingdom people don't just have a little peace! Their peace overflows so that they are able, through the power of the Spirit to be a Light in a chaotic world. It is from the OVERFLOW of our hearts that the mouths speaks (Luke 6:45; Prov 4:23). 

Romans 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

So what is our heart overflowing with? Are we anxious, angry, upset, worried, bitter? These are tools of the Devil to "steal your crown" (Rev 3), to steal your citizenship in the Kingdom. To stay focused on walking with God in peace, we must allow the Spirit to trans-mutate our hearts. We must submit and stop clinging to our pasts, our selfish desires, or being in search of revenge or retribution.  

John 14:27  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. 

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness

If we truly walk with God, we will see that His plan makes perfect sense. He gives us His Holy Spirit and the Spirit creates unity in the Body of Christ. The Spirit reforms us into the image of the One who makes all things new. But this does not happen without effort on our part. We must resist the Devil and force our will to submit to the Spirit of peace. As selfish individuals we are able to become a part of the self-sacrificing Body of Christ. 

Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:23  May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

The Spirit of God will guide us into have peace with one another if we allow Him to do so. 

Luke 1:79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Mark 9:50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We can bless other's with a peaceful greeting. This should perhaps be our greetings at all times. In Russia we begin and end our assemblies with "Peace & Grace" by shaking everyone's hand who attended. No one feels left out or overlooked. It is a great practice as "Peace to You" is a phrase used over and over by our Lord as a greeting (examples: Luke 24:36; John 20:19, 21). 

Luke 10:5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.

The Gospel that we proclaim must be a Gospel of peace AND we must exemplify our message or be hypocrites. 

Acts 10:36 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.

SO WHAT? So what difference will the 7 lessons we have studied recently make a difference in your life? Meditate on the message God is placing in your heart as you review our lessons. 

HOMEWORK

Practice giving the greeting of peace while practicing your walk with God.

Lesson 6: Walking with God in Compassion and Mercy

Compassion and Mercy

If we truly follow Christ, meditate on His life and example, we will be astounded by His compassion and mercy. He came not to judge the world but to bring the Light of Life because of His "agape" nature. For some reason, in the past, the brotherhood felt it was their duty to judge not only the world, but everyone they came in contact with, even in the Body of Christ. 

Do NOT Judge Others (Romans 14:4)

Paul was very clear on this subject over and over again:  

Romans 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.



Christ was very clear on this subject: 

Matthew 7 [Full Chapter]

For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ..

Luke 6:37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.

If we follow in the footsteps of Jesus we will not have time to judge the world because we will be toooooo busy pointing them to the Savior. 

John 3:17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

We are to judge ourselves and thus not be endanger of judgment.

1 Corinthians 11:31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged.

THERE is ONLY ONE JUDGE - and YOU are not IT! Judging others is way above your "pay grade"! 

Since every human being is on a different level of maturity and at a different place in their spiritual walk, it takes The God and Only God to be able to judge the hearts and motives of anyone, saint and sinner alike. 

1 Corinthians 4:5  5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.

Romans 2:16  on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus. 

Romans 14:10  But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 

Hebrews 10:30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

1 Corinthians 5:13 But those who are outside, God judges.

WE are NOT to judge the intents, motives, or progress of any man.  We can however, admonish in love, our brethren to further their progress in "love and good works" (Heb 10:24)

STOP the CANCER - a RELEVANT STORY

So just within the last week, a woman met me in the foyer to ask, "What is going on?! I heard that so and so did something really bad!" My response was something to the affect, "The Devil is stomping around and to keep talking about it only serves him."

Read Scripture all you want, but if you DON'T stop letting the Devil have his way, you are "the hearer and not the doer" of the Word. Do not give EAR to judgmental statements, "He did something bad!"  Do NOT give your MOUTH over to judgmental statements! "Did you hear what so and so did?" You are serving Satan when you do. Call it for what it is and stop the cancer from spreading, "Get behind me, Satan!"

Being human and trying to be "The Judge" prohibits us from being compassionate and merciful. 

If you don't mediate on any other Scripture this year, meditate on this ONE!  Actually, meditate on the whole chapter of James 2...

James 2:13  For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Matthew 9:13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’

If we follow Him, we will endear in our hearts the souls of those who are in need of the Light.  

Matthew 9:36 Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.

COMPASSION

noun

1. sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

   "the victims should be treated with compassion"

   synonyms:

   pity, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, care, concern, solicitude,sensitivity, warmth, love, tenderness, mercy, leniency, tolerance, kindness, humanity, charity

Compassion deals with feelings from the heart. It is a measurement of the ability of one person to understand how other people feel. Compassion has the added feature of prompting one to alleviate or reduce the suffering of others. Compassion deals with unselfish action. Compassion changes how we perceive others. It allows us to place ourselves in their "shoes" alleviating the desire for ungodly judgment. 

Why a person is in need of compassion is never the question because the "why" is our relationship to Jesus Christ. 

Mark 9:41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.

If we follow Jesus, we have compassion on all kinds of folks; those who are caught up in the chaos and torment of a darkened world, those who are suffering loss, pain, or lack of the necessities of life. Unlike the Pharisees who were disgusted at sin and filth, Jesus "touched" those who were lepers, poor, and sinful. He took time to hear them, and to offer them not only comfort, but Living Water (Mark 1:41, 6:35, 8:2, Luke 7:13, 10:33).

Exemplified in the parable of the "prodigal son", the Father saw the son "a long way off" and felt compassion, embracing him and kissed him BEFORE the son confessed his sin. This is perhaps where the idea of the phrase, "Love them until they ask, "Why?!" originated. 

Compassion does NOT demand qualifying conditions or for one to follow a set of rules. Compassion is like a refreshing stream from the Throne of God, flowing out to all humanity (Rev 22:1; 7:17). It cannot be held back!

Compassion is fruit of the Spirit (Phil 2:1). It is produced in a humble, willing and God-centered, sensitive heart. It does not come naturally to the carnal, self-serving human being.  

Colossians 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

WHAT DOES MATURITY LOOK LIKE in a Christian?

Sometimes we measure maturity by how often we show up for assemblies or how often we are involved in programs, ministries, or missions. But we have all seen participants in these areas exhibit harsh or selfish attitudes. God measures maturity by the ability of the heart to show love and compassion, mercy and grace. Compassion and mercy are hallmarks of a maturing Christian. 

MERCY
noun

1. 1.

   compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

   
   

   synonyms:

   leniency, clemency, compassion, grace, pity, charity, forgiveness, forbearance

Mercy and Grace are sometimes confused.  In short, mercy is God not punishing us as a result of our sins, and grace is God blessing us despite the fact that we do not
deserve it. Mercy is deliverance from judgment. Grace is extending kindness to the unworthy.

When we speak of mercy here, we will notice that God not only demands it from His people, but it is a God-enabled outcome of walking with the Spirit. Showing mercy to others requires that we avoid the tendency to pass judgment. This inclination of humans to judge everything and everyone originated with our father Adam. But when we are adopted into the family of God, the Spirit within our hearts helps us to overcome this disposition. 

James 2:13  For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

BLINDED BY OUR PLIGHT!


Sometimes we don't even notice that we are involved in judgmental behavior. When we judge we often label or pigeon-hole people, which is very dismissive, divisive, and exclusive. Scripture warns us NOT to judge people by their attire, by their lack of wealth, by where they happened to be born or by how much you think they "owe" you. Our culture indoctrinates us to participate in judgmental behaviors. Pray to God to give you new eyes to see and a new heart to serve.

Forgiveness is another aspect of mercy. Mercy does not demand retribution or exact payment. Read carefully again Matthew 18 about the unmerciful steward who refused to show mercy (forgiveness) after having received it from his Lord. 

Matthew 18:35 My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

God has made a covenant with His people to show mercy but only if we in turn show mercy. Mercy is part of God's nature and as His children we must allow the Spirit to put His nature into our hearts. Mercy is one of God's qualities through which He offered us a renewed relationship with His Majesty. 

1 Peter 2:10 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Maturity in Christ is demonstrated in the fruit of the Spirit and the wisdom of God in us.

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

When we approach the Throne of God, we petition Him first for mercy because this demonstrates our position in the Universe. We must humble ourselves to the sovereignty of God. We must admit that we are all in need of mercy. 

Mercy was not a characteristic of the religious leaders in Jesus' day. Instead of showing mercy, the Pharisees took it upon themselves to stand in judgment of all who were not "like" them; those who did not dress like them, talk like them, or build "hedges of rules" like they did. The judgment upon them was NOT merciful, but full of "Woes!

Matthew 23:23  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

Those who are spiritual, full of the Holy Spirit, are to show love and mercy on those who are weak, doubting, and endanger of being lost. In fact, there is no "category" of folk to which we are not to show mercy! <Interesting!>

Jude 1:20-23 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.

The most important point about mercy is that God has now been merciful to us so that we might show mercy to the world. Showing mercy IS our Calling! (2 Cor chapters 3 & 4)

Romans 9:23-24 23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. 

2 Corinthians 4:1 4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

It is because we were shown mercy that we can rejoice in our salvation! This is a great motivation for sharing the gospel. If we truly understand the mercy of God, we cannot hold back our testimony to a lost world.

Romans 15:9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “Therefore I will give praise to You among the Nations, And I will sing to Your name.”

1 Timothy 1:16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Titus 3:5  He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

1 Peter 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

It is WHEN we realize where we would be without the mercy and forgiveness of our Lord that we truly begin to manifest mercy in our hearts and lives. We do NOT deserve His mercy, but He gives it to all who will follow in His footsteps. 

Ephesians 2:3-7 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.


Do NOT imagine that God will hear our praise if we have talked evil about a brother.

James Chapter 3:

⁸ But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; ¹⁰ from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. ¹¹ Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

Wisdom from Above

¹³ Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

If we desire to establish a relationship with God and eventually live with Him in eternity, we must put on compassion and mercy while resisting the fleshly urge to judge and condemn. 

SUMMARY
A friend puts it this way:
(1) Don't judge anyone who is trying to please God, even if you think they are doing it wrong. We can admonish and nurture, without becoming "self-righteous".
(2)Remember that  God will make them stand--His grace covers us all
(3) It isn't smart to criticize anyone you are going to spend eternity with. Might make for some awkward moments in heaven. :-) 

HOMEWORK

(1) Express God's mercy to someone outside your family (home and church family)

(2) Come back next week bringing creative ideas in which we can show our compassion to this community.