Bakersfield First Assembly

Stand Firm in Your Freedom

The Fruit of the Spirit of KINDNESS

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

The Meaning of Kindness

a. Kind (chrestotes) literally means “useful.”

b. It is to act towards someone in a useful, helpful, or beneficial manner.

c. It is a mildness of temper, calmness of spirit, an unruffled disposition, and a tendency to treat all people with compassion and politeness.

The Source of Kindness

a. The LORD is the source and supply of all true kindness. (1 Peter 2:2-3)

b. God showed his kindness to us through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:6-7)

c. God’s kindness leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

d. Those who reject God’s kindness will suffer his sternness. (Romans 11:22)

e. Because of God’s kindness, He saved us from our unkindness and sin. (Titus 3:3-5)

f. The LORD leads us with kindness. (Matthew 1:30)

The Expression of Kindness

a. Since God showed kindness to us, we are to clothe ourselves with kindness to one another. (Colossians 3:12-14)

b. We are even to extend kindness to our enemies. (Luke 6:35)

c. Kindness is closely connected to forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32)

"Your King is Coming!" (Part 15)

Zechariah 4:1-14 (NIV) – [1] Then the angel who talked with me returned and wakened me, as a man is wakened from his sleep. [2] He asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. [3] Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” [4] I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” [5] He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I replied. [6] So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. [7] “What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” [8] Then the word of the LORD came to me: [9] “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. [10] “Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “(These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range throughout the earth.)” [11] Then I asked the angel, “What are these two olive trees on the right and the left of the lampstand?” [12] Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?” [13] He replied, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I said. [14] So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”

1. God moves mighty mountains.

Isaiah 40:3-5 (NIV) – [3] A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. [4] Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. [5] And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Matthew 17:20 (NIV) – [20] He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

“With their limited resources, completing the temple must have looked to those Jews as impossible as moving a mountain, but God told Zerubbabel that he would, by God’s power, level the mountain and make it a plain! What “mountains” was Zerubbabel facing? Discouragement among the people, opposition from the enemies around them, poor crops, an unstable economy, people not obeying God’s law—problems not too different from those the people of God have faced throughout the centuries.” (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

2. We must shout, “Grace!”

“The Hebrew word translated grace has a variety of meanings. One of these is indeed ‘grace’ in the sense of God’s favor, and another is ‘grace’ in the sense of gracefulness or beauty.” (UBS OT Handbook Series)

“All mountain-like obstacles in Zerubbabel’s way shall be removed, so that the crowning top-stone shall be put on, and the completion of the work be acknowledged as wholly of ‘grace, grace.’ The repetition expresses, grace from first to last. Thus the Jews are urged to pray perseveringly and earnestly that the same grace which completed it may always preserve it.” (Jamieson, Faussett, Brown Commentary)

“What comes from the grace of God, may, in faith, be committed to the grace of God, for he will not forsake the work of his own hands.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

3. God finishes what He starts.

Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV) – [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

4. Do not despise the day of small beginnings.

Matthew 25:20-21 (NIV) – [20] The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. “Master,” he said, “you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.” [21] His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

“Many of the older Jews were disheartened when they realized this new Temple would not match the size and splendor of the previous Temple built during King Solomon's reign. But bigger and more beautiful is not always better. What you do for God may seem small and insignificant at the time, but God rejoices in what is right, not necessarily in what is big. Be faithful in the small opportunities. Begin where you are and do what you can and leave the results to God.” (Life Application Bible Notes)

“To some of the Jews, the project was but a “small thing” in comparison to Solomon’s grand temple, but we must look at God’s work through His eyes and not the eyes of the people of the world. Great oaks grow out of small acorns and great harvests from small seeds… Bible history is the record of God using small things… Never despise the day of small things, for God is glorified in small things and uses them to accomplish great things.” (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

5. We need the anointing.

“The two heavenly beings were literally the two sons of [olive] oil, who were anointed with oil as part of their commissioning. Under the leadership of Jeshua and Zerubbabel, the religious and civic leaders of Jerusalem after the people returned from exile, the Temple of the Lord was rebuilt and worship was restored in Jerusalem.” (NLT Study Bible Notes)

"Anointing means to authorize, or set apart, a person for a particular work or service (Isaiah 61:1). The anointed person belonged to God in a special sense. In the New Testament, all who are Christ’s disciples are said to be anointed; they are God’s very own, set apart and commissioned for service (2 Corinthians 1:21). In the New Testament, anointing was frequently used in connection with healing. The Holy Spirit’s activities in a believer’s life are pictured in terms associated with anointing. Anointing in the New Testament also refers to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which brings understanding. This anointing is not only for kings, priests, and prophets; it is for everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. The anointing occurs physically with a substance such as oil, myrrh, or balsam. But this is also a spiritual anointing, as the Holy Spirit anoints a person’s heart and mind with the love and truth of God." (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) – [1] The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, [3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. [4] They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NIV) – [20] For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. [21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Stand Firm in Your Freedom

The Fruit of the Spirit of Patience

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) – [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,

Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) – [22] But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance),

Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG) – [22] But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things,

1. The Meaning of Patience

a. There are two words in the New Testament for patience, makrothumos and hupomone.

1) The first compound word is “makro” (long, far, distance) and “thumos” (passion as if breathing hard, rage, seethe, wrath, anger).

a) Together, it literally means “to be long of spirit, breathing, or temper.”

b) It is to wait a long length of time in avenging wrongs or to be slow in becoming angry

c) It is being longsuffering as opposed to a short-tempered.

2) The second compound word is “hupo” (under, beneath, below) and “meno” (to stay, remain, abide).

a) The second word means “to stay under” or to remain steadfast under pressure or hardship.

b) The former involves patience with people, the latter involves patience with circumstances.

b. Patience is the powerful capacity of selfless love to bear with difficult people and challenging circumstances without breaking down or giving in to anger.

c. Patience is not placid indifference or lethargic fatalism.

2. The Source of Patience

a. God exercises patience with humanity. (1 Peter 3:20)

1 Peter 3:18-20 (NIV) – [18] For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, [19] through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison [20] who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

b. The purpose of God’s patience is lead people to repentance and salvation. (2 Peter 3:9, 15)

2 Peter 3:9, 15 (NIV) – [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance… [15] Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

c. We are not to try God’s patience, however. (Romans 2:4)

Romans 2:4 (NIV) – [4] Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

3. The Exercise of Patience

a. We are to exercise patience with God’s timing. (Hebrews 6:15; 1 Timothy 1:15-16; James 5:7-8)

Hebrews 6:15 (NIV) – [15] And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV) – [15] Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. [16] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

1) We are to be patient regarding the Lord’s coming. (James 5:7-8)

James 5:7-8 (NIV) – [7] Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

b. We are to exercise patience with the people God brings into our lives. (Colossian 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Timothy 4:2)

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) – [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV) – [14] And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV) – [2] Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

1) As we grow in the knowledge of God, we will grow in patience with one another. (Colossians 1:10-12)

Colossians 1:10-12 (NIV) – [10] And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully [12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

2) Since patience is an attribute of agape love, if we love people, we will be patient with them. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) – [4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

c. We are to show patience in the face of suffering. (James 5:10)

James 5:10 (NIV) – [10] Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

4. The Benefits of Patience

a. Patience results in wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 14:29; 19:11)

Proverbs 14:29 (NIV) – [29] A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) – [11] A man's wisdom gives him patience;

it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

b. Patience calms quarrels. (Proverbs 15:18)

Proverbs 15:18 (NIV) – [18] A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

c. Patience brings about influence. (Proverbs 16:32; 25:15)

Proverbs 16:32 (NIV) – [32] Better a patient man than a warrior,

a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 25:15 (NIV) – [15] Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

d. Patience prepares us for the End Times. (Revelation 13:10; 14:12)

Revelation 13:10 (NIV) – [10] If anyone is to go into captivity,

into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

Revelation 14:12 (NIV) – [12] This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

Zechariah – Your King is Coming!

Zechariah 4:1-14 (NIV) – [1] Then the angel who talked with me returned and wakened me, as a man is wakened from his sleep. [2] He asked me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. [3] Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” [4] I asked the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” [5] He answered, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I replied. [6] So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Romans 13:11-12 (NIV) – [11] And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. [12] The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Ephesians 5:13-16 (NIV) – [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, [14] for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

1. God has sent a wake-up call.

“This is the voice of light speaking to those who are sleeping in darkness and lying in spiritual death. The light calls them to life and illumination. If they answer the invitation, Christ will shine on them and give them light.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (NIV) – [1] Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, [2] for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. [4] But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. [5] You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. [6] So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

“The candlestick that Zechariah saw was totally unlike the one Moses had put into the tabernacle. Along with the seven branches and lamps, this candlestick had a bowl at the top into which olive oil dripped from two olive trees, which symbolized Joshua and Zerubbabel. The candlestick also had seven pipes going from the bowl to each lamp, making a total of forty-nine pipes. No priest had to provide the oil because it was always coming from the trees. Seven pipes to each lamp assured an ample supply of fuel to keep the lights burning.” (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

Matthew 25:1-13 (NLT) – [1] “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, [4] but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. [5] When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6] At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ [7] All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. [8] Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ [9] But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ [10] But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. [11] Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ [12] But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ [13] So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”

2. We need more oil for our lamps.

“Oil is a general symbol for the Holy Spirit in Scripture. Prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil, and the words Messiah and Christ mean ‘anointed one.’” (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

Haggai 1:1 (NIV) – [1] In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest.

“Zerubbabel was given the responsibility of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. While the prophets Haggai and Zechariah gave the moral and spiritual encouragement to resume work on the Temple, Zerubbabel saw that the task was carried out. As the work was being completed, the prophets encouraged Zerubbabel and told him of a time when spiritual apathy and foreign oppression would forever be abolished.” (Life Application Bible Notes)

3. We can’t fix what we are facing.

Zechariah 4:6 (TM) – [6] “This is God’s Message to Zerubbabel: ‘You can’t force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,’ says God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

Zechariah 4:6 (CEV) – [6] So the angel explained that it was the following message of the Lord to Zerubbabel: I am the Lord All-Powerful. So don’t depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit.

“Many people believe that to survive in this world a person must be tough, strong, unbending, and harsh. But God says, ‘Not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit.’ The key words are ‘by my Spirit.’ It is only through God’s Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. The returned exiles were indeed weak—harassed by their enemies, tired, discouraged, and poor. But actually they had God on their side! As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities. Instead, depend on God and work in the power of his Spirit!” (Life Application Bible Notes)

4. Say it: “By Your Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 (NIV) – [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.

Your King is Coming!

Zechariah 3:1-10 (NIV) – [1] Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. [2] The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” [3] Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. [4] The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” [5] Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. [6] The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: [7] “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.’

[8] “Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. [9] See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,” says the LORD Almighty, “and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day. [10] In that day each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”

Joshua and his priestly companions were symbolic of things to come. In their official priestly cleansing from sin they prefigured the future cleansing of the nation Israel. This future cleansing was linked with the coming of the Sin-Remover who was given three messianic titles - My Servant, the Branch, and the Stone. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

1. Jesus is the Servant.

Matthew 20:24-28 (NIV) – [24] When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. [25] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

2. Jesus is the Branch.

Servant and Branch are both titles for the Messiah. As servant, the Messiah obeys God’s will by becoming a sin-offering so that many might be made righteous. The Branch is a metaphor for kingship that identifies the Messiah as David’s descendant. (NLT Study Bible Notes)

Isaiah 11:1, 6 (NIV) – [1] A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit… [6] The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.

Jeremiah 33:15-16 (NIV) – [15] “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land. [16] In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.’”

3. Jesus is the Stone.

1 Peter 2:6-8 (NIV) – [6] For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” [7] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,” [8] and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

At His first advent, Jesus was a stumbling stone to Israel who rejected Him, but He became the foundation stone for the church. At His second advent, He will smite the kingdoms of the world and establish His glorious kingdom. The seven “eyes” on the stone probably speak of our Lord’s omniscience. (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

Upon one stone shall be seven eyes—namely, the watchful “eyes” of Jehovah’s care ever fixed “upon” it. The eye is the symbol of Providence: “seven,” of perfection. (Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown)

Zechariah 4:10 (NIV) – [10] “Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. (These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range throughout the earth.)”

Revelation 5:6 (NIV) – [6] Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

The “inscription” engraved on the stone remains unexplained, but many of the early church fathers and interpreters ever since have taken the engraving as a preview of Messiah’s wounds. (Thomas Constable’s Notes on the Bible)

Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV) – Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

4. Jesus is the Savior.

The removal of Israel’s sin in a single day alludes to the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16. It foreshadows Christ’s crucifixion, when the Lamb of God would take away the sin of the world. (NLT Study Bible Notes)

John 1:29 (NIV) – [29] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

That day is shorthand for “the day of the Lord,” the day of God’s intervention in history when God will judge the wicked, deliver the righteous, and restore creation. (NLT Study Bible Notes)

Micah 4:3-4 (NIV) – [3] He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. [4] Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.

Zechariah 3:10 (MSG) – [10] “At that time, everyone will get along with one another, with friendly visits across the fence, friendly visits on one another’s porches.”

“In that day,” the Lord promised, the Israelites will all “invite” their (Gentile) neighbors to join them in enjoying their peace and prosperity. Israel would enjoy peace and security as never before, even under the reign of Solomon. Then God will lift the curse that He imposed on the creation at the Fall, and there will be agricultural prosperity—as well as spiritual prosperity. Paradise lost will become paradise regained. (Thomas Constable's Notes on the Bible)

Stand Firm in Your Freedom - Pastor James

The Fruit of the Spirit of Peace

Galatians 5:22-23

Matthew 10:34-36 (NIV)

Luke 12:51-53 (NIV)

Peace with God

a. God is called the God of peace. (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Thessalonians 3:16)

b. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ.

1) From the day of the Fall of Man, mankind has been at war with God. (Romans 5:12-14)

2) Only by accepting the good news of Jesus Christ’s victory on the cross can people make peace with God. (Romans 5:8-10; Colossians 1:21-23)

3) Peace with God is the direct result of an active faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1-2)

4) The discipline of the Lord brings a harvest of peace to a believer’s life. (Hebrews 12:11)

5) A person cannot know true inner peace unless they have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Peace with Others

a. We are to be peacemakers. (Matthew 5:9; James 3:18)

b. We are to live at peace with everyone, if possible. (Romans 12:18)

1) Peace is not just passivity or a negative attitude of non-involvement.

2) Peace requires individual responsibility and effort. (Psalm 34:14; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; Hebrews 12:14)

c. The world will not live at peace with the church, nor are we to be friends with the world. (John 15:18-25; James 4:4)

Zechariah 3:1-10 (NIV) – [1] Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. [2] The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” [3] Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. [4] The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” [5] Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. [6] The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: [7] “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.’

1. Our “clothes” must be changed.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) – [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

2. Our sins will be removed.

God removes our filthy clothes (sins), then provides us with fine, new clothes (the righteousness and holiness of God. All we need to do is repent and ask God to forgive us. (Life Application Bible Notes)

Ezekiel 36:24-27 (NIV) – [24] “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

3. Our call will be reinstated.

Exodus 39:27-31 (NIV) – [27] For Aaron and his sons, they made tunics of fine linen—the work of a weaver— [28] and the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands and the undergarments of finely twisted linen. [29] The sash was of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn—the work of an embroiderer—as the LORD commanded Moses. [30] They made the plate, the sacred diadem, out of pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. [31] Then they fastened a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban, as the LORD commanded Moses.

The high priest’s turban bore a gold medallion inscribed with the words “Holy to the Lord.” The clean turban was placed on Jeshua’s head as an act of ordination that reinstated him as priest and mediator for the people. (NLT Study Bible Notes)

Romans 11:29 (AMP) – [29] For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]

4. Walk in His ways.

Deuteronomy 30:16 (NIV) – [16] For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Jeremiah 7:22-24 (NIV) – [22] For when I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, [23] but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you. [24] But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

5. Perform His service.

Zechariah 3:7 (NAS) – [7] “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘If you will walk in My ways and if you will PERFORM MY SERVICE, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.’”

6. We will be given authority.

Zechariah 3:7 (NLT) – [7] “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: If you follow my ways and carefully serve me, then you will be given AUTHORITY over my Temple and its courtyards. I will let you walk among these others standing here.”

7. We will be granted access.

Zechariah 3:7 (AMP) – [7] Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in My ways and keep My charge, then also you shall rule My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you ACCESS [to My presence] and places to walk among these who stand here.

If Joshua obeyed the Lord and served Him, Joshua would “govern” the temple, “have charge of” the temple “courts,” and enjoy “free access” into the Lord’s presence. He could come into the Lord’s presence like the angels who stood before Him. (Thomas Constable’s Notes on the Bible).

Access (mahlkim) is a masculine plural noun indicating access, places to walk. It refers figuratively to potential access before God given to the high priest Joshua if he walked in the Lord’s paths. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary)

Ephesians 2:13-18 (NIV) – [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. [14] For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, [15] by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, [16] and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. [17] He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. [18] For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Bakersfield First Assembly

Stand Firm in Your Freedom

The Fruit of the Spirit of Peace

Galatians 5:22-23

Peace Defined

a. Peace (eirene) literally means a state of well-being and rest that comes from a cessation of war.

1) It is the tranquil state of a soul so assured of its salvation through Christ, and therefore having no fear of anything and being content with everything.

2) The Old Testament meaning of peace (shalom) was completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person.

3) In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ.

b. Like joy, the believer can have an inner spiritual peace even in the midst of external conflict.

1) The Fruit of Peace is a condition of freedom from an inner turmoil and disturbance, whether or not there are external peaceful conditions.

2) It is in the midst of trouble that Jesus has promised to give us His peace. (John 16:33)

3) While the war rages on the outside, the peace of the God will guard the believer on the inside. (Philippians 4:4-7)

4) Peace is largely a state of mind. (Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:6)

5) Peace should govern our decisions.

6) The peace Jesus gives is different than the peace as defined by the world. (John 14:27)

7) In fact, Jesus did not come to bring a worldly peace. (Matthew 10:34-36; Luke 12:51-53)

our King is Coming!

Zechariah 3:1-10 (NIV) – [1] Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. [2] The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” [3] Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. [4] The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.” [5] Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the LORD stood by. [6] The angel of the LORD gave this charge to Joshua: [7] “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here. [8] “‘Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. [9] See, the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone, and I will engrave an inscription on it,' says the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day. [10] “‘In that day each of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and fig tree,' declares the LORD Almighty.”

The names Joshua and Jeshua were common in ancient times. The Greek equivalent is spelled “Jesus” in English, and all three forms of the name mean “The LORD saves.” (NIV Study Bible Notes)

Ezra 5:2 (NIV) – [2] Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

Haggai 1:1 (NIV) – [1] In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest…

1. Jesus is our high priest.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) – [14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. [16] Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NIV) – [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

Hebrews 9:15 (NIV) – [15] For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

2. Satan is our accuser.

Zechariah has described a courtroom scene in which Joshua is the defendant, God is the Judge, Satan is the prosecuting attorney, and Jesus Christ is the defense attorney, the Advocate of God’s people before the holy throne of God… God’s throne is a throne of justice and God is a righteous Judge. Knowing this, Satan pointed out Joshua’s defilement, which symbolized the defilement of the nation, and insisted that a holy God punish His sinful people. (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

Zechariah 1:9-10 (NIV) – [9] I asked, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.” [10] Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth.”

Job 1:6-7 (NIV) – [6] One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. [7] The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.”

1 Peter 5:8 (AMP) – [8] Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

Job 1:8-12 (NIV) – [8] Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” [9] “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. [10] “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. [11] But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” [12] The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Revelation 12:10-11 (NIV) – [10] Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. [11] They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

3. The LORD rebukes Satan.

Jude 4, 8-9 (NIV) – Jude 4 (NIV) – [4] For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord… [8] In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings. [9] But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

Deuteronomy 34:5-6 (NLT) – [5] So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said. [6] The LORD buried him in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place.

4. God snatches us from the fire.

The Lord is both defense attorney and judge; he censures the prosecution’s arguments, dismisses the case, and declares Jeshua innocent because he has been chosen and cleansed by God. Like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire, Jeshua and other Hebrew exiles were plucked by God from near destruction in Babylon. (NLT Study Bible Notes)

Amos 4:11 (NIV) – [11] “I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the LORD.

Jude 22-23 (NIV) – [22] Be merciful to those who doubt; [23] snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.