July 5 – 11, 2008

PEACE COMES THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS

In this lesson, you will learn that peace comes through righteousness and righteousness comes by faith.

I. How peace comes through righteousness.

A. Isaiah 32:17-18 – “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”

B. Peace is an absence of fear, confusion, torment, worry, anxiety, guilt, frustration, and condemnation. Peace is where we have a fullness of confidence in God.  His plan for us, His assurance that our past is forgiven, that God is with us, He is guiding our future and we are going to live forever with God.

C. Romans 14:17 – “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  These three are a progression. The Kingdom is where the King rules. When you have this scripture working in your life you will have peace with God, peace with yourself, and peace with others.

II. Righteousness comes by faith.

A. Romans 5:1-2 – “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…we have access by faith into this grace.”

B. 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” You can stand before God as if you never sinned, without guilt, fear, inferiority, and condemnation (Romans 5:17).

III. The effects of righteousness – Romans 8:1-39.

A. Verse 1 – No condemnation.

B. Verses 15-17 – God becomes your father.

C. Verse 26 – Holy Spirit will help your prayer life.

D. Verse 28 – All things will work together for good.

E. Verses 29-30 – Conformed to the image of Jesus.

F. Verse 31 – God is for us.

G. Verse 32 – He will give us freely all we have need of.

H. Verse 37 – We are more than conquerors.

I. Verses 38-39 – Nothing will separate us from His love.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Do you have Isaiah 32:17-18 working in your life?
• When did you learn that righteousness comes by faith?
• Share one of the effects of righteousness that has become real in your life?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

This week meditate on the scriptures in this lesson and see peace coming in your life.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: Isaiah 32:17 – “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”