Live Peaceably with One Another

From my notes I present the Bible Study, at our church on Sunday

Things happen and we face various circumstances.  Some are jealous because others prosper, or rebel because they are not allowed to do certain things.

This occurs in various cultures, work places and can also happen in churches.

We must learn how to come against a "spirit of Jealousy."  Thoughts are planted by the devil in our mind and we either accept the idea, or reject it.

When we invite Jealousy to occupy our mind, we are agreeing with the devil, and the devil is a liar.

John 8:44 (b) He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own will: for he is a liar, and the father of lies. 

1 Peter 4:1-8 reminds us that we once walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, banquets and abdominal things, but no longer do we welcome these habits or lifestyles into our dwelling.

Our enemy also enjoys placing in our thoughts a "spirit of Rejection" that says, you are not worthy of God's love or His blessings.  Our enemy tells us that we are not good enough and that we should earn God's love by sacrifice and doing good works.  

It is not wrong to sacrifice or do good works, but realize our motive must be right.  We can never EARN our salvation because Jesus freely paid for you and me to have our sins forgiven and to receive Eternal Life.

We must be sober and watchful because the enemy is tricky and enters unawares if you open the door.   As we practice discernment, we can catch the enemy up front before harm is done.

Understand that you have authority to command spirits of Jealousy or Rejection to leave, to stop, to cease and to be no more.  Replace these thoughts with thoughts of love and goodness.

The spirit of "Offence," and the spirit of "Anger" are another spirits that many of us need to deal with and overcome.  It is best not to give in to these things that try to overtake us.

Peter continues to remind us "Above all else have fervent love for one another, preferring the other before ourselves, and to use hospitality without grudging.  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the "Oracles of God."

Our words are important, that we speak words so that God is glorified.

As the Holy Spirit gives us words to share, may they be with discernment and kindness even as we prophesy, so that our words help and bring mercy and comfort.

Peter urges you and me to humble yourselves and cast all our anxiety on Jesus for He cares for us.