Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:6-10
Pursue Peace (#2)
Intro.
1. In Part 1 we learned that peace has two components, the absence of conflict and the presence of tranquility.
2. Christians pursue peace with God, with brethren, and with everyone.
3. Part 2 explores the “bond of peace” we share in Christ (Eph. 4:3).
I. THE BOND OF PEACE AMONG BRETHREN (Keeping peace among us), Matt. 5:9.
A. Peace is Preserved by Good Hearts that Follow Truth, Eph. 4:1-6.
1. Hearts: Hearts ruled by the peace of God, Col. 3:15 (decide, direct, control, cf. Phil. 4:6-7).
2. Truth: Peace at the expense of truth is not Bible peace, 4:3-6.
a. Forfeit peace with God when we abandon truth.
b. Peace cannot rule where truth does not abide, Col. 3:15-16.
3. Walk by the same rule (truth) with good hearts and there is peace.
B. Peace is Preserved by Humility, Mark 9:33-37.
1. Pride, selfishness, lack of faith, carnality cause disputes, 1 Cor. 3:3-4.
2. Humility is essential to keeping peace.
a. Peace toward brethren is toward Christ and Father, 9:36-37.
b. Maintain our influence of righteousness by maintaining peace (through humble service, not arrogant demands), 9:50.
C. Peace is Preserved by the Proper Use of Our Liberties, Rom. 14:19.
1. Stop disputing over things that are indifferent to God (14:1-5).
2. Strong in conscience: Don’t despise the weak in conscience and use your liberty in a way that presses him to violate his conscience, 14:14-23; 15:1-2.
3. Weak in conscience: Don’t condemn the strong in conscience and disrupt peace, 14:1, 10, 13.
Conclusion
1. Peace must be the object of our endeavors, the prey that we crave (seek) and pursue, 1 Pet. 3:11.
2. Be a peacemaker by making peace with God, Matt. 5:9 (child of God, Gal. 3:26-27) and by diligently guarding the bond of peace between us (Eph. 4:3).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted July 8, 2021