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