Timeless Truths: Peace with a Purpose

"Some Assembly Required" series.

Series Theme Verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of our relationship with God.

The fruit of the Spirit is not evidence of our God-gifts.

·      This is not the “produce section” in your local store.

·      There is no choice among the listed attributes.

·      All the attributes listed are part of the single fruit.

Common Misconceptions about Peace

Peace is found in another place.

Peace is found in another position.

Peace is found in another program.

Peace is found in another person.

The Truth about Peace

Peace is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

This relationship should empower us to be peacemakers.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2

Common Misconceptions about Peacemaking

Peace is avoiding the problem

Unresolved conflict is like termites. Even though you don’t see the damage, it’s there!

Peace is appeasing another person.

This leads to manipulation. Don’t back down from a legitimate issue!

Peace starts with each of us.

P.E.A.C.E. WITH A PURPOSE MEANS

P. Pray for an open door.

Peacemakers always take the initiative.

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19

E. Expect God’s help.

God has committed to helping us.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3

Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.
Psalm 31:24 [The Message]

A. Attack the problem, not the person.

Speak the truth with compassion.

What you say and how you say it are both important.

Timing is crucial.

Don’t be hysterical or historical.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
Ephesians 4:25

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Ephesians 4:15

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

C. Choose reconciliation

Reconciliation: reestablish the relationship.

Resolution: to resolve every issue—all conflicts that are within you.

Bitterness is the poison that we drink hoping someone else will die.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18

We are to be ministers of reconciliation.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:18

E. Emulate Christ.

Emulate means to strive to be equal to.

Your [MY] attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5

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.
Isaiah 53:5

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Colossians 3:15

Paul was probably not a peacemaker.

That may be why he writes so much about peace and peacemaking.

Next week: What Follows You – Faithfulness #1

Special thanks to Dr. Keith Newman for the primary teachings used in this post. I invite you to his blog, which he's titled, Curious Sojourner.

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