Hebrews 12:14-15 Pursue (Hebrews 12:14-15), “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” Peace is necessary to heaven. It should be the pursuit of all who seek the Lord First Important Principle: A person must be at peace with God in order to have genuine peace with others. Example: The Jews and Gentiles did not have peace between themselves until Christ brought peace to all men through his gospel: (Ephesians 2:14-18), “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Today, Jews and Gentiles have peace with God in one body, the church of Christ. Peace is the goal and calling of the Christian’s life. Now that you have peace with God through your forgiveness in Christ, you are called upon to be at peace with others: (Romans 12:18), “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Matthew 5:9), “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” We cannot live in hatred, malice and strife toward people and think that we are at peace with God. Christians are called to peace by the gospel of Christ: (Colossians 3:15), “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” Instead of allowing the world of sin to control your attitudes, your motives and your conduct, the peace of God must “rule in your hearts.” Like an umpire who calls the balls and strikes, the peace of God is the standard to be followed in how we treat others. Jesus said to treat others the way we wish to be treated (Matt. 7:12). Surely, we wish others to treat us peacefully. We can do no less if we are to be faithful to Christ. Our question for the day, what is necessary for us to be able to effectively pursue peace? Joe Price -From Building Bible Character -via The Spirit’s Sword (3/30/2008)

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ To pursue peace you must obey the gospel of peace! (Romans 10:15), “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Ephesians 6:15), [The armor of God], “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” The gospel not only saves us from our past sins, it also shows us the way of life that keeps us at peace with God and with people.

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 A Pure Heart 2 Timothy 2:22 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace A pure heart A clean heart is essential as you build Bible character in your life. Paul told Timothy to pursue peace by joining with all those who “call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). A heart that is defiled by sin (such as hate) cannot be at peace with God or with man.

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 A Pure Heart 2 Timothy 2:22 Wisdom from Above Jas. 3:17; Prov. 3:1-2 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace Wisdom from above Two kinds of wisdom exist in this world; earthly wisdom, and heavenly wisdom. (James 3:14-17), “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” Every description of heavenly wisdom reveals a commitment to peace with God and with men. It takes wisdom to know how to pursue peace in this life. God’s word is the source of wisdom that will give you peace throughout life: (Proverbs 3:1-2), “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.”

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 A Pure Heart 2 Timothy 2:22 Wisdom from Above Jas. 3:17; Prov. 3:1-2 Unselfishness Jas. 4:1-4; Phil. 2:3-4 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace Unselfishness. Strife comes from selfish choices and selfish actions. One reason for “wars and fights” is the selfish treatment of others (James 4:1-4), “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Pursuing and keeping peace requires self-sacrifice and considering others first before you think of yourself (Philippians 2:3-4), “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 A Pure Heart 2 Timothy 2:22 Wisdom from Above Jas. 3:17; Prov. 3:1-2 Unselfishness Jas. 4:1-4; Phil. 2:3-4 Humility James 4:6-10 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace Humility Only by humbling ourselves before others are we able to pursue and keep peace. After rebuking the brethren for their “friendship with the world,” James urged them to humble themselves in the sight of the Lord (James 4:6-10), “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Pride stands in the way of peace; humility opens the door to it.

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 A Pure Heart 2 Timothy 2:22 Wisdom from Above Jas. 3:17; Prov. 3:1-2 Unselfishness Jas. 4:1-4; Phil. 2:3-4 Humility James 4:6-10 Kindness Ephesians 4:31-32 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace Kindness Kindness in your heart will help you be a peaceful person. It takes determination and hard work to always show kindness. By being kind you will be like God and his kindness toward us in Christ. (Ephesians 4:31-32), “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 A Pure Heart 2 Timothy 2:22 Wisdom from Above Jas. 3:17; Prov. 3:1-2 Unselfishness Jas. 4:1-4; Phil. 2:3-4 Humility James 4:6-10 Kindness Ephesians 4:31-32 Pray for Peace 1 Tim. 2:2; Matt. 5:44 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace Pray for peace Example: Prayers for rulers (1 Timothy 2:1-2), “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Praying for our enemies should include supplications for peace as well (Matthew 5:44), “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” A peaceful person is a praying person who relies on God for his or her life of tranquility and safety.

What is Necessary to Pursue Peace The gospel of Christ Rom. 10:15; Eph. 6:15 A Pure Heart 2 Timothy 2:22 Wisdom from Above Jas. 3:17; Prov. 3:1-2 Unselfishness Jas. 4:1-4; Phil. 2:3-4 Humility James 4:6-10 Kindness Ephesians 4:31-32 Pray for Peace 1 Tim. 2:2; Matt. 5:44 Faith in God Romans 12:17-21 What is Necessary to Pursue Peace Faith in God More specifically faith in God to right the wrongs of this life.  Taking vengeance on someone who wrongs you prevents you from pursuing peace. (Romans 12:17-18), “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” It is up to us to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21), “Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” God has promised that he will fully judge and punish evildoers (Romans 12:19), “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”

Pursue Psalm 34:11-19 (Psalm 34:11-19), “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”