1. 1 Thessalonians 5:13
God desires for the local church to enjoy a certain level of peace (1 Thess 1:1; 5:12-13).
For brethren to be at peace within the local congregation helps the work of elders.
Peace among yourselves is needed to reinforce our message to the world…
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20-21 (NKJV)

2. “Be At Peace Among Yourselves”
1 Thessalonians 5:13

3. “Be at peace among yourselves”
Attain the appropriate level peace within the congregation that the Lord requires.
How we attain (& maintain) peace is important!
We will explore some Biblical principles for keeping congregational peace as the Lord would have us to.

4. General apathy can keep “peace”…
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. James 3:17 (NKJV)
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 1:3 (NKJV)
Some congregations are “at peace among” themselves because they are simply dead, spiritually.

5. Moral instability can keep “peace”…
3 John 9,10) Aggressors must be confronted.
Galatians 2:4, 5; 11-14) We must not yield to false brethren; good men at times need to be reproved also.
1 Corinthians 5:5-6, 13) We must not be afraid to exercise Scriptural discipline.
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11 (NKJV)
2 Timothy 2:2-4) Teachers must convince, rebuke, and exhort.
Some congregations are “at peace among” themselves because of moral weakness; and such is manifested when brethren fail to act.

6. Spiritual strength is what must keep peace!
Matthew 16:13-17) "Blessed are you… for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Heb 13:7 (NKJV)
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17-18 (NKJV)
See also 2 Samuel 15:2-6

7. Spiritual strength is what must keep peace!
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:1-3 (NKJV)
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. James 1:26 (NKJV)

8. “Be at peace among yourselves”
Not from indifference…
Not from weakness…
But in strength!
Control your tongue.
Bear with others in love.
Note those who cause divisions.
Support leadership.
Rely on revelation over human wisdom.