1. We Are to Be at Peace With One Another (Am I My Brothers Keeper?) Lesson 2

2. The Goal of Our Series The goal of this series of lessons is to come to the understanding that as Christians we have been given the responsibility by God to look out for the well being of others, especially to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. That is, we have been given the task of: –providing for one anothers physical and spiritual needs –protecting one another from the schemes of the evil one –promoting the mutual growth of our faith.

3. Brief Review In our first lesson last week, we discussed the foundational truth that we are to be our brothers keeper by way of loving one another! It is upon this principle that the rest of this series will be built! Truly, if we have a sincere and abiding love for one another, we will be able to fulfill the rest of our responsibilities toward one another.

4. We Are to Be at Peace with One Another In this second lesson, we will discuss two truths about our need to be at peace with one another: –Peace with one another begins with peace with God. –Establishing and maintaining peace with one another can become a reality if we will honestly pursue it.

5. Peace with One Another Begins with Peace with God Our opportunity to have peace with God was secured by the work of Jesus on the cross. (Ephesians 2:14-18; Colossians 1:19-22) This message of peace with God was proclaimed by the early church and continues to be proclaimed today. (Acts 10:34-36)

6. Peace with One Another Begins with Peace with God All those who choose to accept this message by faith (and obedience) secure peace with God for their lives. (Romans 5:1,2) Yes, God is the provider of peace which in turn produces joy in our hearts. (Romans 15:13)

7. Pursuing Peace with One Another How? –By respecting the command to do so (Mark 9:50; Romans 12:18; II Cor. 13:11; I Thess. 5:13) –By making it our aim to pursue it (Romans 14:19; II Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 12:14) –By looking to the right source for it (James 3:17,18) –By seeking to bear this fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22,23) –By remembering that being a peacemaker makes us true children of God (Matthew 5:9) –By making it a part of our worthy walk (Ephesians 4:1-3)

8. Pursuing Peace with One Another Why? –It makes for a more joyous life. –It helps us accomplish more. –It helps us to keep from being distracted. –It helps us to live noble lives. –It makes for a happy church. –It makes for a strong church. –It makes for an inviting church. –It makes for a vision-minded church. –It displeases the devil. –It pleases God.