Peace by Those Who Make Peace

Peace by Those Who Make Peace

2003038

Topic # 1313 – peace

Introduction:

A. Aude McKee: Peace is a precious commodity; most of the time it is in great demand and in short supply.

B. Peace highly praised in Scripture.

1. More than 100 references to peace in NT alone. In every book but 1 John.

C. Need more preaching on peace these days.

1. Perhaps a lack of preaching on this subject is ONE of the reasons behind problems brethren experience today in brotherhood as a whole.

2. Some seem to glory in contention & strife – badge of honor.

D. What is God’s attitude toward peace?

1. Rom. 15:33; 16:20; Phil. 4:9; Heb. 13:20; 1 Thess. 5:23 – He is the God of peace!

2. 1 Cor. 14:33 – God of love & peace.

3. In short,…God IS peace!

4. Pro. 6:14, 16-19 – He HATES those who destroy peace. Abomination to Him.

a) Don’t think that strife; contention; disharmony will NOT go unpunished!

E. It should be natural that disciples of Jesus are characterized as peacemakers.

1. Mt. 5:9 – beatitudes = description of what a saved person IS to be!

2. “Called” children of God. “Called” means “owned.”

3. These are they who resemble God – they shall be called His children.

4. His children look forward to heaven - being a part of His household!

F. Need to make sure peace and the love of it is an attribute in our lives.

I. Peace among brethren is something to be desired.

A. Rom. 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

B. Rom. 14:17-19

C. Gal. 5:22 – it is a fruit of the spirit.

D. Eph. 4:3 - be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

E. 1 Thess. 5:13 – it is COMMANDED! See also Heb. 12:14.

F. Js. 3:18 – those who live righteously will MAKE peace!

II. How can we make peace?

A. Js. 3:13-18. James tells us a great deal about maintaining peace. 3:13, 17-18 are MARKS of MATURE saints!

B. 3:13 – Lead lives driven by meekness & wisdom.

1. Gentleness & need for it expressed in other places:

a) 2 Cor. 10:1 – it = a quality of Christ.

b) Gal. 5:23 – fruit of the spirit.

c) Col. 3:10, 12 – part of putting on the new man.

2. It’s to be used when correcting others.

a) While “snatching one out of the fire” (Jude 23) is necessary at certain times – it is certainly NOT appropriate in EVERY situation!

1) You’re wrong & going straight to hell… is not always a good approach!

2) Just because it worked years ago doesn’t mean it does today!

b) 2 Tim. 2:24-26 – Timothy reminded of meekness/gentleness!

c) Gal. 6:1-2 – what does the HS instruct us?

3. Must exercise wisdom from above.

a) Lack it? 1:5 – ask of God….it WILL be given!

b) Am I praying for this type of wisdom?

4. 3:13 - Should carry over into actions

a) Talk about how good motives are – but remember CONDUCT manifests our motives!

C. 3:14-15 – Avoid pitfalls of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.

1. These attitudes DESTROY peace!

a) Start off subtlety – but if not careful they will GRIP and STRANGLE our spiritual lives!

b) Congregations get ripped apart by personality conflicts; differences of opinion; & grudges.

2. 3:14 – “faction” (ASV) … describes spirit of partisanship or selfishness which exists in the heart.

a) Driven by improper zeal which has its aim on that possessed by others.

b) Keep in mind: we’re dealing with spiritual heart problems here. These things can get LODGED in our heart!

c) No place in church for factious individuals.

1) carnality – 1 Cor. 3:1-4

2) Falls into class of sins such as fornication; adultery; drunkenness.

3. Col. 3:5 – these things to be “put to death w/the old man.”

a) 3:8 – does this describe the way some brethren treat each other?

b) Danger in that we can be deceived into excusing this behavior b/c in our mind we’re “defending the truth.”

c) Yes…the truth may be on your side – but has God been glorified in the way His truth has been shared w/others?

4. Self deception is part of the problem James deals with in 3:14-15!

5. Col. 3:12-15 – a godly attitude brings forth peace! See 3:15!

D. 3:16 - Be aware of warning signs that peace is slipping away.

1. “Confusion.” Confusion & conflict go hand in hand.

2. Here is an environment w/no unity; no cooperation; no stability in any plan!

a) Great tragedy!

b) Must work together to make sure this never happens here!

3. “Every evil thing.”

a) Evil things spring forth from spirits of strife.

b) No love; no harmony; no happiness.

c) If this spirit prevails inside a congregation – impossible to express progress in divine things!

d) The Spirit, like a peaceful dove; flies from the realms of noise and strife.

E. 3:17-18 – Put on Wisdom from Above.

1. James is talking about the effect of Christianity upon the heart & life.

a) This wisdom originates w/God & not men. Pro. 2:2-6

b) This is why it is pure (3:17); uncontaminated; w/o fault; wholly good.

2. Stress: James’ teaching here applies to peace in the heart of the individual.

a) Peace cannot reign until purity controls the heart!

3. Some focus on “pure” in 3:17 and conclude that no peace can exist until purity has been obtained.

a) Soon this gives way to no shortage of disturbances between brethren on the pretense of attaining doctrinal purity.

b) Some now believe no peace can exist until we agree on every single thing.

4. Don’t misunderstand. Purity of doctrine is absolutely essential!

a) Must be sought by all who love the Lord.

b) Jude 3

c) Done through vigilance against every practice & semblance of error.

d) Accomplished through solid teaching done tastefully & tactfully!

5. Guy N. Woods: An alleged defense of the truth at the expense of a sincere heart & peaceful disposition is illogical & irrational. It is absurd to attempt to do right by doing wrong. Men have made themselves murderers on the pretense of doing God’s will.

F. 3:17-18 – Look at the disposition w/in the individual which produces & maintains peace.

1. Gentle & reasonable.

a) Attitude of forbearance; disposition which does not demand its rights but is willing if necessary to suffer wrong in cause of right.

b) Some assume they are strong in argument only if they are violent in argument.

c) Some seek to make up in thunder what they lack in lightning, but we should remember that it is the lightning that kills. (Guy N Woods)

d) Must learn to speak the truth in love – Eph. 4:15

2. full of mercy & good fruits

a) An area of conduct for the Christian resulting from a pure heart.

b) These are tests of the heart’s status.

3. Unwavering – must exhibit complete confidence in God & His word.

4. W/o hypocrisy – has no place in the Christian life.

5. “Fruit of righteousness” is the good which righteousness prompts its possessor to do.

a) They are sown in peace. Fruits of righteousness can never prosper except in an atmosphere of peace.

b) Peace is the realm where righteousness grows & where its fruit - good deeds - abound.

c) Cultivate peace by sowing good deeds!

d) Peace is conducive to the spread of truth & contributes to it.

e) Strife; division; factionism; partyism; HINDER and RESTRIAN it.

Conclusion:

A. Compare Mt. 5:9 to Js. 3:18

B. Peacemakers are intimately related to God.

1) Acknowledged by Him as sons.

C. To this, true wisdom leads. Are we seeking the wisdom from above?

D. Eph. 2:14 – Jesus is our peace.

1. Through Him we are reconciled to God.

2. Peace He gives is available through righteousness – the keeping of His commandments.

3. Have you found that peace?

E. Are you looking for that peace?

F. Seek His forgiveness; obey Him; and it will be yours!

G. I N V I T A T I O N



Peace by Those Who Make Peace 2003038 Topic # 1313 – peace Introduction: A. Aude McKee: Peace is a precious commodity; most of the time it is in great demand and in short supply. B. Peace highly praised in Scripture. 1. More than 100 references to peace in NT alone. In every book but 1 John. C. Need more preaching on peace these days. 1. Perhaps a lack of preaching on this subject is ONE of the reasons behind problems brethren experience today in brotherhood as a whole. 2. Some seem to glory in contention & strife – badge of honor. D. What is God’s attitude toward peace? 1. Rom. 15:33; 16:20; Phil. 4:9; Heb. 13:20; 1 Thess. 5:23 – He is the God of peace! 2. 1 Cor. 14:33 – God of love & peace. 3. In short,…God IS peace! 4. Pro. 6:14, 16-19 – He HATES those who destroy peace. Abomination to Him. a) Don’t think that strife; contention; disharmony will NOT go unpunished! E. It should be natural that disciples of Jesus are characterized as peacemakers. 1. Mt. 5:9 – beatitudes = description of what a saved person IS to be! 2. “Called” children of God. “Called” means “owned.” 3. These are they who resemble God – they shall be called His children. 4. His children look forward to heaven - being a part of His household! F. Need to make sure peace and the love of it is an attribute in our lives. I. Peace among brethren is something to be desired. A. Rom. 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. B. Rom. 14:17-19 C. Gal. 5:22 – it is a fruit of the spirit. D. Eph. 4:3 - be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. E. 1 Thess. 5:13 – it is COMMANDED! See also Heb. 12:14. F. Js. 3:18 – those who live righteously will MAKE peace! II. How can we make peace? A. Js. 3:13-18. James tells us a great deal about maintaining peace. 3:13, 17-18 are MARKS of MATURE saints! B. 3:13 – Lead lives driven by meekness & wisdom. 1. Gentleness & need for it expressed in other places: a) 2 Cor. 10:1 – it = a quality of Christ. b) Gal. 5:23 – fruit of the spirit. c) Col. 3:10, 12 – part of putting on the new man. 2. It’s to be used when correcting others. a) While “snatching one out of the fire” (Jude 23) is necessary at certain times – it is certainly NOT appropriate in EVERY situation! 1) You’re wrong & going straight to hell… is not always a good approach! 2) Just because it worked years ago doesn’t mean it does today! b) 2 Tim. 2:24-26 – Timothy reminded of meekness/gentleness! c) Gal. 6:1-2 – what does the HS instruct us? 3. Must exercise wisdom from above. a) Lack it? 1:5 – ask of God….it WILL be given! b) Am I praying for this type of wisdom? 4. 3:13 - Should carry over into actions a) Talk about how good motives are – but remember CONDUCT manifests our motives! C. 3:14-15 – Avoid pitfalls of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. 1. These attitudes DESTROY peace! a) Start off subtlety – but if not careful they will GRIP and STRANGLE our spiritual lives! b) Congregations get ripped apart by personality conflicts; differences of opinion; & grudges. 2. 3:14 – “faction” (ASV) … describes spirit of partisanship or selfishness which exists in the heart. a) Driven by improper zeal which has its aim on that possessed by others. b) Keep in mind: we’re dealing with spiritual heart problems here. These things can get LODGED in our heart! c) No place in church for factious individuals. 1) carnality – 1 Cor. 3:1-4 2) Falls into class of sins such as fornication; adultery; drunkenness. 3. Col. 3:5 – these things to be “put to death w/the old man.” a) 3:8 – does this describe the way some brethren treat each other? b) Danger in that we can be deceived into excusing this behavior b/c in our mind we’re “defending the truth.” c) Yes…the truth may be on your side – but has God been glorified in the way His truth has been shared w/others? 4. Self deception is part of the problem James deals with in 3:14-15! 5. Col. 3:12-15 – a godly attitude brings forth peace! See 3:15! D. 3:16 - Be aware of warning signs that peace is slipping away. 1. “Confusion.” Confusion & conflict go hand in hand. 2. Here is an environment w/no unity; no cooperation; no stability in any plan! a) Great tragedy! b) Must work together to make sure this never happens here! 3. “Every evil thing.” a) Evil things spring forth from spirits of strife. b) No love; no harmony; no happiness. c) If this spirit prevails inside a congregation – impossible to express progress in divine things! d) The Spirit, like a peaceful dove; flies from the realms of noise and strife. E. 3:17-18 – Put on Wisdom from Above. 1. James is talking about the effect of Christianity upon the heart & life. a) This wisdom originates w/God & not men. Pro. 2:2-6 b) This is why it is pure (3:17); uncontaminated; w/o fault; wholly good. 2. Stress: James’ teaching here applies to peace in the heart of the individual. a) Peace cannot reign until purity controls the heart! 3. Some focus on “pure” in 3:17 and conclude that no peace can exist until purity has been obtained. a) Soon this gives way to no shortage of disturbances between brethren on the pretense of attaining doctrinal purity. b) Some now believe no peace can exist until we agree on every single thing. 4. Don’t misunderstand. Purity of doctrine is absolutely essential! a) Must be sought by all who love the Lord. b) Jude 3 c) Done through vigilance against every practice & semblance of error. d) Accomplished through solid teaching done tastefully & tactfully! 5. Guy N. Woods: An alleged defense of the truth at the expense of a sincere heart & peaceful disposition is illogical & irrational. It is absurd to attempt to do right by doing wrong. Men have made themselves murderers on the pretense of doing God’s will. F. 3:17-18 – Look at the disposition w/in the individual which produces & maintains peace. 1. Gentle & reasonable. a) Attitude of forbearance; disposition which does not demand its rights but is willing if necessary to suffer wrong in cause of right. b) Some assume they are strong in argument only if they are violent in argument. c) Some seek to make up in thunder what they lack in lightning, but we should remember that it is the lightning that kills. (Guy N Woods) d) Must learn to speak the truth in love – Eph. 4:15 2. full of mercy & good fruits a) An area of conduct for the Christian resulting from a pure heart. b) These are tests of the heart’s status. 3. Unwavering – must exhibit complete confidence in God & His word. 4. W/o hypocrisy – has no place in the Christian life. 5. “Fruit of righteousness” is the good which righteousness prompts its possessor to do. a) They are sown in peace. Fruits of righteousness can never prosper except in an atmosphere of peace. b) Peace is the realm where righteousness grows & where its fruit - good deeds - abound. c) Cultivate peace by sowing good deeds! d) Peace is conducive to the spread of truth & contributes to it. e) Strife; division; factionism; partyism; HINDER and RESTRIAN it. Conclusion: A. Compare Mt. 5:9 to Js. 3:18 B. Peacemakers are intimately related to God. 1) Acknowledged by Him as sons. C. To this, true wisdom leads. Are we seeking the wisdom from above? D. Eph. 2:14 – Jesus is our peace. 1. Through Him we are reconciled to God. 2. Peace He gives is available through righteousness – the keeping of His commandments. 3. Have you found that peace? E. Are you looking for that peace? F. Seek His forgiveness; obey Him; and it will be yours! G. I N V I T A T I O N