Topical Bible: Peace: Ministers should Exhort To

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In the Christian tradition, peace is a fundamental aspect of the faith, deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Ministers, as shepherds of their congregations, are called to exhort their followers to pursue peace in all aspects of life. This entry explores the biblical basis for this exhortation and its implications for Christian living.

Biblical Foundation

The call for peace is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This pronouncement underscores the divine approval and identity bestowed upon those who actively seek and promote peace.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently urges believers to live in peace. In Romans 12:18, he writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . This exhortation highlights the believer's responsibility to strive for peace, as far as it depends on them, recognizing that peace is a mutual endeavor.

Role of Ministers

Ministers are tasked with guiding their congregations in the pursuit of peace, both within the church and in the broader community. This involves teaching and modeling the principles of peace as outlined in Scripture. In 2 Corinthians 13:11, Paul encourages the church, saying, "Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you" . Here, the minister's role is to foster an environment where peace can flourish through unity and mutual encouragement.

Practical Exhortations

1. Promoting Reconciliation: Ministers should encourage reconciliation among members of the congregation, following the example of Christ, who reconciled humanity to God. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This involves addressing conflicts and facilitating forgiveness and understanding.

2. Teaching Peaceful Living: Ministers are called to teach the principles of peaceful living, as outlined in the Scriptures. This includes promoting virtues such as humility, gentleness, and patience, which are essential for maintaining peace. Colossians 3:15 states, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful" .

3. Encouraging Prayer for Peace: Prayer is a powerful tool in the pursuit of peace. Ministers should encourage their congregations to pray for peace in their personal lives, within the church, and in the world. Philippians 4:6-7 offers guidance: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" .

4. Modeling Peaceful Behavior: Ministers must lead by example, demonstrating peaceful behavior in their interactions. This includes being slow to anger, quick to listen, and showing love and respect to all individuals. James 3:18 reminds us, "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness" .

In summary, ministers have a vital role in exhorting their congregations to pursue peace, grounded in the teachings of Scripture. Through reconciliation, teaching, prayer, and modeling, they guide believers in embodying the peace of Christ in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Thessalonians 3:12
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Consecrated Ministry
... the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace to the ... show that the gospel
minister should be an ... In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Tome or Synodal Letter to the People of Antioch.
... of contention, yet for the sake of peace, and to ... in Alexandria, in common with our
fellow-ministers, Asterius and ... it is right that the letter should be there ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/tome or synodal letter to.htm

Directions How to Hear Sermons
... are declaring, in his name, how our pardon, peace, and happiness ... And if we looked
on ministers as we ought, as the sent of Jesus Christ, we should hang upon ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/directions how to hear sermons.htm

Epistle Lxviii. To Eusebius of Thessalonica.
... In which matter, lest we should seem to omit anything that pertains to the peace
of the ... add his subscription to it; but, as becomes ministers of Almighty ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxviii to eusebius of.htm

Epistle xxxix. To the People, Concerning Five Schismatic ...
... in all its duties, with the other ministers, afford you ... by the falsehood of a fallacious
peace, to a ... place, and our counsels being compared, should decide upon ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xxxix to the people.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... policy is necessary to maintain the peace of the ... of all." We see, then, that ministers
are legitimately ... over the election, lest any error should be committed ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

Dedication
... must reconcile their hearts to faithful ministers, and help ... to conscience, if you
would have peace of conscience ... plainly with you, though I should displease you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... so much of their life, and peace, and serviceableness ... If ministers would be
conscientious in performing this duty ... expect that any great good should be effected ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... Secondly, likewise ministers, in the taxing sin and sinners ... a kind of malignity."
We should so rebuke ... of deciding controversies, of begetting peace, to vex and ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

On the Return of Flavian the Bishop, and the Reconciliation of the ...
... is daily insulted by us, unceasingly ministers His blessings ... city; for God forbid
that I should ever belong ... all men, refuse to admit to peace and reconciliation ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xxi on the return.htm