Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Endeavour to Have Will all Men

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Peace, as a concept and practice, is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and is a fundamental aspect of the believer's life. The Bible consistently encourages saints to pursue peace with all men, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The call for peace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers in Romans 12:18 , "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse underscores the believer's responsibility to strive for peace, acknowledging that while it may not always be possible due to circumstances beyond one's control, the effort must be sincere and persistent.

Similarly, Hebrews 12:14 instructs, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Here, peace is linked with holiness, suggesting that a peaceful disposition is integral to the sanctified life of a Christian. The pursuit of peace is not merely a passive state but an active endeavor that requires intentionality and effort.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, exemplified perfect peace in His earthly ministry. His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount highlight the blessedness of peacemakers: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Christ's life and teachings provide the ultimate model for believers, demonstrating that peace is not only a personal virtue but also a communal responsibility.

Practical Application

The pursuit of peace involves several practical steps for the believer. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to forgive. Ephesians 4:2-3 advises, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This passage highlights the importance of maintaining unity and harmony within the body of Christ and extending that peace to all relationships.

Furthermore, peace is closely associated with love and reconciliation. In 2 Corinthians 13:11 , Paul encourages the church, "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." The presence of God is linked to the presence of peace, suggesting that peace is both a divine gift and a human responsibility.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the pursuit of peace is a noble goal, it is not without challenges. The fallen nature of humanity and the presence of sin often lead to conflict and discord. However, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to overcome these challenges. Galatians 5:22-23 lists peace as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outgrowth of a life surrendered to God.

In times of difficulty, believers are reminded of the peace of Christ, which transcends understanding. Philippians 4:7 assures, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the believer's relationship with God.

In summary, the call to pursue peace with all men is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It reflects the heart of God, the teachings of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. Through humility, love, and reliance on divine strength, saints are equipped to endeavor for peace in all their relationships.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Peaceableness
... great price' (1 Peter 3:4). The saints are Christ's ... We should endeavour that our
houses should be houses of ... Be at peace among yourselves' (1 Thessalonians 5:13 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... The saints are members of the body mystical as well as ... Peace is the apex and top
of all earthly blessings ... We should endeavour to have our sorrow rise up to the ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... without any outward means by which they should be comforted ... He admires and hates
the peace which reigns in the ... you are more generous than other saints, if you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

The Holiness of God
... the paint of holiness, but the life; it should not be ... The saints are called vessels
of honour; they are ... sweet fruit of peace; righteousness and peace kiss each ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 the holiness of god.htm

A Mighty Saviour
... a fact for ministers to learn"that they should endeavour to preach ... when dying, "My
sons, I could die in peace, if I ... May I one day sing among the saints above ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a mighty saviour.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... spirit all composed and settled, all peace and harmony ... sobriety, humility, meekness,
and charity, should he reveal ... earthly privileges into the hands of saints. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... It was enough of old with the saints, "It is the Lord ... Though all men should be liars,
yet God is true ... and yet flatter yourselves with a dream of peace, know this ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm

Of Works of Charity
... the Fountain whence all good proceedeth, and the End, the Peace, the joy of all
Saints. ... If all men were perfect, what then should we have to suffer from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xv of works of.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... did we but all agree that we were erring in many things, we should soon agree ... 3.
The unity and peace of the church makes communion of saints desirable. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

The Entrusted Talents.
... But to saints and sinners, whether they long for his ... Lord, it was natural that he
should endeavour to justify ... a righteous God, apart from the peace that comes ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xiv the entrusted talents.htm