Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Live In

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Peace, as a concept and a state of being, is a central theme in the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. For the saints, or believers in Christ, living in peace is not merely an ideal but a divine mandate that reflects the character of God and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The call for saints to live in peace is grounded in numerous scriptural exhortations. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the importance of peace among believers. In Romans 12:18, he writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse underscores the proactive responsibility of Christians to pursue peace, as far as it depends on them, with all people.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, Paul instructs the church to "esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves." Here, peace is linked with mutual respect and love within the community of believers, suggesting that peace is both a personal and communal pursuit.

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

Peace is also identified as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." This passage indicates that peace is a natural outcome of a life led by the Holy Spirit. It is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and harmony that stems from a right relationship with God.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, serves as the ultimate example for believers. In John 14:27, He assures His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." The peace that Christ offers is distinct from worldly peace; it is enduring and rooted in the assurance of His presence and promises.

Practical Implications

Living in peace requires active engagement in peacemaking and reconciliation. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the blessedness and divine approval of those who actively seek to create and maintain peace.

Furthermore, Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This pursuit of peace is intertwined with the pursuit of holiness, suggesting that peace is an integral aspect of a sanctified life.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to live in peace is clear, it is not without challenges. The presence of sin, both within and outside the church, can disrupt peace. However, believers are encouraged to rely on God's strength and wisdom to overcome these challenges. Philippians 4:6-7 offers reassurance: "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."

In summary, the biblical mandate for saints to live in peace is a reflection of God's character and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the example of Christ, and the encouragement of Scripture, believers are equipped to pursue and maintain peace in their lives and communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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 Eleventh Chapter: Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection
... WE SHOULD enjoy much peace if we did not concern ourselves ... simple of heart for they
shall enjoy peace in abundance ... Why were some of the saints so perfect and so ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eleventh chapter acquiring peace.htm

Reproving all those who Live on Spiritual Goods in an Inordinate ...
... on alms and are in the ecclesiastical state, should be in ... All this is contrary and
unlike to the saints, and to ... not, let him rejoice and rest in peace in his ...
/.../the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xlvi reproving all those.htm

The Peace of God
All Saints' Day and Other Sermons. ... The peace of God is rare among us. ... not how that
may be; but I see all manner of causes at work around us which should make it ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxv the peace of.htm

John Chapter xx. 30-31, and xxi. 1-11.
... not be signified, nor on the left, lest the application should be limited ... there will
be no more schisms in that supreme peace of the saints, the evangelist ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxii john chapter xx.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... The attainments of eminent saints are too generally ... a continual and uninterrupted
cheerfulness, peace, and joy ... ways and means, how I should live holily, with ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... gift of God, nor in rest and peace of the ... practices, and the way in which we should
live without error ... and beholds and apprehends with all saints the nobility ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

The Hope of the Redeemer's Return
... justified by faith, we have peace with God ... To the Thessalonian saints the apostle
Paul wrote ... ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter two the hope of.htm

A Heavenly Pattern for Our Earthly Life
... We have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord ... Oh, that we were better men,
and then the saints above might ... If we did but live as we should live, we might ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/a heavenly pattern for our.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... believe the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints.'. ... indeed a God of order
and peace (1 Corinthians ... members of his body, and should live peaceably with ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm