Topical Bible: Peace: Saints should Seek

◄ Peace: Saints should Seek ►

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In the Christian tradition, peace is a profound and multifaceted concept that encompasses inner tranquility, harmonious relationships, and the ultimate reconciliation with God. The Bible consistently encourages believers, often referred to as saints, to actively seek and cultivate peace in their lives and communities.

Biblical Foundation

The pursuit of peace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, peace, or "shalom," signifies completeness, welfare, and harmony. The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing peace as a fruit of the Spirit and a hallmark of the Christian life.

Exhortations to Seek Peace

1. Psalm 34:14 : "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." This verse underscores the active nature of seeking peace, suggesting that it requires intentional effort and a commitment to righteousness.

2. Romans 14:19 : "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Here, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to prioritize actions and attitudes that foster peace and build up the community of faith.

3. Hebrews 12:14 : "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This passage links the pursuit of peace with holiness, indicating that peace is integral to the sanctified life.

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 lists peace as one of the fruits of the Spirit, alongside love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This suggests that peace is both a gift from God and a result of living in accordance with the Holy Spirit.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ is the ultimate exemplar of peace. 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." Christ's peace is distinct from worldly peace, offering a deep, abiding sense of security and well-being.

Practical Application

Believers are called to be peacemakers, as stated in Matthew 5:9 : "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the blessedness and divine affiliation of those who actively work to create peace.

Interpersonal Relationships

In interpersonal relationships, seeking peace involves forgiveness, reconciliation, and the avoidance of strife. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This unity is essential for the health and witness of the Christian community.

Peace with God

Ultimately, the peace that saints seek is rooted in reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace with God is foundational, enabling believers to experience and extend peace in all areas of life.

In summary, the Bible presents peace as a divine gift and a pursuit that requires active engagement. Saints are called to embody peace in their personal lives, relationships, and communities, reflecting the peace of Christ to a world in need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:11
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Peace
... Whence is it that the saints weep for sin? ... I will lay me down in peace, and sleep.'
Psalm 4:4 ... no small affliction to think that his own son should seek to take ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... of the church makes communion of saints desirable ... No marvel the peace of churches
is broken, when ... should preserve knowledge; and the people 'should seek the law ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

All Saints' Day
... But, if such a man should find that it has taken ... strong winds and bad times, then
the Saints mourn over all ... Those who are now at peace will suffer from great ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... Christ's righteousness should meet with a seeker not a ... and therefore Christ is the
"King of saints," Revelation 15 ... it is impossible to see God's face in peace. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

Psalm XVI.
... and My brethren, and sons of God through My peace. ... to enjoy: the portion of the Saints
is the ... wilt fill them with joy, that they should seek nothing further ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xvi.htm

Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
... This peace a man should allow nothing to take from ... thy inward man in the bond of
peace, which consists ... to endure greater sufferings than all the saints or all ...
/.../xxiv sermon for the fifteenth.htm

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... Therefore let all carnal and natural men hold their peace concerning the state of
the Saints, for they ... And even if any one should know who were holier than ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm

God Wills Our Good.
... wishes be done, but that God's holy will should be fulfilled ... This comes from God"
and be at peace: "I was ... certainly save our souls and die the death of saints. ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/4 god wills our good.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... indeed a God of order and peace (1 Corinthians ... reject, though the memory of the saints
is profitable ... ignorant seek in ceremonies what they should seek in Christ ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... THE SAINTS CONVERSE WITH GOD. ... will become delightful; and you will then feel, with
a peace that the ... We should not mingle in our prayers what is false with what ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm