November 28, 2014 THE GOD OF PEACE
Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of peace fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Peace seems to be a rare commodity these days. It is clear from scripture that God is a God of peace and He desires that His children live in peace just as He does. Where God rules, there is peace. In the last few chapters of the book of Romans, Paul gives practical insights on how we are to live and how we relate to other believers so that we may indeed have peace. In these scriptures we find such admonitions as; “love without hypocrisy”, “abhor what is evil”, “be devoted to one another”, “rejoicing in hope”, “devoted to prayer”, “practicing hospitality”, “be of the same mind”, “overcome evil with good”, “do not be conformed to this world”, “behave properly”, “accept the one who is weak” and etc. God has not left us uninformed but has given us practical insights on how to live and as we put these into practice by the power of the Spirit, we will have peace. There is a tendency for us to live in what is “natural”, so it is “natural” to lose our peace when certain things happen or when we set our mind on the wrong thoughts. However, we are spiritual beings who now live a super-natural life in Christ and now our peace can remain with us in any situation. It is true that there are times when we have to deal with unpleasant situations and must choose to walk in the peace of God. We need to understand, or be reminded of the fact that there is a definite connection between obedience to the instructions God gives and experiencing peace. In Romans 16:19 we read, “For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil, and the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Peace is a by-product of living life in a way that pleases our Father and we do the things that please Him because we love Him. Making right choices, doing the right thing, “being wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil” is neither complicated nor difficult for the one who knows God. If we find it difficult to do the right things, then we are in a battle with our flesh and we must choose to consider the flesh as crucified with Christ and choose to walk in the Spirit. Peace that is subject to circumstances is not the peace of God. The peace of God is ours no matter the circumstances. We are blessed to know the God of peace! If you need the peace of God-it’s available.
Psalms 29:11: “The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brethren, 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.”
Blessings,
Buddy
Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of peace fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Peace seems to be a rare commodity these days. It is clear from scripture that God is a God of peace and He desires that His children live in peace just as He does. Where God rules, there is peace. In the last few chapters of the book of Romans, Paul gives practical insights on how we are to live and how we relate to other believers so that we may indeed have peace. In these scriptures we find such admonitions as; “love without hypocrisy”, “abhor what is evil”, “be devoted to one another”, “rejoicing in hope”, “devoted to prayer”, “practicing hospitality”, “be of the same mind”, “overcome evil with good”, “do not be conformed to this world”, “behave properly”, “accept the one who is weak” and etc. God has not left us uninformed but has given us practical insights on how to live and as we put these into practice by the power of the Spirit, we will have peace. There is a tendency for us to live in what is “natural”, so it is “natural” to lose our peace when certain things happen or when we set our mind on the wrong thoughts. However, we are spiritual beings who now live a super-natural life in Christ and now our peace can remain with us in any situation. It is true that there are times when we have to deal with unpleasant situations and must choose to walk in the peace of God. We need to understand, or be reminded of the fact that there is a definite connection between obedience to the instructions God gives and experiencing peace. In Romans 16:19 we read, “For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil, and the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Peace is a by-product of living life in a way that pleases our Father and we do the things that please Him because we love Him. Making right choices, doing the right thing, “being wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil” is neither complicated nor difficult for the one who knows God. If we find it difficult to do the right things, then we are in a battle with our flesh and we must choose to consider the flesh as crucified with Christ and choose to walk in the Spirit. Peace that is subject to circumstances is not the peace of God. The peace of God is ours no matter the circumstances. We are blessed to know the God of peace! If you need the peace of God-it’s available.
Psalms 29:11: “The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Philippians 4:6-7: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brethren, 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.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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