Peace and War
Notes
Transcript
Baptist Faith and Message 2000
Baptist Faith and Message 2000
It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.
Memory Verse
Memory Verse
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
If you go back and read the Genesis account you will learn quickly that from the moment sin came into the world, conflict has been recorded. From the first murder, to the days where God regretted creating mankind.
When the Lord saw that human wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every inclination of the human mind was nothing but evil all the time, the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and he was deeply grieved.
Seek Peace with All Men
Seek Peace with All Men
It is the duty of all Christians to seek peace with all men on the principles of righteousness.
Righteousness must not be sacrificed in the name of false peace!
In Accordance with the spirit and the teachings of Christ, Christians should do all in their power to put an end to war.
When you read those to statements together and understand the Word of God, it is clear that we are not to have peace “at any cost”, that would bring about FALSE PEACE.
Rather we are to seek to have peace on principles of righteousness.
I want to point out here that this section is called Peace and War, not War and Peace. There is point and purpose. Peace should be sought first, War should be a last resort. Christians over the centuries have sought to wrestle with this very topic. Some have adopted different mindsets toward it.
Some have become pacifists. To be consistent in their belief of pacifism, they must hold to a belief that all uses of force and strength are morally wrong and that Christians must renounce all uses of arms, even to protect others. In their mind, war is the worst possible outcome.
An example of this Mennonite and Amish, as well as seventh day adventists. A famous Adventist was the Combat Medic Desmond Doss, whose heroic actions are captured in the film Hacksaw Ridge.
Most Christians are not pacifists, but most hate war. Those who hold to non pacifists theology believe that there are things worse than war, and that Christ commands us to take necessary steps to protect those who are defenseless.
The Warfare that we experience on this earth is overflow of the spiritual warfare that we cannot see.
The most important war that we fight, cannot be fought, or won, with earthly weapons.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
Most Christians hold to a moral realism that recognizes that armed conflict may be necessary at times, and may also be the morally superior option.
Nazi Germany is a prime example.
Atrocities committed by the Taliban, ISIS, and Boko Haram.
For the record, this is called the Just War Theory - which stands on principles that define war in such a way that armed conflict would be the last option, that armed conflict would be reduced to such a means the fewest casualties are produces, and peace would more generally prevail - specifically a lasting and righteous peace.
Holding to this theory requires certain criteria to be met:
There must be cause - as in the it must be defensive and not offensive.
The force must be done with just intention to secure fair, lasting peace for all parties.
must be a last resort.
objectives will be limited to what will achieve lasting peace.
only appropriate, proportionate force will be used.
noncombatants will be protected
there must be reasonable chance of success and a realistic hope that conflict would lead to a superior lasting peace.
Not perfect.
In this life there will be wars and rumors of war. Trials, troubles, tribulations. Persecutions.
The Reign of the Prince of Peace
The Reign of the Prince of Peace
For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!
War is a result of human sinfulness. Plain and simple. Praise God that we were promised deliverance the moment sin came into the world and we have been reminded that there will be a day!
Jesus is our Prince of Peace.
The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord!
True lasting peace will only come by the victorious reign of Christ.
These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
When Jesus comes, He will establish the peace of His kingdom. And we long for that. We pray for that.
But what about the in between?
Gospel witness and evangelism!
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
we are called peacemakers
“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
we are to pray for our enemies and love them.
Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up the sword will perish by the sword.
Those who fight with the sword will perish by the sword.
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.
We should seek to live at peace with everyone and not to seek vengeance.
What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and wage war. You do not have because you do not ask.
Quarrels and fights come from evil desires within us.