Be at Peace

Romans 12:14–21 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 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. But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.”

Be at Peace that’s what I want to talk about today. You can put a pin there a keep that as a point of focus as we journey thru this particular passage of scripture.

I’m certain that we are well acquainted with the idea of

If you preach lifestyle condemnation you may miss covenantal relationship, but if you preach covenantal relationship you cant help but attack lifestyle. preaching lifestyle has you eliminating God,

Your gift isn’t for you

Peace in a World of Conflict

We often times forget what it means to be still, let alone peace and be still

we should pray like this

Bible Passage: Romans 12:14–21

Summary: In this passage, Paul instructs believers on how to respond to those who persecute them, encouraging them to bless rather than curse, to live peaceably, and to overcome evil with good.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to embody peace and forgiveness, helping them to navigate relational conflicts and challenging situations with grace, ultimately reflecting Christ's love to others, even those who oppose them.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that true Christian living involves proactively seeking peaceful resolutions and showing love in the face of adversity, emphasizing the transformative power of being Christ-like in our responses.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as our ultimate example of non-retaliation and love for enemies, highlighting how His life and sacrifice model the call to live in peace and overcome evil with good.

Big Idea: Christians are called to practice radical love and peace, mirroring Christ's example in challenging circumstances and fostering a community that models reconciliation.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of Roman society during Paul's writing, which may provide insights into the early church's struggles with conflict. In your Logos library, examine commentaries on Romans that discuss the implications of non-retaliation and Christian ethics. Also, look for studies that analyze the original Greek terms for 'bless' and 'evil' to deepen your understanding of their meanings.

1. Radical Responses of Blessing

Romans 12:14-15

You could highlight how living at peace begins with a radical call to bless those who hurt you. These verses challenge believers to transform their perspective on enemies, urging them to offer forgiveness and blessings instead of retaliation. By doing so, we mirror Christ's own approach to adversaries, and this act can deeply impact both our personal growth and the greater community. Encourage the congregation to develop empathetic hearts to 'rejoice' or 'weep' with others, fostering a solidarity that promotes peace and demonstrates the love of Christ.

2. Unifying Harmony through Humility

Romans 12:16

Perhaps emphasize the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Paul urges us to 'live in harmony with one another,' which requires humility and a willingness to associate with people from all social standings. By living at peace among ourselves, we reflect the inclusive love of Christ, who did not discriminate in His interactions. This passage suggests cultivating an attitude of openness and equality within relationships as a tangible expression of our shared unity in Christ.

3. Individual Pursuit of Peace

Romans 12:17-18

Maybe explore how personal responsibility in seeking peace can transform broader societal interactions. Paul instructs believers to avoid repaying evil and instead focus on doing what is honorable. These verses challenge us to take initiative: 'as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.' It underlines the theme of proactive peacemaking, encouraging reliance on Christ's strength to break cycles of retaliation, thus fostering an environment where reconciliation can thrive.

4. Trusting God’s Justice

Romans 12:19-21

Conclude with how these verses underscore the theological foundation for non-retaliation: trusting in God's justice. Encourage believers to overcome evil with good, following Christ's ultimate example of personal sacrifice for the sake of redemption. By choosing love over vengeance, Christians can reflect the gospel's transformative power and participate in God's redemptive work. Empower the congregation to place their trust in God's righteous plans, surrendering the fight to Him while practicing proactive peace in all relationships.

Stress: How to Cope at the End of Your Rope Introduction

You personally can “be at rest” amidst your trials if you focus not on your trials, but on your God. He is sovereign over your trials. He knows how to use the stress in your life to bless your life!

i can still say yes Lord and I thank you