Being a People of Peace

1. The Peaceful Life

Titus 3:1–2 ESV

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Submission to rulers and authorities

R. C. Sproul writes, "All authority is under Christ. When we disobey lesser authorities, we are guilty of disobeying Christ. You cannot serve the King and honor his authority by rebelling against his appointed governors. To say you honor the kingdom of Christ while you disobey his authority structure is to be guilty not only of hypocrisy but of cosmic treason."'

Obedient

ready for every good work

speak evil of no one

avoid quarreling

Be gentle

show perfect courtesy to all

2. The Life of Unrest

Titus 3:3 ESV

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

Foolish

disobedient

led astray

slaves to various passions and pleasures

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:1–2, ESV)

malice/envy

hated by others and hating one another

4 Primary causes of Conflict:

Misunderstanding = Poor communication

Differences in things we hold dear

Competion over limited resources

Sinful attitudes and habits = Sinful words and action

3. The Source of Peace

Titus 3:4–5 ESV

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Hesed- Loving Kindness of God. grace, mercy, loving kindness, compassion, reliability, love.... all of these, but much more

Philanthropia- "affectionate concern for and interest in humanity, (loving) kindness, of God"

We are at peace, because He IS Peace.

We are people of Peace, because He is the God of Peace, ushering in His agenda of peace through Christ Jesus.

Peace/Hesed-

"In people it is the ideal, in God it is the actual"

-paraphrased Morris (theologian)

4. Being a People of Peace

Peacemaking Ministries- Ken Sande

a) Glorify God

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

b) Get the log out of your eye

Matthew 7:5 ESV

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

c) Gently Restore

Galatians 6:1 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

d) Go & be Reconciled

Matthew 5:24 ESV

leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

GO WITH GOD, BE AT PEACE