AM Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3.8-12

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

The Pursuit of Peace

Introduction:

1. “Peace” is one of the most beautiful words in any language. [Hebrew- shalōm & Greek- eirēnē: “a state of tranquility.”]

2. The psalmist David declared, “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psa. 34.14).

3. Peter quoted David, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet. 3.10-11).

4. The Pursuit of Peace should be the desire of every Christian…

I. PURSUING PEACE WITH GOD

1. Enmity with God results in damnation! (James 4.4 & Rom. 8.7)
   1. Sin created the enmity from the beginning. (Gen. 3)
   2. Our own personal sin perpetuates the enmity. (Rom. 5.12)
2. How can we be at peace with God?
   1. Only through Christ! (Rom. 5.1-2, 10; e.g., Acts 10.34-48)
   2. Through the “gospel of peace” (Rom. 10.15).
   3. By doing or practicing the will of God. (Phil. 4.9)
3. C. If I am not at peace with God, the problem is with me!

II. PURSUING PEACE WITH MEN

1. Paul exhorted, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12.18).
2. Of whom does this include?
   1. Certainly our brethren! (Rom. 14.19)
   2. “All men” [pantōn anthrōpōn] is all inclusive.
   3. Are we “peacemakers”? (Matt. 5.9).
3. If I am not at peace with others, may it never be because of me!

III. PURSUING PEACE WITH SELF

1. Self-peace is inextricably linked to being at peace with God and making every effort to be at peace with others.
   1. Imagine being at peace completely: “whole spirit, soul and body” (1 Thess. 5.23).
   2. There is nothing like the peace god supplies. (Phil. 4.6-7)
2. If I am not at peace, I need to re-evaluate my relationships!

Conclusion: Is your soul truly at peace today?