Eastern Bible Conference 2017 - Study 5: Peace, Relationships, and Community

What this episode covers

Peace Peace is a key aspect of the Christian life. starts with declaration that we have peace with God, Romans 5:1. Imagine the relief and confidence from those who first heard this assurance of such peace! The peace of God should rule in our hearts, Col. 3:15. But Thessalonica was a hostile place for Christians, and the assembled saints were of very disparate types of people internally, Acts 17:4. So, they are told… 1 Thess. 5:12-13, be at peace among yourselves 1 Thess. 5:23, the God of peace will sanctify them 2 Thess. 3:17, may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means The God of peace is a foundation to stand upon. See Rom. 15:33, 16:20; Phil. 4:9. In Hebrews 13:20-21 this is also clear; it’s the God of peace who makes us ready to do every good work. But we are also instructed to be at peace with one another. This is a command, an intentional purpose for us to live out. What are the factors that contribute to this life of peace? 1 Thess. 5:12-13, submission to those with responsibility among us; this helps us keep peace Eph. 2, the hostility between Jews and Gentiles has been broken down; why do we rebuild them by thinking in groups, families, ‘tribes”? Galatians 3:28—don’t emphasize those things. When we realize that our struggle is with external forces, we are united internally. And when we join together in gospel work, our differences are overcome. Romans 12:18, live peaceably as much as it depends on you This is the instruction for us even when it involves unbelievers in the world. But when it comes to our behavior with each other, we are told to ‘have salt in ourselves and have peace with one another,” Mark 9:50. Peace is expected . Salt in ourselves would preserve us from self-centered living so that we can have that kind of peace. We are told to live in peace, 2 Cor. 13:11. If there is not peace, we are told to be peacemakers, James 3:18. Then we should persist in it so we will be found in peace at Christ’s coming, 2 Peter 3:14. Col. 3:15, let the peace of God rule in our hearts, even if we can’t find peace ourselves Rom. 14:19, pursue the things that make for peace Heb. 12:14, peace and sanctification are connected Romans 12:10, devoted to one another; the kingdom of God is not external things… why destroy each other for the sake of them? Romans 14:17-20 Romans 16:17, avoid divisive people Relationships and community If peace is established, how will relationships and Christian community grow? The passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-28 provides many examples of those relationships. Some are these: edify one another, v. 11 –we are not going to be complacent but active and attentive receive exhortation, v. 12 –but are we willing to accept firm, direct guidance from others? prayer, vv. 17, 25 –what does it mean when we know we are prayed for? …a common vision, ‘us” a holy kiss, v. 26 The idea of greeting one another is very prominent in the New Testament. For example, Romans 16 is overflowing with greetings to and from many people. Do we always greet some people and never greet others? If so, why is that? It may not be a kiss, but let it be a holy handshake or a holy hug. We must affirm the reality of Christian community. 1 Thess. 5:8, be sober and alert; prepare together for the difficulties that will surely come We rally together in difficulties. Why not in daily life? That verse also describes the breastplate of faith and love . The aspect of faith will help us withstand external attacks with confidence. But the aspect of love is essential for our lives with each other. Our gathering…

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