Romans 5:1-2a Peace from War

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peacewith God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2a NIV

I always start with the "therefore" because I need to know what it is "there for." The previous chapter talked about Abraham and his righteousness by nothing that he had done, but only by his faith. And that God will also credit righteousness for us who believe.

THEREFORE, we have peace through Jesus Christ because we have received grace through faith.

Here is the Merriam-Webster Dictionary's full definition of peace.

1   :  a state of tranquillity or quiet: asa :  freedom from civil disturbance

b :  a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom (a breach of the peace)
2   :  freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions3   :  harmony in personal relations4   a :  a state or period of mutual concord between governments

     b :  a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity 

 

5 —used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell 

— at peace

:  in a state of concord or tranquillity

There are several areas that we can have peace - within ourselves, in our community, across personal relationships, within our government or between governments.

But let's look at the descriptors that occur in the definitions:

• tranquility
• quiet
• freedom
• security
• order
• harmony
• mutual accord
• silence
• calm

Don't you just take a deep breath, let our a loud sigh, and your entire body relaxes when you read these words? Mine does. Just reading the description of peace brings a feeling of peace to my spirit. And I appreciate that, but the peace we obtain through salvation is so much more.

I love the NIV footnote in the study Bible for 5:1:

"peace with God.  Not merely a subjective feeling (peace of mind) but primarily an objective status, a new relationship with God: Once we were his enemies, but now we are his friends."

You see, when I first read through the definitions above, my mind started to discount any reference to war or enmity between two factions. But I was wrong. Before accepting the gift of salvation, I had been at war with God. My life, actions, view of myself, view of others, etc. were all centered within me. My focus was how will I benefit, how will I be hurt, what will this gain me? That life philosophy was in direct opposition to a life surrendered to the Father. So I had made Him my enemy and was warring against Him.

But no more. There is peace from that battle. He is the ruling Master and I, His servant. And that fact not only brings a respite from war, but a tremendous feeling of peace that comes from the surety of His presence and control. Do I still go through times of turmoil, confusion, upheaval? Of course. I'm human, and I live in a fallen world.

But here's the cool thing. Even when I am in the midst of uncertainty, if I take the time to go to my Father, spend time with Him - pour out my heart to Him - read His Word, then I am in the Presence of peace and feel peace even in the midst of the storm. It's like sitting for a time in the eye of a hurricane and then being embraced in concrete when the calm passes and the storm hits again. I can withstand the wind and the rain because I have remembered Who is in charge and Who is my protector in the storm. That is peace.

Father, thank you for the peace of surrender to Your will and Your ways. Holy Spirit, help me remember to remain close to that peace in the storms. You are my fortress of peace. So be it.

Further Thoughts:

1. Give thanks to the Father for the peace that has come through salvation. You are no longer at war.
2. List the ways being at peace with God has transformed your life.
3. Read Philippians 4:7.

Matthew 11:28-30 Perspective

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG)

^28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

You may not recognize this passage in The Message, but it is where Jesus says to join Him because His burden is light.

I love how this version stated Jesus' invitation to join Him. To get His perspective. To walk in His directives, not in my own. To learn from Him.

I especially love the line, "Learn the unforced rhythms of grace."

Being a follower of Jesus does not have to be labor intensive. But it must be intentional. Living as Christ lived is not easy, but it is freeing. Too often I can get caught in the "immediate." What do I have to do today for work? Who needs me to be where? What spinning plate have I let fall? And I forget to maintain perspective. If I would just look at what is happening in the world around me - near and far - I would begin to see my little "to do" list in a different light.

God calls me to work - but my job is not my most important "occupation." God calls me to be available to others. But my most important relationship is with Him. God calls me to diligence. But are all my plates God-appointed?

Jesus is calling me to walk alongside of Him and only Him in everything I do. I want to walk with Him and learn the unforced rhythms of grace. 

Father, teach me to remain focused on You and not the immediate. To grasp the power of Your Presence and not the pull of my calendar. Train me in the way of the unforced rhythms of grace so I may be more like you. So be it.

Further Thoughts:

1. In what ways have you lost perspective? How do you regain it?
2. How do you maintain "life" and keep your focus on Jesus?
3. What does it truly mean to live in the unforced rhythms of grace? 

 

Colossians 3:12-17 "Clothe Yourselves, Part 2"

Read Colossians 3:12-17.

"... clothe yourselves...." NIV

Paul continues to teach us how to live as a member of the body of Christ and in His likeness. God has really been working on me in the area of forgiveness over the last couple of years. We all have people that hurt us at many different levels. Some things we can just brush off; others cause deep wounds that leave ugly scars. The main point to remember is that I'm not perfect; God forgave me; so I should forgive others. Easy words to say, but can be very difficult to live out.

The Word says that all of these virtues should be bound together with love. Love is not an affection, but a choice. This is an agape love -- the same sacrificial love that God has for me. I must live out my life in His love.

Then out of that love wrapped around all those virtues, we can live in the peace of Christ Jesus. Paul is beginning to sound a little like he's calling us to a 60's love fest, but he's right. We can have a peace that passes all understanding. We can forgive as we have been forgiven. We can love with the love that comes from the Father. These are all promises that we can stand on. And in a world of chaos, confusion, and fear why would I want to live any other way? I am thankful that He makes all of these things possible.

So I will hang close to the body -- helping others to grow in the Word and in wisdom, and they will help me. Worshipping together. Living and loving together. All for His honor and glory.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is there someone you need to forgive that you haven't yet? Now is the time. Hurt may remain, relationships may change, but forgiveness is a choice that is possible. Do it in love.
2. Peace is a relative term. Are you living in a state of peace that you have defined or are you taking into account other's perspective of peace and accommodating them? Love would look out for the others over self.
3. Twice in this passage it speaks of "giving thanks." When was the last time you gave thanks to the Father for something other than the meal you were about to eat? Take some time each day to express your thanks to the Father. We have so much to be thankful for.

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed" Part 7

"Blessed the are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." NIV

Peacemaking is a very humbling experience both as a third party and as a participant. Just think, if you are needing to mediate between two opposing parties, you have to enter the situation with great tact and humility or the two you are trying to help will unite and turn on you. At the same time, if you are part of a disagreement that is escalating into something ugly, you must humble yourself and seek a peaceful resolution to the situation. It takes some backing down from your high horse to find a neutral ground where peace can once again be achieved. Either way, it's not fun, and it requires a selflessness that does not come naturally to any of us. In our human nature we want to fight until we win. Backing down is not a natural option. But Jesus says that to be a child of God, we must seek to make peace, not discord. Rats.

So how do we go about this? We keep coming back to the same point -- surrender to the Lord and His will. Not everything is about me and my opinion. I need to let things go, let people go, show mercy, have right intentions and purity of heart, and be sure that there is peace among us. We can disagree on issues, but battles do not have to ensue. It goes back to the old '60's bumper sticker, "Make love, not war." (Okay, so the 60's had a bit of a different twist on that saying than I'm using. Understood. But you get my meaning.) If we are truly desiring to be saturated in the love of Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit, then we can be peacemakers among those we live and work with. If our goal is to share Christ's love with others, we can't do it very well with our fingers balled into a fist. An open hand brings peace and so does an open heart. Love will share the peace of Christ that passes all understanding, and we are the conduits of that love.

Lord, humble my heart and fill it with more of Your love and discretion so I can be a peacemaker. I know I don't have to surrender all my positions, just learn to give to others sometimes and not make everything about me and my way.

Further Thoughts:

1. We know we will have difficulties in this world. Jesus did not promise us an easy path. But what did He promise us to make it through? Read John 16:33)
2. Christians can be some of the worst bickerers with other Christians over ridiculous things. Paul speaks a lot to keeping peace in the body. Look up several Scriptures on peace in Paul's letters. Memorize one or two to remind you to be a peacemaker.
3. Who have you been having trouble being at peace with lately? Surrender that relationship to the Lord; ask God to show you your responsibility in the situation; seek forgiveness; pray for the other person; and restore peace. You are not responsible for others, but you are responsible for yourself.

Ephesians 6:15 "Peace Shoes"

"...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." NIV

As I read through commentaries and study notes on this verse, there are so many analogies to pull from it. First is the fact that we are putting something on our feet. The Roman soldier's feet were often covered in brass to avoid galltraps (three pronged metal pieces) and sharp sticks placed in their path. Likewise, the enemy is going to place obstacles in our way. He will try to trip us up at every angle that he can. But if we have our feet firmly covered, we can avoid being put out of commission by the enemy's wiles. A soldier cannot march if his feet are injured and that is one less fighter in the battle.

So what do we cover our feet with? Readiness that can only come from the gospel of peace. Our readiness is strong and impenetrable. It is because of our salvation and the peace that comes from it that we can be made ready to face anything the enemy throws at us. We can march on to do that which we were called to do -- to share the gospel of peace that is our protection. Not only are we guarded by it, but we are made ready to share it with others in need. It is our foundation -- what we stand on -- that will keep us ready. Get your brass shoes on. We've got several obstacles to face today.

Further Thoughts:

1. Where else is sharing the gospel of peace associated with shoes/feet?
2. How does the gospel bring peace? Support with Scripture.
3. Are you at peace with God right now? If not, what stands in the way?
4. What "galltraps" has the enemy placed in your path lately? Did you handle them with peace?
5. List different ways you can prepare yourself to spread the gospel and peace.