"THE PEACE OF CHRIST"

Making Peace With Brethren

INTRODUCTION
  1. Previously, we have seen that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers...
    1. Peace with God, through justification and reconciliation
    2. Peace with mankind, through abolishing barriers
    3. Peace with oneself, one that surpasses understanding and guards our heart
    4. Peace with families, when family members fulfill their duties to one another
  2. Jesus also offers peace with brethren...
    1. Christians who are fellow members of the body of Christ
    2. Disciples who chose to work and worship together in a local church

[As before, let's begin by noting the need for such peace...]

  1. THE NEED FOR PEACE WITH BRETHREN
    1. LACK OF PEACE HINDERS OUR MESSAGE...
      1. We claim to be Christ's disciples, brotherly love reinforces our claim - Jn 13:34-35
      2. We claim that God sent Christ, brotherly unity reinforces that claim - Jn 17:20-23
      -- When there is no peace, love and unity cannot reinforce our message!
    2. LACK OF PEACE SUGGESTS CARNALITY...
      1. Envy, strife, and divisions reflect carnality, or spiritual immaturity - 1Co 3:1-4
      2. Confusion reflects bitter envy, self-seeking, earthly wisdom - Jm 3:13-16
      3. On the contrary, peacefulness reflects heavenly wisdom - Jm 3:17-18
      -- When there is no peace, it may be indicative of spiritual immaturity!

    [If possible, without compromising truth, we should seek to possess the peace that Jesus offers. With that in mind, let's consider how...]

  2. JESUS OFFERS TRUE PEACE FOR BRETHREN
    1. BY HIS OWN EXAMPLE...
      1. We are to love one another as Christ loved us - Jn 13:34
      2. In Romans, Paul pointed to the example of Christ - Ro 15:1-3, 5-7
      3. In Philippians, Paul pointed to the mindset and example of Christ - Php 2:3-8
      -- By His own humility and selfless service, Jesus shows us the way to peace!
    2. BY HIS APOSTLES' TEACHING...
      1. Such as Paul's admonitions
        1. Pursue peace - Ro 14:17-19
        2. Live in peace - 2Co 13:11
        3. Be diligent to maintain unity in the bond of peace - Ep 4:1-3
        4. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts - Col 3:15
        5. Be at peace among yourselves - 1Th 5:13
        6. Pursue peace - He 12:14
      2. Such as Peter's admonitions
        1. Have compassion, love as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous - 1Pe 3:8
        2. Not returning evil for evil, nor reviling for reviling, rather blessing - 1Pe 3:9
        3. Seek peace and pursue it - 1Pe 3:10-12
        4. Be diligent to be found by Christ in peace - 2Pe 3:14
        -- Taking such admonitions seriously go a long way to enjoying peace with brethren!

      [If we take such admonitions seriously, and are willing to follow the example of Jesus, what benefits will peace with brethren provide...?]

  3. THE PEACE WITH BRETHREN THAT JESUS OFFERS
    1. SANCTUARY IN A TROUBLED WORLD...
      1. In a world where peace is rare, Christ offers peace in His family - Ep 2:14-17
      2. A peace based on unity, that is both good and pleasant - cf. Ps 133:1
      3. Whenever we assemble as brethren, it should be in an atmosphere of peace
      -- Assuming, of course, that we letting the peace of God rule in our hearts!
    2. FORETASTE OF HEAVEN ITSELF...
      1. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit - Ro 14:17
      2. That is now, imagine what it will be like in the eternal kingdom!
      3. Where peace will be enjoyed without effort required to maintain it!
      -- For now, peace among brethren can be a glimpse of glories to come!
CONCLUSION
  1. Remember, our walk worthy of our calling requires both...
    1. Diligence to maintain the unity of the Spirit - Ep 4:3
    2. Doing so in the bond of peace - Ep 4:3
  2. If we are to enjoy peace with brethren, we must pursue peace by...
    1. Following the example of Christ
    2. Applying the admonitions of His apostles

We cannot compromise the purity of truth for the sake of unity, but neither can we ignore the need for peace as the bond that holds unity together. As James, the brother of the Prince of Peace, wrote in his epistle:

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." - Jm 3:17-18