Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of peace in a believer's life? Peace Missing: The Dark Backdrop of Romans 3:17 “and the way of peace they have not known.” (Romans 3:17) Paul cites Isaiah 59 to expose humanity’s natural bent toward conflict and alienation from God. Against that dark backdrop, the rest of Scripture shines with repeated calls—and gracious provision—for genuine peace. The Gift of Peace: Reconciliation with God • Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” • Colossians 1:19-20 — “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things… making peace through the blood of His cross.” • Ephesians 2:14 — “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.” Peace Within: Settled Hearts and Minds • John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” • Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” • Isaiah 26:3 — “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 — “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” Peace as Daily Fruit • Galatians 5:22-23 — “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” • Colossians 3:15 — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.” Key thought: As believers stay yielded to the Spirit, peace becomes a natural outflow rather than a forced effort. Peace in Community: Pursue and Protect • Hebrews 12:14 — “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” • Psalm 34:14 — “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” • Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” • James 3:18 — “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.” • Proverbs 12:20 — “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who promote peace have joy.” Practical notes: – Peace is pursued, not passive. – Peacemaking involves both attitude (gentleness, humility) and action (reconciliation, honesty, forgiveness). – A peaceful church becomes a compelling witness to the restless world Paul described in Romans 3. Peace That Endures: Future Assurance • Isaiah 9:6-7 — Messiah is “Prince of Peace;” of His government and peace there will be no end. • 2 Peter 3:13-14 — We look for “a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells… be diligent to be found by Him in peace.” • Revelation 21:4 — In the New Jerusalem, “He will wipe away every tear… there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Living the Contrast Romans 3:17 exposes the emptiness of life without God. The rest of Scripture unveils the beautiful alternative: peace given by the Father, secured by the Son, and cultivated by the Spirit. Receiving that peace, resting in it, and extending it to others turns the believer into a living contrast to a world still searching for “the way of peace.” |
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