Topical Bible: Natural Life: should be Spent in Peace

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The concept of living a life characterized by peace is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire for His creation to experience harmony and tranquility. The Bible presents peace not merely as the absence of conflict but as a profound sense of well-being and wholeness that permeates every aspect of life.

Biblical Foundation

The call to live in peace is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "shalom" encapsulates the idea of peace, encompassing completeness, welfare, and harmony. The psalmist declares, "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14). This exhortation underscores the active pursuit of peace as a righteous endeavor.

In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirene" is used to convey peace, often associated with the reconciliation brought about through Christ. Jesus Himself is referred to as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and His teachings emphasize the importance of peace in the lives of His followers. In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers, stating, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit

The Apostle Paul highlights peace as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outgrowth of a life lived in alignment with the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul writes, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" . This passage suggests that peace is an integral part of the Christian character, cultivated through a relationship with God.

Living in Peace with Others

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of living in peace with others. Paul exhorts believers in Romans 12:18, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . This instruction acknowledges the challenges of maintaining peace but encourages believers to strive for it as much as it depends on them.

Furthermore, the pursuit of peace is linked to the unity of the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges the church to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This unity is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and serves as a witness to the world.

Peace with God

Ultimately, the foundation of a peaceful life is peace with God. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are reconciled to God, experiencing peace that transcends human understanding. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" . This peace with God is the cornerstone of a life spent in peace, providing the assurance and stability needed to navigate the complexities of life.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not promise a life free from trials or conflict, it offers a vision of peace that is attainable through faith and obedience. By seeking peace with God, cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, and striving for harmonious relationships with others, believers can experience the fullness of life as God intended.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 2:2
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World
... edge of His strength; a characteristic of His life of service ... not make as prominent
in our thoughts as we should. ... is able to produce effects in the natural realm ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the peace-bringer in the natural.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... but also of a strong and robust natural constitution, otherwise he ... painfulness, his
answer was, He had his life of God, and therefore it should be spent for ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life
... the old life as you will, it will remain natural, and cannot ... quit the old; for the
time we have spent in it ... The Christian life should be one of joyful vivacity ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/christs resurrection and our newness.htm

Growth
... The one is natural, the other mechanical. ... And even in his closet, where only should
reign silence"a ... Life is a perpetual self-condemning because they are not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/growth.htm

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
... This should put all of us to try what it is ... death, besides Jesus, the resurrection
and the life, else it ... see here, that delivery out of this natural state of ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xix and the life.htm

The Transfiguration
... that they who willed to lose their life should find it ... flame illuminates a lamp,
and what the life is like ... steeped in the splendor which was natural to holiness ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 2-8 the transfiguration.htm

Last Words.
... as in His case, so in ours"this is only the natural and necessary ... experimental teaching
on the greatest of all human subjects"how life should be spent. ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xv last words.htm

The Battle of Life
... But in our eventful battle of life the checks and bars ... all have to meet with in our
natural constitution and ... No marvel to me that Mr. Pliable should say, as he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the battle of life.htm

The Tongue.
... of human nature, to restore the natural equilibrium of ... hearts he knows, whose integrity
and life are above ... like to use the expression, lest it should appear to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/i the tongue.htm

Tillotson -- the Reasonableness of a Resurrection
... resurrection is not a thing incredible to natural reason, I ... of a blest resurrection
to eternal life, and the ... the thought of so glorious a reward should make us ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/tillotson the reasonableness of.htm