Between the Lines

Peace WITH God

Romans 5:1

• Circle “therefore” and draw an arrow pointing to chp. 4, verse 25.
• Hi-lite “we have peace with God.”
• Underline “having been justified by faith.”

Because of our faith (active, not dead faith), and obedience (justification) – we have peace with God THROUGH Jesus – without active, obedient faith we don’t have peace with God

Romans 3:10-18 is Paul’s list of the characteristics of the wicked, those who are not righteous.

      In this list (verse 17) he states “the way of peace they (the wicked) have not known”

• Number the list in the text.

Anytime you see a list (Paul uses them often), write down the list and number the list in the text.

Ephesians 2:14-17 – Jesus makes peace between Jew and Gentile.

• Hi-lite: “He Himself is our peace”, “one new man from two, thus making peace” and “He came and preached peace to you.”
• Underline “made both one”, “broken down the middle wall of separation”, “abolished”, “the enmity”, “reconcile them both to God.”

Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus is our Prince of Peace

• Underline “His name will be called
• Hi-lite “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Peace With Ourselves

Romans 8:6 – peace comes from being spiritually minded

• Circle “but” (shows a contrast).
• Hi-lite “to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
• Put a frowny face over “carnally minded.”
• Put a happy face over “spiritually minded.”

A spiritually minded person is more concerned about things of God than things of this world

Galatians 5:22-23 Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit.

                   Again Paul gives us a list.

• Number the list in the Text and write the list.

Romans 15:13 – We can have joy and peace in believing.

• Hi-lite “God of hope” and “power of the Holy Spirit.”
• Underline “fill you with all joy and peace.”
• Circle “abound in hope.”

Hebrews 13:5 – Being content will bring you peace.

• Circle “let” (a command word).
• Underline “without covetousness.”  Covetousness means the inordinate desire to possess what belongs to another” (Holman Bible Dictionary).
• Hi-lite “be content” and “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Philippians 4:11-12 – Must learn to be content if we want true peace.  It takes practice and perseverance.

• Hi-lite “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:”
• Hi-lite in another color the negative things, “abased”, “hungry” and “suffer need.”
• Hi-lite in yet another color the positive things, “abound”, “be full” and “abound.”

Paul is saying that his circumstances did not affect his state of content or his peace.  No matter what is going on around you or what may be happening to you, you can always have the peace only God can give.

Peace with Our Fellow Man

Heb 12:14 – Pursue peace!

• Hi-lite “pursue peace” and “holiness.”
• Circle “all people.”
• Underline “without which no one will see the Lord:”

Romans 14:19 – Pursue things which make for peace.

• Hi-lite “pursue the things which make for peace” and “the things by which one may edify another.”
• Circle “let us” (command words).
• Circle “therefore” and write a note:  “see verse 7” (this is where the therefore points).

Ephesians 4:3-Peace should be a bond, like glue, holding us together.  Keeping unity.

• Hi-lite “keep the unity” and “bond of peace.”

Matthew 5:9 – Jesus calls the peacemakers blessed.

• Hi-lite “peacemakers” and “sons of God.”

God’s Recipe for Peace

JEREMIAH 6:16 –

• Before the word “stand” write “if you”.  This is an implied “if-then” statement.
• Circle “then.”
• Hi-lite the verbs.  “Stand”, “see”, “ask”, “walk.”
• Put a box around “old paths”, “good way.”
• Hi-lite in another color “rest for your souls.”
• Double underline “we will not walk in it” and draw a frowny face.

STAND in the ways and SEE                  

-THAT’S FAITH, trust – knowing God is there.

 ASK for the old paths, where the good way is.

-THAT’S STUDY AND PRAYER, asking the Word so you can find God’s will, and asking God to show you the good way.

WALK in it.

-THAT’S OBEDIENCE, obey what we have learned.

Then-you will find rest for your souls.

That’s peace!

But they (Israel) said, ‘We will not walk in it.‘ – They REJECTED PEACE! the peace that God was willing to give them.

HOW DO I Maintain Peace?

Abstain from…

1.  Gossip and Being a busybody

     1 Peter 4:15 equates a busybody with murders, thieves, and evil doers!

Trying to take care of everyone else’s business is tiring and causes us unnecessary turmoil; stay out of other’s business and you’ll have peace!

2.  Evil Assumptions

     John 7:24 “don’t judge according to appearance.”

     When we assume others motives and thoughts we borrow trouble.

     Eccl 7:21 (NKJV) “do not take to heart everything people say”

3. Complaining & disputing

       Philippians 2:14 “do everything without complaining.”

       Don’t be “that one” who always has a negative thing to say.

       When dispute with others you destroy your own peace and you are keeping things “stirred up”

4.  Discontentment & Worry –

       Heb 13:5 – “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have”

       Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles.  It takes away today’s peace.

       Matt 6:25 “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.”

        Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry  about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 

5. Friendship w/world

James 4:4 – “whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

       When we care more about what we do and have in this world than we do our spiritual relationship with God, we rob ourselves of God’s peace.