RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-04-17	Pursuit of Peace
		Pursuit of Peace Our previous study took us to understand there is “peace with God” (Rm.5:1) and “peace of God” (Ph.4:9). And that the peace with God leads to the peace of God. The peace with God is what we receive from God when we believe on Christ. Since we have nothing to do with “peace with God”, because it is God's work, we should focus on pursuing the “peace of God”. So how do we pursue the peace of God? Because the peace of God is built upon having peace with God that comes at our salvation, this shows the foundation is based on trust. As we trust God for salvation, so we trust Him for our daily lives. The more we trust God, the more sense of peace we will have. So the pursuit of peace is accomplished by learning to trust God more. As we grow in faith more peace will be realized in our lives. Now the question becomes how do we get more faith? Or how do we learn to trust God more? We understand faith primarily as thinking (He.11:1, “evidence”). We think about God, His attributes, words, works, power, and His promises. In Romans Paul says we should “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rm.12:2). Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The more our minds are transformed, we will recognize what is “good”, “acceptable”, and “perfect”. We will act spontaneously out of the spirit of the mind (Ep.4:23). So pursuing peace is by pursuing righteousness in our lives. Some say, 'I want the peace but not all that righteousness stuff'. Well, it does not work that way. That way of thinking will end up conformed to this world. Continuing on that thought Paul says the spirit of our minds need to be renewed. Eph 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind Finally, Paul says we must set our minds on things above, not on things on the earth (Cl.3:2) Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. So to pursue peace we need to renew our minds, and be focused on things above, not on things of this world. The renewal Paul is calling for is profound, and deeper than any mere mental effort can achieve. As a Christian our constant prayer is, “Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law” (Ps.119:18) Or as Paul says, “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened” (Ep.1:18) God must do the renewing through his Word and by His Holy Spirit. If we are not in the Word as daily spiritual food, you will not have the peace of God. Php 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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