Page 71 - Prophetic Word Newsletter Archive 2011

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PEACE In closing out our thoughts on this beatitude of seeking to be a WAR
peacemaker, let us ponder briefly a series of Scriptures in which
PEACEMAKERS we can truly establish that this is primarily an INWARD fruit that
God is seeking in His people in the midst of trying and difficult

times such as Paul describes:

“BUT UNDERSTAND THIS, THAT IN THE LAST DAYS TROUBLEMAKERS
WILL COME (SET IN) PERILOUS TIMES OF GREAT STRESS AND

TROUBLE, HARD TO DEAL WITH AND HARD TO BEAR…”
2 Tim 3:1 Amplified Bible

“…IF IT IS POSSIBLE, It is significant to note that this passage in Rom. 12:18 is sandwiched
AS MUCH AS DEPENDS between these two comments, “Repay no one evil for evil” and, “Beloved,

ON YOU, do not avenge yourselves”. In other words, this is counsel for people
LIVE PEACEABLY potentially in the midst of very disturbing trouble. This is counsel for the
WITH ALL MEN…”
believer to do “as much as depends on you” to live peaceably
Rom.12:18 with all men. Don’t fall for the trap of returning evil deeds with evil deeds
of your own. Don’t seek revenge. If such is needful, God’s counsel is for

His people to leave that responsibility totally in God’s hand.
He alone is the Righteous Judge.

“…AND LET Likewise we find this verse from Col. 3:15 is prefaced contextually
THE PEACE OF GOD with the admonition to “bear with one another, and forgive one

RULE IN YOUR another, if anyone has a complaint with another, even as Christ
HEARTS, TO WHICH forgave you, so also must you do” (Col. 3:13). It is imperative to note
YOU WERE CALLED…” the responsibility lies upon the “peacemaker” to LET (allow) the peace
of God to rule in your own heart regardless of what is taking place in
Col.3:15
the heart of the other party.

“PURSUE PEACE These passages from Heb. 12:14-15 place before us an
WITH ALL MEN… ongoing mandate to “pursue peace with all men.” Do all that is
LEST ANY ROOT OF
BITTERNESS SPRINGING UP within your power to be at peace. Note what follows is a
CAUSE TROUBLE, AND BY warning to watch out for “roots of bitterness” springing up
THIS (bitterness) MANY when it does not go well. If we fall short of walking in God’s
BECOME DEFILED”Heb. 12:14-15 grace, this verse warns us that many can become defiled
“……ENDEAVORING
TO KEEP THE UNITY through such things as bitterness, frustration and
OF THE SPIRIT unforgiveness due to a lack of achieving desired peace.
IN THE BOND Let us cultivate the fact that God is not only at work in these
OF PEACE…” Eph. 4:3
situations, but also that the devil is at work as well.

Do not be surprised that nearly every Scripture which admonishes
us to be at peace is surrounded with potential conflict. This

passage from Eph. 4:3 is no exception. The verse above it calls
us to “…longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.” Our text
verse uses the word “endeavoring” which simply implies a need to

work hard at it, which is not an easy task.

“…BE DILIGENT Our final passage is similar to the one above. We must be
TO BE FOUND IN HIM “diligent” in our effort to be found in a blameless state of peace.
That does not mean we will solve every problem we may have. It
IN PEACE, speaks of an inward peace. This is what marks a peacemaker in
WITHOUT SPOT
AND BLAMELESS.”2 Pet. 3:14 God’s sight.

Pastor Randy Shupe