"God of... Peace"

    The description of God we are looking at this week is one that is only used in the New Testament: God of peace.

peace is the Greek word, eirene (Strong’s #G1515), means to join together into a whole, wholeness.

‘God of peace’ means that the Lord is the author and promoter of wholeness.

    Used six times* in the N.T. this description of God may, at first glance, seem insignificant and simply a term Paul (and the Hebrew writer) liked to use, but if we take a closer look at each usage I think we will discover something of significant value.

*Romans 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21, and “Lord of peace” found in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, which I decided to include in this study, as it is used only once.

    This is what I have learned from these verses:

When will our God of peace act?   

• When we need to withdraw from disorderly (idle, undisciplined, unruly) brethren who do not walk as the apostles gave example/instruction (context of 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Matthew 18:15-20)
• When we note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine and need to turn away from (avoid) them (context of Romans 16:20)
• When we obey the command to “be of one mind and live in peace” and humbly hear correction, learn to acknowledge our sins, and seek God with repentant hearts (context of 2 Corinthians 13:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• When we give our anxieties to God, ask for His help, train our minds to focus on thankfulness and whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy, and follow Paul’s example and instruction (as he followed Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 John 2:3-6, context of Philippians 4:9)
• When we need to do our part and also patiently help those who are unruly, fainthearted, and weak (context of 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Romans 12:1-2; 9-21)
• God has done, and continues to do, His part and He wants to bless us when we do our part in humble, submissive obedience (context of Hebrews 13:20, John 3:14-21)

What will our God of peace do?

• He will give you peace always and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16, Philippians 4:6-7)
• He will crush Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:20)
• He will be with you (1 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9)
• He will sanctify you completely; our whole spirit soul, and body preserved blameless at Jesus’ coming (set you apart, 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
• He will make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:20-21)

    We serve a God who is whole and wants us to be whole in Him. When we do what He asks we can be at peace with Him and in following His instructions we can, as much as depends on us, live in peace with our brethren and our neighbours. God has provided all we need to do this! Let’s be of one mind, follow His commands, and learn to live in the wholesome peace He grants us.

You can do it! So can I!!