In the world in which we live today, being a peacemaker is somewhat foreign to people’s thinking because when we choose to be peacemakers, we are most likely considering other people’s interests above our own. And that is not popular today.
1. What does Philippians 2:3-5 ask you to do?
2. In order to enjoy life and see good days, what must you do? 1 Peter 3:10-12, Psalm 34:14
3. How do you obtain the personal peace Jesus is talking about in John 14:27? John 14:21, Galatians 6:7
4a. According to Hebrews 12:14 what must you do to live in peace?
4b. What do the words “strive or pursue” mean to you?
5. What happens when you live in peace and others choose not to live in peace? Luke 10:5-7
6. Why does God want you to pursue peace and live in it? 1 Peter 3:10
7a. What situations or people tend to “steal” your peace?
7b. What must you do with those situations to NOT allow your peace to be stolen?
Why Did God Create Us?
Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7
We were created to glorify God. You can read it in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” And again in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The way to accurately glorify God is to allow Him to work through you. To truly glorify Him, you need to give Him every part of your life. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Many Christians only allow God to rule in part of their lives. God cannot be glorified the way He deserves if we do not give Him everything!
Picture the world champion Lego builder. He has built people, buildings, animals, etc. out of Legos. You give him a tub of Legos and tell him to glorify himself as a master Lego builder. His finished product is a stack of 5 Lego blocks. Not that impressive. However, all you gave him was 5 blocks. The world champion Lego builder cannot glorify himself with 5 blocks the way he should be glorified. God cannot be glorified the way He deserves either when you only give Him part of your life. God is the Master Creator who designed you and the world you are living in. If you give Him your whole life, He can and will turn it into something beautiful. Once you do the Romans 12:1 and give Him every part of your life, now you must do the Romans 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.” You renew your mind by daily reading the Word of God (Joshua 1:8) and memorizing key scriptures that remind you of God’s promises and what He has instructed you to do. As you do this, God will manifest Himself and reveal His plans for your life (John 14:21). As you follow that plan, God will be glorified!
Psalm 34:14 – Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
Luke 10:5-7 – 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
Bonus: Psalm 37:37 – Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace.