Living the Gospel: Pursuing Peace and Goodness

 

Summary

In our exploration of Romans 12:17-18, we delve into the profound call to live a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel. These verses challenge us to rise above our natural instincts and embrace a higher standard of conduct, one that mirrors the character of Christ. The Apostle Paul urges us not to repay evil with evil but to provide things honest in the sight of all men. This is not merely a call to passive non-retaliation but an active pursuit of goodness and peace, even in the face of wrongdoing.

The essence of this teaching is rooted in the wisdom that comes from above, a wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. It is a wisdom that calls us to be peacemakers, reflecting the heart of God in our interactions with others. This is not a call to weakness or passivity but to a strength that is grounded in the love and truth of Christ. It is a call to live in such a way that our actions testify to the reality of the Gospel, making it evident to all that we are children of God.

Furthermore, Paul acknowledges the complexities of human relationships by introducing qualifications to this call for peace. He recognizes that peace is not always possible, as it depends on the willingness of others. However, as much as it lies within us, we are to strive for peace, ensuring that we are never the cause of discord. This balance between truth and peace is crucial, as we are called to contend for the faith without compromising the truth, yet doing so with love and patience.

Ultimately, the guiding principle in all our interactions should be the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts. This peace acts as an umpire, guiding our responses and ensuring that our actions are aligned with the character of Christ. It is a peace that transcends circumstances and enables us to live in harmony with others, reflecting the unity and love that is found in the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Non-Retaliation and Active Goodness: We are called not to repay evil with evil but to actively pursue goodness in our interactions. This requires a conscious decision to rise above our natural instincts and reflect the character of Christ in all we do. [07:12]

- Wisdom from Above: True wisdom is characterized by purity, peace, and mercy. It calls us to be peacemakers, reflecting God's heart in our relationships. This wisdom is not passive but actively seeks to promote peace and goodness. [05:00]

- The Role of Peace in Christian Conduct: While peace is a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct, it is not peace at any price. We must balance truth and peace, contending for the faith without compromising the truth, yet doing so with love and patience. [33:28]

- The Impact of Our Actions on Others: Our actions should always consider the impact on others, particularly how they reflect on the Gospel. We are to live in such a way that our conduct testifies to the reality of the Gospel and the transformative power of Christ. [21:24]

- The Peace of Christ as Our Guide: The peace of Christ should rule in our hearts, guiding our responses and ensuring that our actions align with the character of Christ. This peace transcends circumstances and enables us to live in harmony with others. [46:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Romans 12:17-18
- [01:07] - Practical Application of Doctrine
- [02:13] - Reaction to Others' Actions
- [03:02] - Unity and Humility
- [04:26] - Wisdom from Above
- [06:42] - Non-Retaliation Principle
- [09:03] - Christ's Example of Non-Retaliation
- [11:42] - Positive Response to Evil
- [15:01] - Thoughtful Christian Conduct
- [20:45] - Impact on Others and the Gospel
- [24:42] - Christ's Teaching on Love and Enemies
- [30:28] - Qualifications for Peace
- [39:33] - Contending for Truth
- [46:03] - Peace of Christ as Our Guide

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:17-18
- James 3:17-18
- Matthew 5:38-48

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific instructions does Paul give in Romans 12:17-18 regarding how we should respond to evil actions from others? [00:15]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the wisdom described in James 3:17-18, and how does it relate to our conduct as Christians? [05:00]

3. How does the sermon explain the concept of "providing things honest in the sight of all men" as mentioned in Romans 12:17? [12:12]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the practical application of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-48 about turning the other cheek and loving our enemies? [09:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the balance between truth and peace in Christian conduct, and why is this balance important? [33:28]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the peace of Christ should act as an umpire in our hearts, guiding our responses to others? [46:03]

3. How does the sermon address the potential misunderstanding of "peace at any price," and what guidance does it offer for maintaining peace without compromising truth? [33:28]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of our actions on others, particularly in how they reflect on the Gospel? [21:24]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you were tempted to retaliate against someone who wronged you. How might you apply the principle of non-retaliation and active goodness in a similar future situation? [07:12]

2. Consider a relationship in your life where peace is difficult to maintain. What steps can you take to strive for peace, as much as it lies within you, without compromising your values? [29:42]

3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to balance truth and peace. How can you ensure that your actions reflect both the truth of the Gospel and the peace of Christ? [33:28]

4. Think of a time when your actions might have negatively impacted others' perception of the Gospel. What changes can you make to ensure your conduct testifies to the transformative power of Christ? [21:24]

5. How can you cultivate the wisdom from above, characterized by purity, peace, and mercy, in your daily interactions with others? [05:00]

6. Reflect on a person or situation that challenges your ability to love your enemies. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate love and kindness in that context? [25:27]

7. How can you let the peace of Christ rule in your heart this week, especially in situations that typically disturb your peace? What specific actions or prayers can help you maintain this peace? [46:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Active Goodness Over Retaliation
In Romans 12:17-18, believers are called to rise above their natural instincts and reflect the character of Christ by not repaying evil with evil. Instead, they are encouraged to actively pursue goodness in all interactions. This requires a conscious decision to embody the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating a life that mirrors Christ's love and truth. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that this is not a passive stance but an active pursuit of peace and goodness, even in the face of wrongdoing. By choosing to respond with integrity and kindness, believers testify to the reality of the Gospel and its impact on their lives. [07:12]

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were tempted to retaliate. How can you choose to respond with goodness and reflect Christ's character instead?


Day 2: Pursuing Wisdom from Above
True wisdom, as described in the sermon, is characterized by purity, peace, and mercy. It calls believers to be peacemakers, reflecting God's heart in their relationships. This wisdom is not passive but actively seeks to promote peace and goodness. It is rooted in the love and truth of Christ, guiding believers to live in a way that honors God and impacts others positively. By embracing this wisdom, believers can navigate complex relationships and situations with grace and integrity, embodying the peace and mercy that come from God. [05:00]

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God's wisdom to promote peace and goodness? How can you actively pursue this wisdom today?


Day 3: Balancing Truth and Peace in Christian Conduct
While peace is a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct, it is not peace at any price. Believers are called to balance truth and peace, contending for the faith without compromising the truth, yet doing so with love and patience. This balance is crucial in maintaining integrity and honoring God in all interactions. By striving for peace as much as it depends on them, believers can ensure they are not the cause of discord, while still standing firm in their faith. This approach reflects the heart of Christ and demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel. [33:28]

"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you balance truth and peace in your interactions today? What steps can you take to ensure you are not compromising your faith while promoting peace?


Day 4: Considering the Impact of Our Actions on Others
Believers are encouraged to live in such a way that their conduct testifies to the reality of the Gospel and the transformative power of Christ. This involves considering the impact of their actions on others and ensuring that their behavior reflects the love and truth of Christ. By doing so, they can positively influence those around them and demonstrate the unity and love found in the body of Christ. This call to thoughtful Christian conduct challenges believers to rise above selfish desires and prioritize the well-being of others, ultimately glorifying God in all they do. [21:24]

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: How do your actions reflect the Gospel to those around you? What changes can you make to ensure your conduct aligns with the transformative power of Christ?


Day 5: Letting the Peace of Christ Guide Our Hearts
The peace of Christ should rule in believers' hearts, guiding their responses and ensuring that their actions align with the character of Christ. This peace transcends circumstances and enables believers to live in harmony with others, reflecting the unity and love that is found in the body of Christ. By allowing the peace of Christ to act as an umpire in their hearts, believers can navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives. [46:03]

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to let the peace of Christ guide your heart? How can you cultivate this peace in your daily interactions?

Quotes



"Recompense to no man evil for evil now in other words we are as he goes on to show us to try to live at peace with all men so here is again the Practical carrying out of what he's laid down for us if we have that wisdom from above we shall have a wisdom that is first pure and then Peaceable." [00:04:31]

"Now this is the positive aspect of the statement what does this mean well unfortunately our translation here in the authorized version is not too good and people taking it as being the true translation have often misunderstood it completely and some have interpreted this as being just an injunction to us to provide for those who are dependent upon us." [00:11:56]

"Now what does this mean well you see the whole key is in that word take thought in advance in other words somebody does you an evil and the danger is to act instinctively to act automatically don't do that he says stop think think ahead think in advance before you do anything think about it don't allow yourself to act in this instinctive manner." [00:13:50]

"Now here again the word is interesting and important provide good things in the sight of all men there are two words which are used to convey the idea of goodness the first word is a word that describes inherent or intrinsic goodness something which is good in its very nature in and of itself that's one word which is used and is translated as goodness or good." [00:15:59]

"Now here it is now when this happens to you don't think only about yourself think of the effect of what you do in reply to this upon others not only upon Christians but upon all men now here you see is this great principle we are always to behave in such a manner whatever may happen to us that we are acting in a responsible Manner." [00:20:48]

"The people outside are going to judge the gospel judge the whole of the Christian message by what they see in us they see it's very easy to talk talk is very cheap but you people you make great claims what do you like in practice they're always watching therefore we are to provide things honest always in the sight of all men." [00:21:46]

"Now let me give you some Parable parallel examples of this same teaching you remember how our Lord puts it in The Sermon on the Mount take for instance Matthew 516 here it is let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in him they're watching you they're observing you and they know to whom you belong." [00:23:48]

"Now let me give you some Parable parallel examples of this same teaching you remember how our Lord puts it in The Sermon on the Mount take for instance Matthew 516 here it is let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in him they're watching you they're observing you and they know to whom you belong." [00:23:48]

"Now let me give you some Parable parallel examples of this same teaching you remember how our Lord puts it in The Sermon on the Mount take for instance Matthew 516 here it is let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in him they're watching you they're observing you and they know to whom you belong." [00:23:48]

"Now let me give you some Parable parallel examples of this same teaching you remember how our Lord puts it in The Sermon on the Mount take for instance Matthew 516 here it is let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in him they're watching you they're observing you and they know to whom you belong." [00:23:48]

"Now let me give you some Parable parallel examples of this same teaching you remember how our Lord puts it in The Sermon on the Mount take for instance Matthew 516 here it is let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in him they're watching you they're observing you and they know to whom you belong." [00:23:48]

"Now let me give you some Parable parallel examples of this same teaching you remember how our Lord puts it in The Sermon on the Mount take for instance Matthew 516 here it is let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in him they're watching you they're observing you and they know to whom you belong." [00:23:48]

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Transcript
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