Live at Peace
Walking in Mercy, Using Gifts, and Choosing Peace
SCRIPTURE:
Romans 12:18 NKJV - If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
OBSERVATION:
Paul, in his familiar writing style, begins his letters with deep doctrinal truths and concludes with practical exhortation — showing us how these truths should shape our Christian life.
Romans 12:18 NKJV - If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
OBSERVATION:
Paul, in his familiar writing style, begins his letters with deep doctrinal truths and concludes with practical exhortation — showing us how these truths should shape our Christian life.
When he uses this pattern, Paul is saying that the Christian life is dependent on the great Christian doctrines. – Leon Morris.
Paul opens this section on Christian living with the words, “in view of the mercies of God” (Romans 12:1). Before urging us to walk in obedience, he reminds us that the Christian life is grounded in God’s mercy.
Some of these “mercies” that Paul has already revealed:
Justification from the guilt and penalty of sin.
Adoption in Jesus and identification with Christ.
Placed under grace, not law.
Giving the Holy Spirit to live within.
Promise of help in all affliction.
Assurance of a standing in God’s election.
Confidence of coming glory.
Confidence of no separation from the love of God.
Confidence in God’s continued faithfulness. – David Guzik.
Justification from the guilt and penalty of sin.
Adoption in Jesus and identification with Christ.
Placed under grace, not law.
Giving the Holy Spirit to live within.
Promise of help in all affliction.
Assurance of a standing in God’s election.
Confidence of coming glory.
Confidence of no separation from the love of God.
Confidence in God’s continued faithfulness. – David Guzik.
In light of this – past, present, and future – we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices.
APPLICATION:
1. Use the gifts God has given you
Romans 12:3-6 NKJV - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…
Each of us has been given gifts by grace, and Paul urges us to use them—to build up the body of Christ and encourage one another. When we walk in our giftings, we reflect Christ more clearly and are transformed as our minds are renewed.
Romans 12:2 NKJV - 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.
2. Love without hypocrisy.
Romans 12:9-10 NKJV - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Paul calls us to sincere, selfless love—a love that reflects Jesus. It’s neither manipulative nor selective; it’s genuine and sacrificial. He urges us to take the lead in honoring others, going out of our way to uplift and encourage those around us.
3. If possible, live at peace with everyone.
The “if possible” is connected to “as far as it depends on you.” This means we make every effort to live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18-19 CSB - If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God's wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.
This doesn’t mean we overlook justice—but it does mean we don’t seek revenge. It’s God’s job to make things right, and ours to trust Him throughout the process. We don’t take vengeance, nor do we secretly wish for it.
Instead, we’re called to something radical:
Romans 12:20-21 CSB - But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
APPLICATION:
1. Use the gifts God has given you
Romans 12:3-6 NKJV - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…
Each of us has been given gifts by grace, and Paul urges us to use them—to build up the body of Christ and encourage one another. When we walk in our giftings, we reflect Christ more clearly and are transformed as our minds are renewed.
Romans 12:2 NKJV - 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.
2. Love without hypocrisy.
Romans 12:9-10 NKJV - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Paul calls us to sincere, selfless love—a love that reflects Jesus. It’s neither manipulative nor selective; it’s genuine and sacrificial. He urges us to take the lead in honoring others, going out of our way to uplift and encourage those around us.
3. If possible, live at peace with everyone.
The “if possible” is connected to “as far as it depends on you.” This means we make every effort to live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18-19 CSB - If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God's wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.
This doesn’t mean we overlook justice—but it does mean we don’t seek revenge. It’s God’s job to make things right, and ours to trust Him throughout the process. We don’t take vengeance, nor do we secretly wish for it.
Instead, we’re called to something radical:
Romans 12:20-21 CSB - But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Is the heaping coals of fire on his head something good in the eyes of our enemy, or is it something bad? It most likely refers to a “burning conviction” that our kindness places on our enemy. Or, some think it refers to the practice of lending coals from a fire to help a neighbor start their own — an appreciated act of kindness… Nevertheless, we see that we can destroy our enemy by making him our friend. – David Guzik.
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me today, in light of Your great mercy, to love as You love. I know I cannot do this in my own strength. I need less of me and more of You in my life. Make me a living sacrifice. Teach me to serve with the gifts You've given, to love without hypocrisy, and to live at peace with others.
Jesus, help me today, in light of Your great mercy, to love as You love. I know I cannot do this in my own strength. I need less of me and more of You in my life. Make me a living sacrifice. Teach me to serve with the gifts You've given, to love without hypocrisy, and to live at peace with others.
In view of God’s mercy, we are called to love sincerely, use our gifts for His glory, and live at peace with all as far as it depends on us.
Posted in 06 - Romans
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