299. HEB 12:14. FOLLOWING PEACE

Heb_12:14. Following Peace

"Follow peace with all men."’97Heb_12:14

The religion of Jesus is emphatically a religion of love and peace. Its spirit is beautifully expressed in the song of the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, and good will towards men." The exhortation, therefore, in the text, is one quite in accordance with the essential principles of genuine Christianity

I. Let us define the Duty specified.

"Follow peace."

It includes,

1. The cultivation of a peaceable disposition and state of mind.

The natural state of the heart is angry contentious, bitter, &c. Now this must be rooted out, these must be crucified, &c. And the love, and meekness, and gentleness of the new man cultivated and cherished.

It includes,

2. A cordial desire to promote peace among our fellow-men.

Our motto must be, "We are for peace." Imitate Moses, who tried to heal the breach between two Israelites.

Then to follow peace is,

3. To make this a principal object of our attention.

Study for peace, speak for peace, labor for peace, make sacrifices for peace. Be diligent and prompt in trying to effect it. Seek peace, and pursue it.

Then, observe,

4. The extent of this duty.

"With all men." In the domestic circle. In the church of Christ. And with the enemies of the cross. As far as lieth in your power, "live peaceably with all men."

Notice,

II. The Means necessary to be adopted in following Peace.

1. Be deeply impressed with its importance.

It is of the greatest possible importance to yourselves, to your fellow men, to the cause of Christ.

2. Set Christ’s example continually be fore you.

Never forget his dove-like spirit. Or think upon his meekness, his long-suffer-ing, his forbearance, &c. "Let that mind be also in you," &c.

3. Pray for the hallowing influences of the Spirit of peace.

It is the province of the Spirit to produce fruits of goodness, &c. He will form a serene and holy atmosphere, which will produce the happiest effects upon our minds.

4. Always act according to the word of the God of peace.

Our duty is not hypothetical, it is clearly and fully revealed. We are taught how to act towards our foes, and how to deal with offending brethren. Now the divine rule must be carefully and implicitly followed

III. The Motives by which this Duty may be Enforced.

By following peace,

1. We shall resemble the blessed Deity.

He is "the very God of peace." His Spirit is the Spirit of peace. Christ is the prince of peace. His word, the word of peace. His kingdom, the kingdom of peace.

2. We shall greatly advance and recommend the Gospel.

Gainsayers will be silenced. The world will be constrained to say, "See how those Christians live; how they love one another." Inquirers will be encouraged and comforted.

3. We shall be blessings to the church.

And without this, our prayers, our gifts, our influence, our money, will only be the bane of the church. Peace is essential to its prosperity.

4. We shall be interested in the especial promises of God.

"Blessed are the peace-makers," &c. All things shall be at peace with us, &c. "And the very God of peace shall be with you," &c. 2Co_13:11.

5. We shall thus obtain an essential qualification for heaven.

Heaven is the region of eternal undisturbed peace. And we must have this congenial feeling before heaven can possibly be enjoyed.

Application

1. Press this duty on the conscientious practice of the believer.

2. Urge the sinner to be at peace with God, by repentance, and faith in Christ

Autor: JABEZ BURNS