"Let the peace of God rule..."
Text: Colossians 3:15
THE PEACE OF GOD
The apostle Paul employed the word “peace” in a number of ways in his epistles.
1. The peace of God that ensues from salvation in Christ (Romans 5:1).
2. The peace of God that will guard our hearts and minds from anxiety attacks (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. The peace of God as a salutary word in greetings (1 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2).
THE PEACE OF GOD THAT RULES
Paul adds another dimension to the word “peace” in the following text.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to which also you were called in one body;
and be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
1. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts”
a) The word “rule” has the idea of “control”.
b) This is written in the imperative.
i) The individual is urged to respond positively and humbly.
ii) The whole church is to respond to this imperative of peace.
2. “To which also you were called in one body”
a) Our calling has many aspects.
i) Calling to salvation.
ii) Calling to service.
iii) Calling to be at peace with one another in the church.
b) “One body”
i) This is a reference to the Church.
ii) It is a reference to the Body of Christ.
3. “And be thankful”
a) Thankfulness is key.
b) Let us be thankful for our salvation.
c) Let us be thankful we belong to the Church, the Body of Christ.
d) This sense of thankfulness will enhance our appreciation of keeping peace in Church.
e) This word was also written in the imperative!