Quoting Romans 12:16-21, Pastor Nicky Joya talked about
the need for Christians to pursue peace with other people, as their
living testimony to those who have yet to hear God's Word.
Christians have been saved for the purpose of
serving God with our lives. In our relationships with one
another and with other people, we should glorify God. One way
of doing that is to project an image of peace. As a corporate
body, the church ought to be known as a group of peacemakers.
In his message, Pastor Nicky exhorted the congregation not to do
anything to destroy the image of peace that believers ought to be
known for. At the same time, he said that Christians should
avoid doing something that would provoke society to anger. This
would be possible by respecting the civil law and by becoming
beneficial, and not a burden to society.
However, it does not mean that Christians should
tolerate the evils in society or lower our moral standards to please
it. As Christians, we are expected to follow God's standards,
and not society's.
A. Pursuing Peace in the Body: A
Corporate Image of Peace
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud,
but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be
conceited.
1. Exerting maximum effort: (Romans 14:19;
Ephesians 4:)
2. Eliminating the main hindrance: pride
B. Pursuing Peace with Society: Do not
retaliate
1. Revenge is not right even in the eyes of
society.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be
careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
2. Revenge does not promote peace but fuels hostility.
18If
it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with
everyone.
3. Executing judgment is God's responsibility, not
man's.
19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave
room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge;
I will repay," says the Lord.
4. Taking revenge is being overcome by evil.
20On
the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is
thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap
burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by
evil, but overcome evil with good.
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