Keeping the Peace

Ephesians 4:2-3

THEME: One of the common expressions we have grown used to seeing and hearing around Christmas time is “Peace On Earth.” This phrase has been adopted as a slogan for world peace and meant to encourage nations and people groups to get along with each other. Sadly, however, there seems to be constant conflict not just throughout our world but in our homes, communities, workplaces, and churches. In this passage, Paul listed FIVE ATTITUDES that are essential to maintaining unity in the church, or said another way, keeping the peace among believers. These attitudes also serve to keep the peace in our marriages, families, neighborhoods, and workplaces.

BE HUMBLE-Don’t be prideful

BE GENTLE-Don’t be harsh

BE PATIENT-Don’t be impatient

BE TOLERANT-Don’t be intolerant

BE DILIGENT-Don’t be indifferent

Application Questions
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

When you hear the expression “Peace On Earth,” what comes to your mind in light of all the conflict in our world and/or the conflict you may be experiencing in your home, neighborhood, or workplace?

What typically happens when a “domestic disturbance” takes place in your home? How do you seek to resolve the situation and restore peace in your relationships?

How is unity a profound reflection of the nature of the triune God? In what way is the testimony of Christ in the world directly related to the unity of Christ’s followers in the church? Why is it so critical for you to work hard at maintaining unity in our church (cf. Jn. 17:20-23)?

Read Ephesians 4:30-32. Why does it grieve the Holy Spirit when you don’t get along with others? Do you need to confess and put away any of the sinful attitudes listed in these verses in the way you are thinking, talking, or acting toward someone (i.e. spouse, child, parent, sibling, friend, etc.)?

Read Romans 12:18 and 14:19. What are some specific things you can do to pursue peace with someone you may have a conflict with right now (cf. Prov. 19:11; Mt. 5:23-24; 18:15; 1 Cor. 6:7; Col. 3:12-14; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; Heb. 12:15; 1 Pet. 4:8)?

Which of the five attitudes Paul listed in Ephesians 4:2-3 do you struggle with the most and need to ask the Spirit of God to cultivate in you the most (cf. Gal. 5:22-23)?

Thank God for not only providing you unity with other believers but also the means to maintain that unity. Ask the Holy Spirit to produce in you the fruit of the Spirit which will enable you to preserve the unity of the Spirit and live peaceably with others in your home, community, workplace, and church. Pray that God would also help you to wisely and winsomely take advantage of opportunities to share Christ with unsaved family members, friends, and coworkers during the holidays.

“There is enough of the flesh in every one of us to wreck any local church. Therefore we must submerge our own petty, personal whims and attitudes, and work together in peace for the glory of God.”

William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, 1933