The Peace
of God
By
Shelby G.
Floyd
To know and experience the peace of God is something that every person should seek as a priority in life. "The peace of God" can only come from "the God of peace." This is stated very clearly in Paul's letter to the Philippians:
Philippians 4: 7
"And the peace of
God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:9
"What ever you
have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into
practice. And the God of peace will be
with you."
Notice that Paul says what we have seen, heard and received from him, if we will put it into practice, "the peace of God" and "the God of peace" will be with us. How then can we maintain this peace that passes all understanding? In this context Paul outlines several principles that will help all of us to "keep the peace."
Stand Fast
First, in order to enjoy the peace of God one must "so stand fast in the Lord." (Philippians 4:1). "Stand fast" is from [stekw-steko], and means to stand firm, persist, persevere, like a soldier holding the line against the enemy. No one can enjoy the peace of God unless that person takes a strong stand on Christian principles against our archenemy Satan himself. When each Christian decides to so stand fast in the Lord it should be with the same spirit that Captain Parker's words on the Village Green in Lexington, Massachusetts inspired the ragtag army in 1776: "stand your ground, no fire unless fired upon; but if they mean to have a war let it begin here.” But the words of the inspired apostle Paul who was greater than Captain Parker should inspire all of us to take our stand in the Lord:
Ephesians 6:12-13
For our struggle is
not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on
the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to
stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
God wants his people to so stand fast in the Lord so they can gain the victory that is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice that this exhortation to stand fast is repeatedly stated in the New Testament:
1 Corinthians 16:
13-14
Be on your guard;
stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
NIV
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
NKJV
Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has
set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of
slavery.
Philippians 1:27
Only conduct
yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come
and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in
one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren,
stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or
our epistle.
NKJV
Let us then my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, so stand fast in the Lord so we can know the peace of God that comes from the God of peace, and enjoy the victory that he has promised us when we are faithful. Copyright © 2009 Shelby Floyd, All Rights Reserved