Bible Study

The Gift of Eternal Life Berean Bible Study Course

Part II--The Process Of Reconciliation With God

F. Lesson 12--We Must Be Faithful In Serving The Lord

18. READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11-14

b. What should we live in?

Answer: Christians should live in peace, (verse 11).

MORE INFORMATION AND/OR OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

• Mark 9:50: [Jesus said,] "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

Being "salty," or having salt in ourselves is to have Jesus and the Gospel in ourselves, working constantly so that we do not lose our flavor. Christians are at peace with each other when they recognize in each other a common commitment to Jesus and the Gospel. All other differences, whether gender, nationality, social status, etc., fall away to nothing.

• Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Living at peace with everyone allows us, as peacemakers, to fulfill the commands of God to teach others the Gospel so that they might be brought to repentance:

1 Timothy 2:1-4: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the Truth."

• Holiness and peace go together:

Hebrews 12:14: "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

• Wisdom that comes from heaven and that is learned through God's holy Word is peace-loving. Peacemakers are able to spread the Word of God and bring to full growth a harvest of repentant souls so that they may also stand righteous before God:

James 3:17-18: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."