The Gospel of Peace
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
The apostle Paul teaches us that one purpose to prayer is so that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” A good Christian wants peace with others (Romans 12:18). This peace gives us the opportunity to practice godliness and reverence. Physical disruptions, such as famine, war, violence, and disease, distract from daily Christian living. The good life is the quiet and peaceable life showered by God’s blessings of family and friends who assemble as Christians to worship.
Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). God gives the good life, but Satan wants to take it away. His chief tool is sin, and he uses it to disrupt, disturb, and destroy. Recently, I was “cussed out” by someone. It was unnerving to be the object of such hatred and wrath, and it reminded me how good I have it most days. I know that some Christians endure such treatment regularly. It’s sad, but it reinforces the need for the gospel. Paul goes on to tell Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:5, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). The solution to the sin problem is the gospel. If you want more people to live in peace, preach the gospel to them.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley