3 John 1:15 (ESV)
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
The above verse is an appropriate conclusion to this little letter from John. John, at this time, is in his 90s. He is well aware of all the problems in churches. 3 John is an example of one of those problems: Doctrinal division in the church. John was aware that there were traveling ministers who were going from church to church. Some where teaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified and risen. But, some were teaching false teaching. In 2 John, John is instructing them to greet those who come and teach sound doctrine. In 3 John he is warning them about those in the church who are being divisive. So, when we read “peach be to you,” we have a better understanding of the motive behind his concluding statement. The church that he was writing to in 3 John was NOT at peace. A man named Diotrephes was causing division in the church and even putting one out of the church. His power was contrary to Christian love and obedience to Christ. When he tells them to “greet the friends,” it is obvious that he knows some in the church. He is encouraging them all, however, to be at peace. One of the earmarks of the Church is “peace.” Here are three of the most familiar verses about peace for the Church:
1. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
2. Peace is a piece of the armor of God - Ephesians 6:15 (ESV) ... and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
3. The earmark of a true child of God - Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
We are to go about making peace as we use allow the Spirit of God to produce peace in our lives and empowers us to fight the Evil One. Satan wants to have discord in the church and between lives. He wants the church in pieces. God wants the church at peace. God wants us to have peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
3 John 1:15 (ESV)
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
The above verse is an appropriate conclusion to this little letter from John. John, at this time, is in his 90s. He is well aware of all the problems in churches. 3 John is an example of one of those problems: Doctrinal division in the church. John was aware that there were traveling ministers who were going from church to church. Some where teaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified and risen. But, some were teaching false teaching. In 2 John, John is instructing them to greet those who come and teach sound doctrine. In 3 John he is warning them about those in the church who are being divisive. So, when we read “peach be to you,” we have a better understanding of the motive behind his concluding statement. The church that he was writing to in 3 John was NOT at peace. A man named Diotrephes was causing division in the church and even putting one out of the church. His power was contrary to Christian love and obedience to Christ. When he tells them to “greet the friends,” it is obvious that he knows some in the church. He is encouraging them all, however, to be at peace. One of the earmarks of the Church is “peace.” Here are three of the most familiar verses about peace for the Church:
1. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
2. Peace is a piece of the armor of God - Ephesians 6:15 (ESV) ... and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
3. The earmark of a true child of God - Matthew 5:9 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
We are to go about making peace as we use allow the Spirit of God to produce peace in our lives and empowers us to fight the Evil One. Satan wants to have discord in the church and between lives. He wants the church in pieces. God wants the church at peace. God wants us to have peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Romans 14:18-19 (ESV)
18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
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