Pursuing Peace and Promoting Good

Romans 12:17-18

By Pastor Craig Phelps, April 20, 2024

Introduction: Paul has been showing us in verses 14-21 how we are to interact with others in certain, sometimes very difficult and even hostile, situations. Before we wrap this section up with the final two commands from verse 17 and 18, I want to share with you a couple real life illustrations to show you not only how this is done but that it can actually bring about the results that we might want.

• In engaging Rosario Butterflied, how did Pastor Ken and his wife Floy follow Paul’s instructions in Romans 12:14-21?

• What might have been challenging for you to do the same?

• In what areas of your life do you encounter people who have a different and even hostile view of the world or you?

• How might you engage them with goodness and compassion with the goal of them seeing Jesus in you?

• Thinking of the martyred missionaries in Ecuador, if you knew your ultimate sacrifice would bring someone to Christ, would you be willing to do it?

• If you are in anyway hesitant to say yes, I understand the struggle but ask yourself why? Reconsider your answers in light of the grace and mercy you have received?

• If Christ was willing to humbly and mercifully make the ultimate sacrifice to save us, is He asking too much of us to make sacrifices to get the message to the lost?

• Consider what it must have been like for the wife, daughter & sister of some of the martyred missionaries to continue to pursue this tribe and even live among them.

17b Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

• We are to promote good things that are morally excellent and profitable both physically and spiritually. We are to do this before everyone, regardless of merit. This good must include the gospel for them to be saved.

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

• In pursuing peace and harmony with others, what is within your control?

• What is not within your control?

• In promoting good we must share a gospel that will often divide the faithful from the faithless. Why is their potential peace with God worth potentially risking peace with your neighbor?