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Sermon:
Concurrence
by Chris Cumming
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This congregation has just completed a 14-part series of sermons about
Salvation. Each one of those sermons originate out of the sermon on
repentance with the title, “Double Down.” That sermon was given at the
beginning of the Salvation series and after. I was learning ever as
much you as we made those full immersions into those subjects. For me,
that series was a life-changer for me. I received any number of
epiphanies from that series. Before we go further, what is an
“epiphany?”
One of the definitions is: “a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight
into the reality or essential meaning of something. In my case,
scripture. Another definition was given thusly: “an appearance or
manifestation of God.”
As we went through the Salvation series and the sermon, “Double Down”
there was a specific verse that kept coming to my mind and encouraging
me to look deeper into its meaning. Turn to Psalm 34.
Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
This verse is mentioned in three of the sermons we discussed:
Abdicate & Submerse
…a sermon about departure and seeking.
(second sermon in series)
Culmination
…the recap of all the sermons in the series
(last sermon in series)
Double Down
...a hands-on perspective to repentance
(the sermon that started it all)
From the Double Down sermon, the double-down phrases generated from this
verse are:
Double-down Phrases:
--Depart.
--Do Good.
--Seek peace.
--Pursue peace.
What kept intriguing me were the phrases, “Seek peace” and “Pursue
peace.” What do these phrases mean? What is the definition of
“peace?” What is the meaning of “seek” and “pursue?” How do these
terms differ? What are the deep abiding benefits of being at peace?
What does this peace have to do with my relationship with God?
With this sermon, the Word of God will answer all these questions as I
encourage all of us to seek peace and pursue it.
Seek peace; Pursue peace.
Let us begin with the title of this sermon, “Concurrence.” The
definition of this word is:
1] Accordance in opinion or agreement.
“Accordance” means agreement or conformity. The example use of this
word in my dictionary is, “in accordance with the rules.”
Interestingly, the word peace in the Bible is all about God, His way,
His will, and His rules.
God wants us in peace continually.
2] Law: a power equally held or a claim shared equally.
Linked words
Consensus
Unity
Accord
Harmony
Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
with:
1 Peter 3:11
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Seek H1245
primitive root; to search out (by
any method; specifically in worship or prayer);
by implication to strive after: - ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire,
get, make inquisition, procure, (make)
request, require, seek (for).
Pursue H7291
A primitive root; to run after (usually
with hostile intent;
figuratively
(of
time)
gone by):
- chase, put to flight, follow (after,
on),
hunt, (be
under)
persecute (-ion,
-or),
pursue (-r).
Ensue G1377
A prolonged (and
causative)
form of a primary verb δίω diō (to flee; compare the base of G1169 and
G1249); to pursue (literally
or figuratively);
by implication to persecute: - ensue, follow (after),
given to, (suffer)
persecute (-ion),
press toward.
Job 22:21
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come
unto thee.
Notice the commentary for “and be at peace.”
And be at peace
- There can be no peace while you maintain a warfare with God. It is a
war against your Maker, where he has control over your conscience,
your intellect, your body, and all which can affect your welfare;
and while this is maintained, there can be no peace.
If the mind is reconciled to him, there will be peace.
Peace of mind always follows reconciliation where there has been a
variance, and
nowhere is the peace so entire and full of joy as when man feels that he
is reconciled to God.
~Barnes Notes (emphasis mine)
Now for the phrase, “thereby good shall come unto thee.”
Thereby good shall come unto thee
- The benefits which he supposed would result from such reconciliation,
he proceeds to state in the following verses. They relate chiefly to
temporal prosperity, or to proofs of the divine favor in this life. This
was in accordance with the views which then prevailed, and especially
with their limited and obscure conceptions of the future state. They saw
a part - “we” see more; and yet we by no means see all. The “good” which
results from reconciliation with God consists in:
(1) pardon of sin;
(2) peace of conscience;
(3) the assurance that we shall have all that is needful in this life;
(4) support in trial;
(5) peace and triumph in death;
(6) a part in the resurrection of the just; and
(7) a crown incorruptible and undefiled in [the
Kingdom of God].
No man was ever “injured” by becoming reconciled to God; no one is
reconciled to him who is not made a better and a happier man in this
life, and who will not be crowned with immortal glory hereafter.
~Barnes Notes
Note:
What does our key verse say again?
Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
…it says to do good. The commentary I just shared with you says that if
I am reconciled to God, all kinds of good will be experienced by me.
Who best can manifest good as in “doing good?” Answer: the person who
is receiving good from God. Good from God comes when we are reconciled
to Him. This place or existence of reconciliation is Peace.
Psalm 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest
me dwell in safety.
Psalm 29:11
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his
people with peace.
Psalm 37:37
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is
peace.
Note:
The John Gill commentary, in explaining, “for the end of that man is
peace” says that peace comes from “being in the presence of God” (end
quote).
Metaphorically, peace is a place, i.e. in the presence of God.
And just who is allowed into the presence of God? The first part of the
verse answers this question: “the perfect and upright” person; the
person who is conforming to God and who is in concurrence with Him.
Peace is a place and condition wherein I am conforming to God in all His
ways and will.
Notice this concept in the next verse I have for you:
Psalm 85:10
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed
each other.
Note:
Righteousness is peace. I keep likening this concept of peace to a
place. Notice the last verse of Psalm 85.
Psalm 85:13
Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his
steps.
Note:
Peace happens when we are in the way of His steps. Notice this “place”
of peace in the continuing scriptures here. Notice how righteousness
and peace “kiss” each other.
Psalm 119:165
Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Proverbs 3:2
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at
peace with him.
Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 32:17
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of
righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Luke 1:79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 10:5
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but
righteousness, and peace,
and joy in the Holy Ghost [Spirit]
(emphasis
mine).
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and
things wherewith one may edify another.
Note:
Did you catch that? I showed you in scripture and commentary that we
receive good when we are in peace with God. What does God want you to
do, in turn? Answer: “edify one another.”
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches
of the saints.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith,
Colossians3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Zechariah 8:19
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast
of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth,
shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts;
therefore love the truth and peace.
...Therefore love the truth and peace. Truth and peace kiss each other.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of
these is charity.
As I am putting this sermon together I want to make it clear what
biblical and Godly peace is. I want to exhaust the language, as Paul
did, to explain what we are talking about.
Over the centuries and all of world history, man has been in pursuit of
peace. It turns out there are many, many definitions of peace depending
on the scholar speaking about it. For a long time the primary
definition of peace was the absence of war.
However, many peace scholars do not agree with giving an emphasis on
peace in the sense of an absence of war only. Peace, in their opinions,
is something more meaningful, valuable and important than that.
According to Albert Einstein‘s view, peace is not only an absence of
war, but it means or includes the presence of justice, law, order or
government in the society as he said ―Peace is not merely the absence of
war but the presence of justice, of law, of order – in short, of
government.
Some peace scholars are not satisfied with only that meaning. From
their own views, peace is a presence of more other good things like
virtue, justice, order, good law, good government, good relationship,
well-being, freedom, respect for human rights, security etc., or an
absence of violence. On the other hand, if we focus on the state of
mind, peace is calm, serenity, tranquility or peacefulness of mind.
Many scholars agree there are two kinds of peace: Internal and
External. Internal peace deals with the state of mind I just read, i.e.
"calm, serenity, tranquility or peacefulness of mind. These scholars
speak to the fact that Internal and External peace are linked to one
another and enhance each other. God talks about both.
Let us take our key verse of Psalm 34:14. I will include verse 13.
Psalm 34:13-14
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Seek peace
- Strive to live in peace with all the world. Compare the notes at
Romans 12:18.
And pursue it
- Follow after it. Make it an object of desire and put forth constant
efforts to live in peace with all human beings. There can be no doubt
that this is appropriate advice to one who wishes to lengthen out his
days. We have only to remember how many are cut down by indulging in a
quarrelsome, litigious, and contentious spirit - by seeking revenge - by
quarrels, duels, wars, and strife - to see the wisdom of this counsel.
~Barnes Notes
Quoted verse
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men.
Now the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (JFB) often times gets very wordy in its
commentary. It makes a simple statement regarding Psalm 34:13-14:
Sins of thought included in those of speech, avoiding evil and doing
good in our relations to men are based on a
right relation to God.
~JFB (emphasis mine)
Did you catch that last phrase? "Are based on a right relation to God."
Had the JFB expounded on that last phrase, they would have demonstrated
that the external and internal peace we seek begins in the throne room
of God. Albert Einstein was correct in defining peace as the presence
of justice, of law, of order -- in short, of government. God is the
author and creator of justice, law, order and righteous government and
this all began in the throne room of Almighty God.
The Keil Delitzsch commentary says something interesting: "peace is a
relationship, harmonious and free from trouble, that is well-pleasing to
the God of love."
Let us look at some definitions. Notice how they go from the simple to
the spiritually complex.
Definition:
Peace from Webster's Dictionary
1. In a general sense, a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from
disturbance or agitation; applicable to society, to individuals, or to
the temper of the mind.
2. Freedom from war with a foreign nation; public quiet.
3. Freedom from internal commotion or civil war.
4. Freedom from private quarrels, suits or disturbance.
5. Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear,
terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquility;
calmness; quiet of conscience.
6.
Harmony; concord; a state of reconciliation between parties at variance.
7. Public tranquility; that quiet, order and security which is
guaranteed by the laws; as, to keep the peace; to break the peace.
Note:
In this sermon, our primary focus is on number 6: Harmony; concord; a
state of reconciliation between parties at variance. For us, the
parties are you and God the Father.
This word is used in commanding silence or quiet; as, peace to this
troubled soul.
1] To be at peace, to be reconciled; to live in harmony.
2] To make peace, to reconcile, as parties at variance.
3] To hold the peace, to be silent; to suppress one's thoughts; not to
speak.
Note:
The first two of these three is our focus.
From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
---the gospel in Christ is a message of peace from God to men.
---it is “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
---an essential element in the spiritual kingdom of God.
---it is to be cherished and followed by Christians.
---the peace that Christ brought is primarily spiritual peace from and
with God, peace in the heart, peace as the disposition or spirit.
---this is represented as the ultimate result of the gospel and Spirit
of Christ; universal and permanent peace can come only as that Spirit
rules in men's hearts.
Note:
Virtually all of these speak to our focus.
Interestingly, in making this positive choice for eternal life, you set
in motion all the positive elements that make for a good life now.
Would this life not include peace?
Romans 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life
and peace.
If you are spiritually minded, one of the chief elements you will see,
experience and manifest using the power of the Holy Spirit is peace.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit. God wants us in peace. Based on the
full definition of peace, we see it as the opposite of sin and all
things negative. Indeed, sin and negative elements disrupt peace from
our heart, mind and soul, as well as how we comport ourselves in this
physical life.
Reminding ourselves of what we just read in Romans 8:6, what does Paul
say just a bit later regarding how we conduct ourselves from this peace?
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men.
Some Bibles put subject headings over portions of scripture and this is
present in the book of Romans. Romans 12:9-21 has a heading that reads,
"Marks of the True Christian." True peace comes from obeying God,
immersing ourselves into the Word of God and manifesting good. The
opposite is also true. The more you are at true peace, the easier it is
to obey God. Being at peace will result in you having great desire to
immerse yourself in the Word of God. And when you are at peace
throughout your heart, mind, soul and life, the more you will manifest
good.
Since Romans 12:9-21 is speaking to the marks or elements of a true
Christian (firstfruit), let us read that. See if you can identify
elements that must be coming from peace
Marks of the True Christian
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in
prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the
sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all
men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto
wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the
Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him
drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Every one of these verses; everyone of these admonitions only works from
a firstfruit in peace. And this list of actions you are being commanded
and encouraged to do results in peace. See how the manifestation works
both ways and/or makes for a positive cycle?
Now Paul is still speaking to us out of Romans after all these
admonitions of manifesting peace in the here and now. He goes on to
give us a good reason why we should be manifesting peace and living in a
continual peaceful state. Why be peaceful now? Because God and the
Kingdom of God are all about peace. Moreover, the greatest position
from which to manifest fruits of the Spirit is from the fruit we call
peace.
Romans 14:17
(read
before)
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost [Spirit].
Do you see the absolute perfection of how this verse is stated? God is
giving us some fantastic information here on how everything in God's
mind and way dovetail together for great prosperity and success and
ultimately eternal life. Verse 17 says the Kingdom of God is founded on
peace, Christ being the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). At the same time
this verse mentions righteousness and joy. Righteousness gives rise to
peace. Peace makes righteousness flourish in us. From our position of
peace, we easily and readily manifest the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Look at verse 17 again and the ten words after the semicolon. The words
righteousness, peace and joy are in chronological order. God guides us
to righteousness. From righteousness comes peace. That is, every
element in our lives is put at peace. From that peace, fruits of the
Spirit flow out of us. As we are in righteousness, we are in
concurrence (agreement;
consistency)
with God.
At the beginning of this sermon, I asked you several questions
including, “What does this peace have to do with my relationship with
God?” Answer: Christ is the Prince of Peace. That makes God the Father
the King of Peace. These two individuals are setting up a Kingdom of
Peace. They are the Royal Family. We are a part of that royal family.
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
That "marvellous light" is the place of peace
Two final verses:
Galatians 1:3
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus
Christ,
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Seek peace; Pursue peace.
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