PEACE-ROBBERS GALORE

•    threats to peace: international, domestic
•    common marital conflict-causers (Rodney Wilson): money, kids, sex, work, in-laws, time commitments, ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, misunderstanding, unrealistic expectations, stern talk

BECAUSE GOD MAKES ME A PRIEST

•    tempted to push as ‘king of the castle’
•    2:5,9 “to be a holy priesthood / royal priesthood”
•    Reformation - priesthood of all believers: church’s org chart very flat
•    not victimizing (pushing) but vicarious (priestly)
•    powering priestliness: all God’s done for us (2:3,9f, 21)
•    offer spiritual sacrifices; declare praises of Him who called us (2:5,9)
•    key to priest-consciousness: set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts (3:15)

AND WATCHES OVER THE LEAST

•    remember God is God, ultimate Judge: Jesus rejected by people but precious to God (2:4)
•    God’s eyes are on the righteous (3:12; cf 2Chron 16:9, Ps 11:4, Prov 15:3)
•    Mary’s Magnificat: God mindful of servant’s humble state, lifts up the humble (Lk 1:48,52)
•    not to retaliate / repay evil or insult except with blessing, Jesus-style (3:9; 2:23; cf Rom 12:14,17; Mt.5:44)

I’M AN AGENT OF HIS PEACE

•    must seek peace and pursue it, work to maintain it (3:11)
•    in COMMUNITY (2:12ff): live as servants, gentleness, respect... e.g. oppose sexual assault
•    in WORKPLACE (2:18ff): submit with all respect, endure hardship ‘conscious of God’
•    in HOME AND MARRIAGE (3:1ff): reverent, gentle, submissiveness, be considerate, treat with respect/honour
•    in CHURCH (3:8): in harmony/unity, sympathetic, love as brothers/sisters, compassionate, humble-minded/kind
•    obeying leaders a good training-ground for humility (cf Heb.13:7,17)

PAYING THE PRICE OF PEACE

•    pursuing peace can be pricey
•    Thomas Watson: Jesus ‘Prince of Peace’ - “as He prayed for peace, so He paid for peace”