Follow Peace

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord

‘Follow peace with all men.’ Romans 12:18 teaches that if it is possible, as much as lies in us, we must live peaceably with all men. 

‘Holiness’ [Greek: hagiasmos] means consecration. Translated as “holiness” (Rom. 6:19, 22; 1Thess. 4:7; 1Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14) and “sanctification” (1Cor. 1:30; 1Thess. 4:3-4; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2).

Fourteen requirements of the will of God and of sanctification (1Thess. 4:3-18): Abstain from fornication or all kinds of sexual sins (1Thess. 4:3). Know how to possess the vessel in sanctification and honour (1Thess. 4:4). Not in the lust of concupiscence or strong sexual desire (1Thess. 4:5). Here it means excessive sexual lust like that of the Gentiles who knew no bounds. No man defraud his brother by seducing his wife to corrupt her and break up a home (1Thess. 4:6). This still refers to sexual sins and not to cheating, for it deals with sexual uncleanness down to 1Thessalonians 4:7. Every type of perversion was practised among the heathen. Their gods, their rulers, and their teachers were examples of impurity. They had no system of ethics that forbade these practices. The Christian religion forbade them as worthy of death and hell and this has preserved the world from complete ruin to this day. Walk in holiness, not in the uncleanness of sexual perversion (1Thess. 4:7; Rom. 1:24). Do not despise men (1Thess. 4:8). Love one another (1Thess. 4:9; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Increase in love (1Thess. 4:10; 3:12). Study to be quiet (1Thess. 4:11; 2Tim. 2:15). Be diligent in business (1Thess. 4:11). Work with your hands (1Thess. 4:11; 1Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 2Thess. 3:10). Walk honestly before men (1Thess. 4:12). Have a bright hope (1Thess. 4:13-17). Comfort one another (1Thess. 4:18).