“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/col.3.15.ESV
“and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body. And be thankful —”
Colossians (Col) 3:15 CJB
https://bible.com/bible/1275/col.3.15.CJB
1. When we talk about the “peace/shalom of Christ/Messiah” what does the word “peace/shalom” actually mean?
Ans. Peace/Shalom means to join together or bind that which has been separated.
2. The peace/shalom of Christ/Messiah can also refer to a condition or state of being for a person. The root of the word meaning to bind together so what would the condition that exists be like?
Ans. It refers to a state of wholeness whereby one is not in conflict with Christ/Messiah. This condition is both positional and conditional. We are at peace/shalom with Christ/Messiah through our relationship with Him and His provision for our sin has resolved our previous state of being an enemy. Practically or conditionally we are at peace/shalom day by day when we walk under the control of the Spirit of God.
3. In verse 15 of Colossians 3 we read that we are to let the “peace/shalom of Christ/Messiah”rule in our hearts. What does this mean?
Ans. To have something rule means to let it be an umpire. The role of an umpire is to make sure competitors follow the rules in a contest. Those that compete according to the rules and are victorious will be awarded a prize. When the “peace/shalom of Christ/Messiah” rules in our hearts His peace/Shalom lets us know we are operating according to the rules.
4. Paul also says to let this peace/shalom rule in your hearts. What is the heart as referenced in this verse?
Ans. The heart is not in the chest but is located in the mind. It is the center of man’s intellect, will and emotions. It is the center of both physical and spiritual life for us.
5. What can we do so the peace/shalom of Christ/Messiah will rule our hearts?
Ans. The peace/shalom of Christ/Messiah works like an umpire to alert us when we are “out of bounds” or have failed to center our thoughts on what Scripture tells us to do. Our minds must be focussed upon the thoughts of God (scripture) as we deal with life.
6. Discuss the word “thankful” as used here and other Scriptures and discuss how an attitude of gratitude can bring peace.
thankful
[ thangk-fuhl ]
adjective
feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.
“GRATITUDE WILL CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE!”
Ans. Scriptures to assist Col. 4:2; I Thess. 5:18′ Ps. 107:21; Ps. 86:12; Ps. 9:1-2; Ps. 92:1-2. Thankfulness is resting in the sovereignty of God for one’s life