PEACE PRIZE

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Today, we begin a four-part study of a great teaching taken from Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. In this message, the follower of Jesus Christ is given a clear calling from the Lord to have an open heart to the Lord. As we will hear, the Lord desires that we be a people who are open to the work of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our being. 

As you read this great passage, listen for the ways in which the follower of Christ is encouraged to embrace Jesus Christ as the Lord of their hearts. 

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(Colossians 3:15-17 NIV11)

Core

At the core of this teaching, the follower of Christ can hear the call to allow the Lord to rule in their heart. In verse 15, the follower of Christ is encouraged to receive a great gift from God as they open up their heart to the Lord in ways that bring real and lasting impact. 

Further

I am sure that you already understand the significance of the gift of a heart-deep relationship with the Lord, but there is a concept found in this verse that I want to bring out for further examination. 

The Greek the text of verse 15 reads, “καὶ ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ Χριστοῦ βραβευέτω ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν” (Allow the peace of Christ to rule / reign in your heart).

The reason I am sharing this with you is that the word used in this verse that provides the command force and verbal action is that of “βραβεύω” (Brabeuō). 

This word can carry the idea of governing or ruling (hence the translation of “rule in your hearts”), but in the wider Greek world of the first century, this term carries another meaning.

Award

This word, “Brabeuō,” is also used to describe the awarding of crowns, laurels, or prizes after a competition. 

Let’s say you ran in a local track and field event, and that you won the 400-meter dash. Congratulations. The act of awarding your prize would be included in the meaning of this Greek word. 

So why does this matter?

By reading this verse with the award motif as an additional layer of meaning, I am left with the idea that the peace of Christ is a gift given by God and not something that I earn through faithfulness. 

But I am also left with the idea that the gift of God’s peace will not reign or rule in my heart unless I am willing to compete, or better said, I will receive the gift of God’s peace when I step forward into my calling to be obedient to the Lord. 

Gift of peace

To me, this idea of the peace of Christ being awarded to those willing to step forward in faith fits with the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ as he said:

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(John 14:23-27 NIV11)

Listen to the call of Christ in this message. 

•   Those who are willing to open their hearts to the Lord (anyone who loves me), are given the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the words of the Lord, and the peace of Christ. 
•   Why not start your day by opening your heart to Jesus and asking the Lord to be the king over your heart all day today?

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Worked at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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