Scripture

Now may the God of peace – who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood – may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation

In his concluding thoughts, the writer prays a blessing on his readers. May the God of peace, the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, may He equip them (us) with everything we need to do His will..

The book closes with the formal greeting, “May God’s grace be with you all.”

Application

The blessings of God rely on our personal relationship with Him. He is a real God, described here as the God of peace.

The peace of God comes from our dedication to following the Lord Jesus. The term does not mean that God owns peace, so to speak, but that He is the source of peace. When we submit ourselves to Him, He shares his shalom or peace with us.

God was the one who raised Jesus from the dead, and he ratified a new covenant, a better covenant, in the blood of Christ. This covenant is eternal and will never be done away with.

God calls us to live a life of holiness and good works. We are not saved by our good works, but we are saved in order to produce good works.

Even these good works are not our efforts alone. We need God’s grace and power in order to do every good thing that is pleasing to him.

Prayer

Hallelujah! You are an awesome Father, Lord God. Thank you for saving me by your grace and for equipping me to do the things you want me to do. Amen.