The gospel of peace

The gospel is a proclamation of peace to the world.  It points to the Prince of Peace, who has brought peace between God and man, and one day will establish an everlasting peace. The gospel of peace is evident in what we say, how we say it and how it changes our lives. 
 

How does the gospel of peace apply to our behavior?

Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. - 1 Peter 2:12

Sexual purity is one of the most evident ways that we proclaim the gospel of peace to the world.  When Christians have strong families, marriages free from pornography and adultery, and children who practice abstinence and modesty, we stick out. We are ridiculed and ostracized, but we are also an example of how life should be lived.  People from broken, abusive homes are desperate for what the gospel offers and what our lives model.

 

How does the gospel of peace apply to the battle against lust?

 

When I was living according to the lust of the flesh I had no peace. (You should be Waging War not Expecting Peace)  I felt as though I was being tossed about by waves of lust, guilt, and defeat. One of the ways that the battle changed in my life was that I confessed to God that I loved the sin.  It was a big turning point.  I realized the depths and ugliness of my sin and called on the Lord to help me obey no matter what the cost. 

With the armor of God, we will have peace in the midst of battle. If you don't feel at peace when the waves and wind of desire and temptation billow then it is probable that you haven't fully committed to mortifying the flesh. The Lord will answer your prayer and His Spirit will give you a peace that assures you that you can overcome lust.  He will strengthen and guide you as you work to kill the appetites of the flesh.