Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 7 in Series on Beatitudes

2001036

Topic # 09

Introduction:

A. Imagine the shock of the Jews as they heard wds of Jesus in 5:9.

1. expected their Messiah to command army; march against Rom, establish Israel as the dominant, conquering, master race.

2. Looking for a military, national, materialistic kingdom.

3. Even the disciples of John the Baptist felt disappointed in Jesus’ actions – as He was not exactly what they expected:

a) Lk. 7:19

b) Jhn. 6:1-15 – crowds of people wanted to make Jesus a king over a physical realm.

c) He constantly telling them they were mistaken – His kingdom not materialistic.

4. It would take years for some to understand what Jesus getting at. Some never would.

5. Peace in material/political terms far from minds of many in His day.

B. Nothing can test us more & humble us than the beatitudes.

1. Last 3 beatitudes are the marks of a disciple being filled with righteousness.

2. Poor in spirit should be merciful; those who mourn become pure in heart; the meek become peacemakers.

3. In short, the beatitudes are a description of what a saved person is to be!

C. We must always be working to make sure we are doing our best to put these qualities into our lives.

1. involves daily commitment & self examination.

D. In this AM’s lesson:

1. we’ll examine what peace is.

2. what exactly is a peacemaker?

I. A look at “peace” in God’s word:

A. definitions: (American Heritage)

1. peace: freedom from quarrels; disagreement; harmonious relations; calm; serenity; peace of mind.

2. peaceful: not quarrelsome; free from disturbance; calm; serene.

B. What is God’s attitude toward peace? In short, He IS peace!

1. 1 Cor. 14:33; Rom. 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:20; 1 Thess. 5:23; Phil. 4:9 – God is the God of peace!

2. Ex. 34:6-7a – God wants a peaceful relationship w/mankind. We must be willing to do some things on our part to accomplish this peace.

C. Prov. 6:14, 16-19 – God hates those who seek to destroy peace.

1. it = abomination to Him.

2. Strife; contention; disharmony – will NOT go unpunished!

D. Jesus = the Prince of Peace!

1. Isa. 9:6-7; Lk. 2:14

2. Jesus spoke often of peace – Jhn. 14:27; 16:33

a) we’ll talk more later on what exactly this peace is.

E. The Bible emphasizes “peace” w/in the church.

1. Rom. 12:18; Eph. 4:3; 1 Pet. 3:10-11; Titus 3:10

2. Does not mean peace at all costs.

a) does not sweep problem under rug; pretend that it doesn’t exist.

b) This will result in the death of the a local congregation.

c) Beware: don’t mistake peace for spiritual death/decay.

3. But…this does not excuse senseless quarreling of matters of judgment….

a) congregations tore up over jealousy; covetousness; tastes; etc.

b) This type of behavior condemned in NT.

F. Bible emphasizes peace in our personal lives.

1. In our families. Some families can’t get along to ride in same car for distance or can’t eat together w/o confrontation.

a) Sad! Ungodly for the Christian family.

2. peace w/employer – quit knit picking…ungodly.

3. peace w/our spouse – w/some spouse can never do anything right.

G. There is a clear need for peace in our lives. How can it be obtained?

II. What/Who is a Peacemaker?

A. For peace to be made – it involves effort. Not always easy.

B. A peacemaker is someone who makes peace between man & God!

1. in this case … Jesus.

2. Isa. 59:2 – man separated from & are enemies of God.

a) all strife results from sin.

b) Way to have peace on earth is to eliminate sin.

3. peace made through the shedding of Jesus’ blood – Col. 1:19-22

4. See also Eph. 2:12-19

a) 2:12 – note the state before Christ.

b) 2:13 – note the importance of blood here.

5. We must take advantage of the terms of peace – our obedience to the gospel – putting on new man though waters of baptism – Rom. 6:1-6

C. A peacemaker will seek to make peace between himself and God.

1. he will rid himself of sin so that he might have fellowship w/God

2. 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Cor. 13:5

3. ANYTHING that could hinder ones relationship w/God – needs to be removed!

D. A peacemaker will seek to make peace between others & God.

1. A soul winner.

2. Urges people to be reconciled to God.

3. Again we should be able to see what true peace is – not the pretend peace/unity that comes by “agreeing to disagree” or by “winking at sin.”

4. Peace comes by getting our sin/error in open before God & working to resolve the problem.

E. A peacemaker seeks to make peace between men.

1. Promotes unity; harmony; happiness rather than sowing discord/division.

2. again – Rom. 12:18 comes to mind.

3. Mt. 5:23 –will not worship until straightening his differences w/His brother.

4. Mt. 18:15-17 – He quickly goes to any bro/sis who has offended him to correct the problem.

5. 2 Cor. 5:7 – He would rather take wrong or be defrauded than to be striving w/brother.

6. Mt. 18:21-22 – will be forgiving of others – even if multiple times.

7. This possible b/c he has the proper view of himself:

a) He sees himself as he really is:

b) Has proper view of others…

1) Not,….”why is he like that…”

2) But…that person is under the influence of Satan - & needs my sympathy & help.

F. A peacemaker will promote peace between others:

1. He does not sow discord.

a) He learns not when to speak – Js. 1:19

b) Though often feeling like saying something – he does not – for sake of peace.

2. This = type of person who views every situation in light of the gospel.

a) Looks for means for promoting peace

b) Active rather than passive.

3. This – someone who encourages peace by being calm; selfless; loving; loveable; & approachable.

IV. Peacemakers are called children of God.

A. Stevens: “called” means “owned.”

1. these are those who resemble God - & they shall be called His children.

2. They manifest the spirit of God.

B. Christians will be of God’s household – Eph. 2:19-22. Wonderful thought!??!!

Conclusion:

A. Will we have perfect peace in this life? Not always.

1. but peace that passes all understanding can be found through Jesus!

2. Have you found that peace? Are you looking for that peace?

C. Peace comes through laying your sinful out in the open b/f God & humbly asking for forgiveness – making commitment to get life right.

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Blessed are the Peacemakers Part 7 in Series on Beatitudes 2001036 Topic # 09 Introduction: A. Imagine the shock of the Jews as they heard wds of Jesus in 5:9. 1. expected their Messiah to command army; march against Rom, establish Israel as the dominant, conquering, master race. 2. Looking for a military, national, materialistic kingdom. 3. Even the disciples of John the Baptist felt disappointed in Jesus’ actions – as He was not exactly what they expected: a) Lk. 7:19 b) Jhn. 6:1-15 – crowds of people wanted to make Jesus a king over a physical realm. c) He constantly telling them they were mistaken – His kingdom not materialistic. 4. It would take years for some to understand what Jesus getting at. Some never would. 5. Peace in material/political terms far from minds of many in His day. B. Nothing can test us more & humble us than the beatitudes. 1. Last 3 beatitudes are the marks of a disciple being filled with righteousness. 2. Poor in spirit should be merciful; those who mourn become pure in heart; the meek become peacemakers. 3. In short, the beatitudes are a description of what a saved person is to be! C. We must always be working to make sure we are doing our best to put these qualities into our lives. 1. involves daily commitment & self examination. D. In this AM’s lesson: 1. we’ll examine what peace is. 2. what exactly is a peacemaker? I. A look at “peace” in God’s word: A. definitions: (American Heritage) 1. peace: freedom from quarrels; disagreement; harmonious relations; calm; serenity; peace of mind. 2. peaceful: not quarrelsome; free from disturbance; calm; serene. B. What is God’s attitude toward peace? In short, He IS peace! 1. 1 Cor. 14:33; Rom. 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:20; 1 Thess. 5:23; Phil. 4:9 – God is the God of peace! 2. Ex. 34:6-7a – God wants a peaceful relationship w/mankind. We must be willing to do some things on our part to accomplish this peace. C. Prov. 6:14, 16-19 – God hates those who seek to destroy peace. 1. it = abomination to Him. 2. Strife; contention; disharmony – will NOT go unpunished! D. Jesus = the Prince of Peace! 1. Isa. 9:6-7; Lk. 2:14 2. Jesus spoke often of peace – Jhn. 14:27; 16:33 a) we’ll talk more later on what exactly this peace is. E. The Bible emphasizes “peace” w/in the church. 1. Rom. 12:18; Eph. 4:3; 1 Pet. 3:10-11; Titus 3:10 2. Does not mean peace at all costs. a) does not sweep problem under rug; pretend that it doesn’t exist. b) This will result in the death of the a local congregation. c) Beware: don’t mistake peace for spiritual death/decay. 3. But…this does not excuse senseless quarreling of matters of judgment…. a) congregations tore up over jealousy; covetousness; tastes; etc. b) This type of behavior condemned in NT. F. Bible emphasizes peace in our personal lives. 1. In our families. Some families can’t get along to ride in same car for distance or can’t eat together w/o confrontation. a) Sad! Ungodly for the Christian family. 2. peace w/employer – quit knit picking…ungodly. 3. peace w/our spouse – w/some spouse can never do anything right. G. There is a clear need for peace in our lives. How can it be obtained? II. What/Who is a Peacemaker? A. For peace to be made – it involves effort. Not always easy. B. A peacemaker is someone who makes peace between man & God! 1. in this case … Jesus. 2. Isa. 59:2 – man separated from & are enemies of God. a) all strife results from sin. b) Way to have peace on earth is to eliminate sin. 3. peace made through the shedding of Jesus’ blood – Col. 1:19-22 4. See also Eph. 2:12-19 a) 2:12 – note the state before Christ. b) 2:13 – note the importance of blood here. 5. We must take advantage of the terms of peace – our obedience to the gospel – putting on new man though waters of baptism – Rom. 6:1-6 C. A peacemaker will seek to make peace between himself and God. 1. he will rid himself of sin so that he might have fellowship w/God 2. 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Cor. 13:5 3. ANYTHING that could hinder ones relationship w/God – needs to be removed! D. A peacemaker will seek to make peace between others & God. 1. A soul winner. 2. Urges people to be reconciled to God. 3. Again we should be able to see what true peace is – not the pretend peace/unity that comes by “agreeing to disagree” or by “winking at sin.” 4. Peace comes by getting our sin/error in open before God & working to resolve the problem. E. A peacemaker seeks to make peace between men. 1. Promotes unity; harmony; happiness rather than sowing discord/division. 2. again – Rom. 12:18 comes to mind. 3. Mt. 5:23 –will not worship until straightening his differences w/His brother. 4. Mt. 18:15-17 – He quickly goes to any bro/sis who has offended him to correct the problem. 5. 2 Cor. 5:7 – He would rather take wrong or be defrauded than to be striving w/brother. 6. Mt. 18:21-22 – will be forgiving of others – even if multiple times. 7. This possible b/c he has the proper view of himself: a) He sees himself as he really is: b) Has proper view of others… 1) Not,….”why is he like that…” 2) But…that person is under the influence of Satan - & needs my sympathy & help. F. A peacemaker will promote peace between others: 1. He does not sow discord. a) He learns not when to speak – Js. 1:19 b) Though often feeling like saying something – he does not – for sake of peace. 2. This = type of person who views every situation in light of the gospel. a) Looks for means for promoting peace b) Active rather than passive. 3. This – someone who encourages peace by being calm; selfless; loving; loveable; & approachable. IV. Peacemakers are called children of God. A. Stevens: “called” means “owned.” 1. these are those who resemble God - & they shall be called His children. 2. They manifest the spirit of God. B. Christians will be of God’s household – Eph. 2:19-22. Wonderful thought!??!! Conclusion: A. Will we have perfect peace in this life? Not always. 1. but peace that passes all understanding can be found through Jesus! 2. Have you found that peace? Are you looking for that peace? C. Peace comes through laying your sinful out in the open b/f God & humbly asking for forgiveness – making commitment to get life right. D. I N V I T A T I O N