Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers". What does this mean? What is peacemaking? Today's message deals with such questions.
Matthew 5:1-9
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.
9. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.
Dynamics of Beatitudes
Spiritual Poverty --> Mourning over sins --> Attitude of Meekness --> Hunger for Righteousness --> Mercy, Purity, Peace-making
Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit - Becoming more like Christ
Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
9. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.
-The children of God are in fact peacemakers.
-It’s not about how you become a Christian; it’s about how you grow as a Christian.
The Peace of God
Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord JEsus Christ.”
Colossians 1:20 “And having made peace through the blood of the cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto himself.”
Peace of Reconciliation to
1. God
2. People
What does it mean by the peacemaker?
Transliteration: a person who makes or works toward peace.
A peacemaker is someone who is actively seeking to reconcile people to God and to one another.
What is Peacemaking?
Peacemaking is not...
1. Absence of conflict
2. Avoidance of strife.
Two ways of peacemaking:
1. Peace Preacher
a. Romans 10:15 “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tiding of good things.”
2. Peace Practitioner
a. Matthew 5:43-35 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
b. Romans 12:18-19 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Practical Application
1. Pray
2. Plan
3. Practice