PEACE IN OUR TIME!
Matthew 5:9 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
INTRODUCTION: Here at the very onset, I do not want us to confuse what Jesus says when he calls “PEACEMAKERS” blessed, and what we have going on around the world today, where we have “PEACEKEEPERS”.
Peacekeepers are those who go in AFTER peace has been restored. Peacemakers are those who themselves take responsibility for restoring the peace AND then are active in keeping the peace.
Jesus assumes that peacemakers will enter into the kingdom. Since you and are headed for the kingdom, at least SOME of us MUST be peacemakers!
And now, when you think about it, which of us would not want to be called a son or daughter of God?
I THE FOUNDATION FOR BEING A PEACEMAKER
A Founded in the Person of Christ
Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Ephesians 2:14-18 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Colossians 1:20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
B The Nature of Christ is peace – the Old Testament
1 This peace speaks of a state of wholeness and unity, a restored relationship
2 Peace restored through payment of tribute to a conqueror
3 Peace restored through restitution to one wronged
4 Peace through the completion of a business transaction
C The Activity of Christ is Peace – the New Testament
1 A state of tranquility
2 Harmony between individuals
3 The way that leads to peace -- Luke 1:79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."
4 The one who concludes peace
II WE ARE CALLED TO BE PEACEMAKERS
Matthew 5:9 Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
A We are called to bring others into a peaceful harmony
1 Peacemaking is more than passive compliance
a With Jesus we see that peacemaking was an active activity
b Jesus went to the cross
c Jesus shed His blood
d The activity of Jesus brought about peace
e If Jesus were a peacekeeper, He would have waited till we made peace with God and then stepped in to keep that peace. Guess what – He would still be waiting!
2 The goal of peacemaking is not just peace but RECONCILIATION
a The Peacemaker is not content to see “hostilities” cease, but to see them replaced with something better and biblical.
b The ultimate goal of peacemaking is to end bitterness and strife through reconciliation!
B The Makeup of a Peacemaker
1 The desire to make peace
a If we are not concerned with being a peacemaker, we are arrogant people.
b We are not concerned enough for ourselves, and others to make peace
c We are refusing to submit this area of our lives to God’s control
2 The desire to reflect God’s character
a The text says that peacemakers will be called the “sons of God”
b In the same manner we reflect the image of our parents, we are to reflect the image of God. Peacemaking DOES THIS!
Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out.
Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
3 The desire to maintain peace
a Peace with our children
1 Define boundaries
2 Define right and wrong
3 Discipline fairly
4 Disciple habitually
5 Affirm constantly
6 Compete sparingly
b Peace with friends
1 Accept graciously
2 Apply least hurtful meaning to words
c Peace with spouse
1 Listen to each other
2 Confess to each other
3 Rebuild lives together
III OUR PERSONAL PEACE – How we maintain ourselves as a peacemaker
A REDEMPTIVE PEACE
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
UNDERSTAND THAT WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH THE WORK OF CHRIST
B SANCTIFIED PEACE
Romans 8:6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN HAVE THE PEACE OF GOD THROUGH THE CONTROL OF THE SPIRIT
C WITNESSING PEACE
Romans 10:15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN BRING GOD’S PEACE TO OTHERS THROUGH THE COMMUNICATION OF THE GOSPEL
D TESTIFYING PEACE
Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
UNDERSTAND THAT WE CAN ILLUSTRATE GOD’S PEACE TOWARDS OTHERS
E VICTORIOUS PEACE
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
UNDERSTAND THAT THE GOD OF PEACE WILL REALIZE HIS VICTORY THROUGH US
