10.20.2021 | BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Every believer is a minister of Jesus Christ.
Peacemaking is a challenging ministry, but a calling upon every believer.
The Beatitudes are for every believer.
“Only a new man can live this new life.” – Martin Lloyd-Jones
Matthew 5:9 (AMP) – “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character] and be called the sons of God.”
Peacemaking calls us to humble ourselves; to go low like the Ultimate Peacemaker.
1. The Living God is The Ultimate Peacemaker
Romans 5:10 – “For if when were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His Life.
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:14 – “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.”
Ephesians 2:17 – “And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.”
Colossians 1:20b – “Having made peace through the blood of His cross.”
2. Our Calling is to Be Peacemakers as He is a Peacemaker
2 Corinthians 5:18 – “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
We are called to help people make peace with God through faith in Christ, and we are called to help people make peace with each other.
What are some steps we can take to help people make peace with each other?
A. Be Willing to Listen
James 1:19 – “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
We want to engage in dual listening.
B. Lay Down Our Agenda and Seek His
Matthew 7:4 – “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye?’”
C. Be Willing to Apologize
Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar; and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
D. Be Willing to Forgive
Mark 11:25 – “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in Heaven may also forgive your trespasses.”
E. Speak The Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 – “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head – Christ.”
F. Seek to Bring Everyone to The Foot of The Cross
Colossians 1:20b – “Having made peace through the blood of the cross.”
The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
G. The Ultimate Role of The Peacemaker is to Introduce People to Jesus Christ
2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
Romans 10:15 – “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things.’”
We shall be called the sons of God. We shall be like our Heavenly Father.
Peacemakers show themselves to be children of God.