THE BEATITUDES
(Peacemakers - September 4, 2022)
Series Big Idea: "People in God's Kingdom will be known by several characteristics"
Sermon Big Idea: "Followers of Christ are peacemakers not peacekeepers"
Key Scripture (Matthew 5:1-12)
We have come to the seventh Beatitude in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Today our focus will be on verse nine.
(Matthew 5:1-12)
1 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He began to teach them, saying: 3 “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. 5 The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled. 7 The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. 8 The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. 9 The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. 12 Be glad and rejoice because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Most people define peace as the absence or separation of all conflict. But God’s definition is more than the absence of something, it is the presence of something. That something is righteousness. Righteousness causes right relationships.
The Jews use the word “shalom” frequently. It literally means may you have all the righteousness and goodness that God can give. It does not mean may you have no conflict. For example, in war, a truce and peace mean two completely different things. A truce means the shooting and fighting will stop for just a while. Peace, on the other hand, means the truth is known or has come to the surface and the issues are settled.
Biblical peace is not a truce. It conquers the problem and builds a bridge. But don’t be fooled, peace comes with a price. Biblical peace could cause you pain in some way or even bring you anguish. But biblical peace can come.
Jesus said something very interesting in chapter ten of Matthew.
(Matthew 10:34) “Don’t assume I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
Is Jesus contradicting Himself on what He said in our verse today? Absolutely not! Jesus knew that conflict had to come before peace could come. The words “I came” lead us to the purpose of Jesus coming. So, did Jesus come to bring peace or not? Yes, He did, but the peace He brings is not the absence of conflict. The word “sword” is a symbol of conflict. Jesus knew that for people to follow Him would cause disunity and conflict at times, and it did. The peace that Jesus brings is the overcoming of sin! It is bringing salvation into the world!
So, if this is the peace that Jesus brings and it is more than a truce, how are His followers peacemakers?
1. You must Accept the Gospel of Peace
You and I must first accept the gospel of peace. What is the gospel of peace?
(Colossians 1:19-20) For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross — whether things on earth or things in heaven.
(2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
God expects us to be ambassadors of this peace.
(Colossians 3:15) And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful.
(Philippians 4:7) And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
2. Help Others make peace with God
Evangelism is peacemaking.
(Romans 10:15) And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!
We know we have nothing to give. It is the peace of God through His Son Jesus that we are offering.
3. Help people make peace with Each Other
This is not easy, but it is possible. We are showing people and the world we are sons of God by being peacemakers.
(Romans 12:18) If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
Conclusion:
(Mark 9:50) Salt is good, but if it should lose its flavor, how can you make it salty? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another.
We are the only Jesus that some people will ever see. Accepting salvation from Jesus is only our first step on a journey of faith in Christ. It is daily living out the teachings of Christ.
(Matthew 5:43-45) 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 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
What will you do with Jesus today? What will you do with the peace of Jesus today?
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
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English Standard Version Bible
King James Version Bible
Christian Standard Bible
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