Matthew 5:9

DAY 26

Date: 11-17-2024

Sermon on the Mount

Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS

Scripture Matt 5:9

Pray

Read scripture: 

(NIV) 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Introductory Thoughts

Our book says on pg 60, (Holman Commentary) ‘Peace is, first and foundationally, internal and spiritual. It is not primarily physical, military, or political. Peace for the nations flows from peace in the hearts of individuals. Peacemakers are not power brokers but people lovers. The promised kingdom is characterized by peace, as described in Isaiah 9:6-7; 66:12-13; Micah 4:3.” 

We will touch on these thoughts as we move though this beatitude.

Overview

The more we grow in Christlikeness,

the more we start acting – and living – like whose we are;

and then, the more we start resembling our “ABBA, FATHER”

by doing what He does.

Main Point(s)

– The more single-mindedly devoted to God you are (pure in heart), the more clearly you will begin to see God. 

– The more clearly you begin to see God, the more peace you will have, and the the more peace you will make. 

Today’s Verse

(NIV) 9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Q: In looking at people you know, or historical figures other than biblical figures, who do you picture or see as a PEACEMAKER?

A: For me, it would be Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Ronald Reagan.

Q: In looking at biblical figures, who do you picture or see as a PEACEMAKER?

A: Joseph, David, Paul, yes, but Jesus is our great example. How? Why? 

Q: What is the plain simple meaning of the first half of this verse?

A: Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker. The master peacemaker. The consummate peacemaker. 

We are to emulate Him, and also make peace, as best as we are able, without compromising our character, our integrity or our theology. As we learn to make peace, we become like a “chip off the old  block,” so to speak. 

FOLLOW JESUS. IMITATE JESUS.

KNOW JESUS – KNOW PEACE

no Jesus – no peace

Q: Why do we need peacemakers?

A: To counter-act the chaos in the world caused by people who reject Christ (enemies of God).

Q: How do become Peacemakers?

A:  Colin Smith said, “Peacemakers are people who bring peace to others because they have it themselves.”

So, How do we get this peace?

Follow the Beatitudes backwards. 

– Peace in your heart comes from purity in your heart. 

James 3:17 elaborates on this: “(NIV 1984) 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

– Purity comes from being merciful.

– Mercy comes from hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

• Hungering and thirsting for righteousness comes from the first three beatitudes; 
• being broken over our sin, 
• recognizing our inability to save ourselves and our need for God, 
• which leads to meekness, or humility. 

Q: What do you have to give up to be a peacemaker?

A: Die to ourselves. Give up our rights for the sake of Christ and advancing His kingdom. Give up “acceptance” and “approval” by others. Live for and audience of one (Jesus).

Q: What do peacemakers do?

A: According to Chuck Swindoll, they:

1. relieve tensions
2. don’t feed fuel to fires of controversy
3. seeks resolutions to arguments and debates
4. keep offenses from festering into fractured relationships
5. generate light but not heat
6. is active, not passive
7. engaged in a ministry of reconciliation and restoration
8. they model in this life the ministry of Jesus, the Son of God (Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary)

Q: Why do you need wisdom to be a peacemaker?

A:  We need to be “tapped into” God’s Will; His perfect plan and purposes.

Quote part 1:

In a world characterized by conflict and rivalry, a keeper of the peace is rare, a peacemaker still rarer.

(Tyndale Commentary)

Q: What do you think this quote is assuming (or indirectly saying)?

A: A peacekeeper and a peacemaker are two different things! 

Q: What is the difference?

A: Maintaining vs creating. 

Quote, part 2:

This is the second half of the quote above:

“The absence of selfish ambition which has marked the earlier beatitudes provides the only basis for this quality, which is particularly pleasing to God (Ps. 34:14).” (Tyndale Commentary)

(NIV) Ps 34:14 “Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.”

Related verses:

Ps 55:9 A lament for broken relationship. 

Collin Smith says, “There is strife in the city because there is strife in our families. There is strife in the family because there is strife in our hearts.”

Ps 55:9b “… I see violence and strife in the city.” (NIV)

Consider others better (or more important) than yourselves.

Read a “one-another” list.

Die to yourself and take up your cross daily

(Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary) Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Phil 4:4-9 (This passage is how we prepare ourselves to be peacemakers.)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.’

God has called you to peace. 1 Cor 7:15

(NIV 1984) Pro 12:20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,

but joy for those who promote peace.

(NIV 1984) Heb 12:14 Make every effort (ESV says, “Strive”) to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

———————————————————

Observations:

The beatitudes are in order. You cannot skip any steps. 

Conclusion:

Be single-minded lay devoted to God, and you will grow in Christlikeness.

Application:

Links:

Next Week:

Our next class will be on November 23.

We will be covering MATTHEW 5:10-12