A sermon on the 7th beatitude, blessed are the peace maker

1. The Laws of the Kingdom – Part 8 Blessed are the peacemakers Mathew 5:9

3. II. THE MEANING OF PEACE A.) The definition of true peace Peace is not just an absence of conflict. It is not merely a cessation of hostilities. Peace comes from the Greek word “eirene” (Which means quietness and rest), which in turn is a rendering of the Hebrew “Shalom” which basically means “I desire for you all the righteousness and good God can give.” The term can be meant to say “peace, completeness, and welfare”

4. C.) The Conflicts from Bringing True Peace True peace comes only when the truth reigns. Christ never pronounced a blessing on apostates. Whenever He met someone who was in error He pointed out the person's error. He knew true peace would come only as people responded correctly to the truth. (Luke 12:51 to 53) B.) The Purity Accompanying True Peace James 3:17 says, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable." God's wisdom attains peace through purity. Peace is never established at the expense of righteousness. Two people will never accept peace until they accept that their bitterness and hatred is wrong, and they humble themselves before God and make things right.

5. III. THE AUTHOR OF PEACE The author of peace is God. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:33--"God is not the author of confusion but of peace." Apart from Him there is no peace. In Romans15:33 Paul said, "Now the God of peace be with you all" (cf. 2 Thess. 3:16). God is the source of peace, Christ is the manifestation of peace, and the Holy Spirit is the agency of peace. Galatians 5:22 says, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, [and] peace."

6. IV. THE MESSENGERS OF PEACE Christians are the messengers of peace. First Corinthians 7:15 says, "God hath called us to peace." Second Corinthians 5:18-20 says, "All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we beg you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." A.) Real Christians have made peace with God Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

7. A.) Real Christians have made peace with God Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified (made righteous) by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Colossians 1:20 says that Christ "made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself."

11. B.) Real Christians Help Others Make Peace with God Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace!“ Acts 10:36 - “This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (NLT) 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 says “Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we beg you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.“

13. V. THE RESULTS OF BEING A PEACE MAKER Aside from finding real happiness, Our Lord's promise to peacemakers is that "they shall be called the sons of God" In Matthew 5:9 the Greek word translated "sons" is huioi, not tekna, which means "children." Tekna was used to express tender affection; huioi describes a position of dignity and honor. When Christ spoke of being called "sons of God" He went beyond affection to promising a privileged position--the honor of being a peacemaker.

14. CONCLUSION A real genuine Christian is more than someone who says he made a decision at one time, walked an aisle, raised his hand, signed a card, or talked to a counselor. He is someone who is poor in spirit, mourns over sin, and is meek before God. He hungers and thirsts for God's righteousness, has been shown mercy by God, and has a corresponding desire to show that mercy to others. Purity of heart and peacemaking also mark the Christian. Those are all qualities that Jesus said marked the citizens of His kingdom.

15. Most of the Notes in this slide are lifted from John MacArthur’s Bible Study Guide “The Beatitudes.” For complete Bible study Guide notes, sermon notes and the audio message of this series visit www.gty.org . Other inputs and revision of outlines and notes by Zigfred Diaz To download other slides that can be used for sermons visit the Master’s Community Fellowship website at www.tmcf.zdiaz.com