Preaching on Peacemakers: Blessed
Today we focus on a beautiful and essential characteristic of the children of God: being The Peacemakers. Our text comes from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This powerful statement reveals both the high calling and the profound reward of those who actively work for peace.
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INTRODUCTION:
A. “PEACEMAKER” - It is an adjective that means peacemaker. Peacemakers are “BLESSED.” Jesus declares a special blessing upon those who actively make peace, highlighting the value God places on this endeavor.
I. PEACE IS HARD TO FIND:
Achieving and maintaining peace in a fallen world is not an easy task. The difficulty lies in:
A.
1. What to make it (Matthew 5:9). Being a peacemaker requires active effort, not passive wishing. It involves taking initiative to bridge divides and resolve conflicts.
2. What to seek it (1 Peter 3:10-12). The path to peace involves turning away from evil and doing good, seeking peace and pursuing it. It requires intentionality and a determined pursuit.
3. What to pursue it (Romans 14:19; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 12:14). We are called to earnestly pursue peace with one another, striving for reconciliation and harmony. This also involves fleeing youthful passions and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Furthermore, we are to strive for peace with everyone and for holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
4. What to keep it (Ephesians 4:1-3). Maintaining peace requires humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love, diligently preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It demands ongoing effort and vigilance.
B. Peace is not easy, but we all have the responsibility to keep and preserve this peace in order to be called children of God, and if we do, we are Blessed. Our commitment to peace is a reflection of our identity as God's children, and it carries the promise of His blessing.
II. THOSE WHO LOVE GOD'S LAW WILL HAVE MUCH PEACE.
A. Those who love God's law have much peace (Psalm 119:165). Obedience to God's principles brings a deep and abiding peace to the heart.
B. Proverbs 3:17. God's ways are peace, and those who walk in them have much peace. Living according to God's wisdom and guidance leads to a life characterized by peace.
III. CHRISTIANS MUST LIVE IN PEACE.
A. Peace is good and healthy; without it, we cannot see God (Hebrews 12:14). We must seek peace with everyone (Romans 12:18) as a prerequisite for a right relationship with God.
B. Where there is no peace, there can be no edification (Romans 14:19). Building up one another in the faith requires an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
C. To be one body, the peace of Christ, the peace that Christ gives (John 14:27). The peace that Jesus offers is not like the world's peace; it is a deep and abiding tranquility that should rule—properly, act as an arbiter, hence, generally arbitrate, decide in our hearts (Colossians 3:15).
D. John 16:33. Jesus assures us that in Him we may have peace, even amidst the troubles of the world.
E. We must live at peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). If possible, with all men (Romans 12:18). For God has called us to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15). This is a permanent calling in the sphere or atmosphere of peace, urging us to strive for harmonious relationships.
F. We must live at peace with one another (1 Thessalonians 5:13). That we may be found in peace at Christ's coming (2 Peter 3:14). Our pursuit of peace should be a constant endeavor, reflecting our readiness for the Lord's return.
G. In order to have peace, we must be mindful of the things of the spirit (Romans 8:6). That is, the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are essential for cultivating peace.
H. James 3:18. And one of the fruits of righteousness is peace. Right living, aligned with God's will, naturally produces peace.
IV. STRIVING FOR PEACE IS WORTH IT:
A. This effort to live at peace with one another (Matthew 9:50; 1 Thessalonians 5:13) is worth much because:
1. Peace is good and pleasant (Psalm 133:1). When there are problems or disputes among brothers, let us always say, like Abraham and Lot, "WE ARE BROTHERS" (Genesis 13:8), prioritizing our relationship over conflict.
2. Peace helps in evangelism (Acts 6:7; 16:4-5). Unity and peace within the church attract others to the Gospel.
3. Peace helps in edification (Romans 14:19). A peaceful environment is conducive to spiritual growth and building one another up.
4. Peace glorifies God (Romans 15:5-6). When we live in harmony, it brings praise and honor to the God of peace.
CONCLUSION:
Being a peacemaker is not a passive trait but an active calling. It requires effort, humility, and a commitment to following God's ways. As children of God, we are blessed when we strive for peace, for it reflects His character and creates an environment where His love and truth can flourish. Let us, therefore, diligently pursue peace with one another and with all people, knowing that in doing so, we are fulfilling a vital aspect of our identity as God's beloved children. Amen.
