Sermon – Beatitude #7 – Peacemakers

Our verse this morning in our Beatitude Series is Matthew 5:9 (NLT), which says, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
The Greek word “eirenopoios” is used only one time in the NT and it appears here. This word means peacemaker … one who cultivates peace and concord … one who restores peace and reconciliation between persons and even nations … (it doesn’t just happen – work has to be done).
The areas in and around Judea were full of tension during this time. Many were praying for a deliverer; and others were embracing more desperate measures. Even one of the disciples was a zealot – a member of a group that wanted to try to force the Romans out.
To many, peace would be achieved when the Messiah arrived … of course, their definition of the Messiah was one that would kick out the Romans and re-establish Israel as one of, if not the, dominate nation in the region … or at the very least to be self-ruled and not under anyone else.
Many view “peace,” as the absence of conflict, strife, or turmoil. The focus is on circumstances, situations, things that could impact our bodies; and I’m not saying we shouldn’t be aware of those things; but there is a much bigger issue than what happens to our physical bodies.
Matthew 10:28 (NLT) … Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
As much as people want physical peace – they need spiritual peace even more. People will do and buy all sorts of things to try to obtain peace; when the One who created everything is the only one that can provide true peace. In Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is even called “The Prince of Peace.”
You don’t have to look far to see that this world is full of violence, chaos, war, strife, hatred … simply turn on the news and you’ll see reports of war and of various and sundry crimes. Hearts that are full of sin – hearts that are against God – is what leads people to do such things.
It’s important to remember what the peace of Jesus is; and what He came to do.
John 14:27 (NLT), says, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

The result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear. God’s peace trumps all fear and doubt.
In Matthew 10, Jesus sent out the Twelve to announce that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. They were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cure lepers, and cast out demons. Jesus said He was sending them out as sheep among wolves. He told them that some people or towns may not accept them or their message – so it shouldn’t shock us to find resistance as well – for they are really rejecting Jesus. It’s hard not to take things personally, at times, but be faithful and Jesus will sort things out.
Some may think it’s odd or even a contradiction by what Jesus said in verses 34-36 of that same chapter … “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household.”
If the Prince of Peace wants us to be peacemakers, then why didn’t He come to bring peace?
Jesus did not come to bring the kind of peace that glosses over deep differences just for the sake of superficial harmony. His peace doesn’t condone sin – which is what the sinful world wants.
Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who don’t. Yet we can look forward to the day when all conflict will be resolved. Christian commitment may separate friends and loved ones. In saying this, Jesus was not encouraging disobedience or conflict. Rather, He was showing that His presence demands a decision.
Because some will follow Christ and some won’t, conflict will inevitably arise. As we take up our cross and follow Him, our different values, morals, and goals will set us apart from others. Christ calls us to a higher mission than to find comfort and tranquility in this life – we are to save souls!
Love of family is a law of God, but even this love can be self-serving and used as an excuse to not to serve God or do His work. Don’t neglect your family but remember that your commitment to God is even more important. God should be your very first priority.
Again, the world thinks peace comes from more laws, a show of force, or silencing those they disagree with. Sadly, that’s getting more common; and will just ramp up as “the end” gets closer. Sharing the truths of Scripture gets some people “offended,” and they need a safe place to hide from the truth. They don’t want to face reality – they want to live by lies.
This makes sense because the world is at war with God; and at one time we were as well. The only way to have true peace with God is to believe in and follow Jesus Christ. He is to be savior & Lord!
Romans 5:1, 8, 10 (NLT) … Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us … But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners … For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son.

Remember, the Gospel puts everyone at their fork in the road. Each person must decide what they will do with Jesus; and that’s simply to accept Him or reject Him. By accepting Him, we have peace with God. By rejecting Him, we remain at odds with God. By acknowledging Jesus here on earth, we’ll be acknowledged by Jesus in Heaven. By denying Him now, means we’ll be denied later.
When we are abiding in Jesus and being guided by the Holy Spirit, certain fruit will be evident in our lives … three of which are love, joy, and peace. If we are experiencing those things with God and because of God; then it should also be the case with our fellow man – unbelievers and believers.
2^nd Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) … We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
As believers, we are Christ’s ambassadors, sent with His message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation is an important responsibility. We dare not take this responsibility lightly. How well are you fulfilling your commission as Christ’s ambassador? Are people coming to Christ because of you? Are people’s faith being strengthen because of you?
In taking the Gospel to the world, we may go through non-peaceful times to get people to God, so they can have peace in their souls; and live in peace in Heaven, instead of torment in Hell.
John 16:33 (NLT) … I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles. If we remember that the ultimate victory has already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ in the most troublesome times.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT) says, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Sadly, this congregation has seen times of turmoil; and those who went through it know what I’m talking about. Far too many congregations have been split over, quite honestly, stupid stuff. Carpet color … fans … service times or changes … who is or isn’t the minister … who stays or goes …

Unity doesn’t just happen; we have to work at it. Differences should not lead to splits in the church; and sadly, many focus on the differences and not what unites in the church; or how we can complement each other.

To build unity is one of the Holy Spirit’s important roles. He leads, but we must be willing to be led and to do our part to keep the peace. We do that by focusing on God, not on ourselves.

We all have work to do in bringing non-believers to God; and those who have left this church to come back. You know people that need to be saved; and who need to return home. Those who need to have peace with God; and those who need to be reconciled with each other here.

The Apostle John in His Gospel (1:12) tells us that all who believed Jesus and accepted Him are given the right to become children of God; and in His first letter (3:1) that because the Father loves us, He calls us His children.

Only children of God can bring the peace of God to others. We must make sure we have a genuine relationship with God before we can lead another to Christ. As a child of God, we always have access to the Father. We have access to His grace, mercy, love, and compassion. We live for Him while on earth and eagerly await a future with Him in Heaven. We should be striving to serve and please Him; and be transformed by Him to be more and more like Jesus – the firstborn of many.