Embodying God's Peace: The Call to Peacemaking
Summary
In our exploration of the Beatitudes, we have been delving into the essence of kingdom character as outlined in Matthew 5. Today, we focus on Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." This verse calls us to embody the peace of God, not merely as peacekeepers but as active peacemakers. The distinction is crucial; peacekeepers maintain peace, while peacemakers bring peace into chaotic situations. This requires a deep understanding of our identity as ambassadors of Christ, carrying His presence and authority into every situation we encounter.
Peace, as defined by the world, often means the absence of conflict. However, the peace of God transcends this definition. It is not the absence of chaos but the presence of God amidst it. This divine peace allows us to remain spiritually calm and joyful, even in turmoil. It is a peace that surpasses understanding, rooted in the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As peacemakers, we are called to bring this peace into our environments, reflecting God's character and working towards reconciliation.
The journey to becoming a peacemaker begins with purity of heart. Without purity, peace is elusive. Jesus emphasizes the order of the Beatitudes, highlighting that purity precedes peace. A heart free from jealousy, pride, and deceit is essential for true peace. As we allow God to purify our hearts, we become vessels of His peace, capable of reconciling differences and bringing harmony.
Being a peacemaker also involves having an elevated perspective, a kingdom mindset. This perspective allows us to see beyond immediate conflicts and understand the broader spiritual realities at play. It reminds us that we are part of a larger narrative, where God's purposes are being fulfilled, and His presence is with us, even in the valley of the shadow of death.
Ultimately, peacemakers are called the sons of God because they share in God's passion for reconciliation. They reflect His character, just as Jesus, the greatest peacemaker, bridged the divide between humanity and God through His sacrifice. As we embrace our role as peacemakers, we carry the message of reconciliation, inviting others to experience the peace and joy found in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping: Peacemakers actively bring peace into chaotic situations, reflecting God's character and authority. This requires understanding our identity as Christ's ambassadors, carrying His presence and authority into every situation. [14:36]
2. Peace as God's Presence: True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God. It allows us to remain calm and joyful amidst chaos, rooted in the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. [10:37]
3. Purity Precedes Peace: A pure heart is essential for true peace. Without purity, peace is elusive. Jesus emphasizes the order of the Beatitudes, highlighting that purity precedes peace. [21:05]
4. Elevated Perspective: A kingdom mindset allows us to see beyond immediate conflicts and understand the broader spiritual realities. It reminds us that we are part of a larger narrative, where God's purposes are being fulfilled. [27:39]
5. Reflecting God's Character: Peacemakers are called the sons of God because they share in God's passion for reconciliation. They reflect His character, just as Jesus, the greatest peacemaker, bridged the divide between humanity and God. [30:29]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:53] - Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
[02:55] - The Pure in Heart
[07:37] - Joy in Planning Peace
[08:55] - Defining Peace
[09:32] - Peace as God's Presence
[10:37] - Peace in Chaos
[11:41] - The Fourth Man in the Fire
[12:56] - Trust and Peace
[13:49] - Peacemakers vs. Peacekeepers
[14:36] - Authority of a Peacemaker
[16:18] - Ambassadors of Christ
[17:06] - Spiritual Armor
[19:30] - Shoes of Peace
[21:05] - Purity Before Peace
[22:39] - Making Peace
[24:13] - Choosing Mercy
[27:39] - Elevated Perspective
[28:51] - Elisha's Perspective
[30:29] - Sons of God
[31:23] - Reflecting God's Character
[33:03] - Division in the Body of Christ
[34:30] - Jesus, the Greatest Peacemaker
[35:48] - Bridging the Divide
[37:22] - The Gospel of Reconciliation
[39:00] - Ministry of Reconciliation
[40:58] - Closing Prayer and Communion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Beatitudes - Peacemakers
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:9
- Proverbs 12:20
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper as described in the sermon? [13:49]
2. How does the sermon define the peace of God compared to the world's definition of peace? [09:32]
3. According to the sermon, what role does purity of heart play in becoming a peacemaker? [21:05]
4. What does it mean to have an elevated perspective or a kingdom mindset, as discussed in the sermon? [27:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of understanding our identity as ambassadors of Christ in the context of peacemaking? [16:18]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of peace being the presence of God rather than the absence of conflict? [10:37]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being a peacemaker reflects God's character and passion for reconciliation? [30:29]
4. How does the story of Elisha and his servant in 2 Kings relate to having a kingdom mindset and perspective? [28:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent conflict you were involved in. How could you have approached it differently as a peacemaker rather than a peacekeeper? [13:49]
2. Identify a situation in your life where you need to bring God's peace. What steps can you take to invite His presence into that situation? [09:32]
3. Consider the state of your heart. Are there areas of jealousy, pride, or deceit that you need to surrender to God to become a better peacemaker? [21:05]
4. How can you cultivate an elevated perspective in your daily life to see beyond immediate conflicts and understand the broader spiritual realities? [27:39]
5. Think of a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. What practical steps can you take to reflect God's character and work towards peace in that relationship? [30:29]
6. How can you actively carry the message of reconciliation in your community, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21? [39:37]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to embody the peace of God in your interactions with others, especially in potentially chaotic situations? [10:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Peacemakers as Active Agents of Change
Peacemakers are not merely passive peacekeepers; they are active agents who bring peace into chaotic situations. This involves understanding one's identity as an ambassador of Christ, carrying His presence and authority into every situation. Unlike peacekeepers who maintain the status quo, peacemakers are called to transform environments by reflecting God's character and authority. This active role requires courage and a deep connection with God, enabling individuals to step into conflicts with the intention of bringing reconciliation and harmony. By embodying the peace of God, peacemakers can influence their surroundings positively, creating spaces where God's love and peace can flourish. [14:36]
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV): "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where there is conflict or chaos. How can you actively bring God's peace into that situation today?
Day 2: Divine Peace Amidst Chaos
True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God. This peace allows individuals to remain spiritually calm and joyful even amidst turmoil, rooted in the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Unlike worldly peace, which often seeks to avoid conflict, divine peace transcends understanding and is deeply rooted in the assurance of God's presence. As peacemakers, individuals are called to bring this peace into their environments, reflecting God's character and working towards reconciliation. This involves trusting in God's sovereignty and allowing His peace to guide one's actions and interactions with others. [10:37]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite God's presence to experience His peace? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence today?
Day 3: Purity as a Pathway to Peace
A pure heart is essential for true peace. Without purity, peace is elusive. Jesus emphasizes the order of the Beatitudes, highlighting that purity precedes peace. A heart free from jealousy, pride, and deceit is crucial for experiencing and extending God's peace. As individuals allow God to purify their hearts, they become vessels of His peace, capable of reconciling differences and bringing harmony. This process involves self-examination and a willingness to let go of anything that hinders one's relationship with God. By pursuing purity, individuals can experience a deeper sense of peace and become effective peacemakers in their communities. [21:05]
Psalm 24:3-4 (ESV): "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully."
Reflection: What areas of your heart need purification to experience God's peace more fully? Are there specific attitudes or behaviors you need to surrender to God today?
Day 4: A Kingdom Perspective
Having an elevated perspective, a kingdom mindset, allows individuals to see beyond immediate conflicts and understand the broader spiritual realities at play. This perspective reminds believers that they are part of a larger narrative, where God's purposes are being fulfilled, and His presence is with them, even in the valley of the shadow of death. By adopting a kingdom mindset, individuals can navigate conflicts with wisdom and grace, recognizing that their actions have eternal significance. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His guidance in all situations, knowing that He is working all things together for good. [27:39]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to see conflicts in your life through a kingdom lens? What steps can you take to align your thoughts and actions with God's eternal purposes?
Day 5: Reflecting God's Character through Reconciliation
Peacemakers are called the sons of God because they share in God's passion for reconciliation. They reflect His character, just as Jesus, the greatest peacemaker, bridged the divide between humanity and God through His sacrifice. As individuals embrace their role as peacemakers, they carry the message of reconciliation, inviting others to experience the peace and joy found in Christ. This involves actively seeking to mend broken relationships and extend God's love and forgiveness to others. By reflecting God's character, peacemakers can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others into a deeper relationship with God. [30:29]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? How can you take a step towards mending that relationship and reflecting God's character today?
Quotes
1. "And really, he lists out these different things that are really characteristics and qualities of disciples of Jesus, of followers of Jesus, all of us, kingdom citizens. He lists different qualities and characteristics that we all should be striving to have in our life. He says this. He says, blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We learn that being poor in spirit has nothing to do with money or monetary things. It's all about understanding your desperation for God, that you are spiritually bankrupt without God in your life. That's what poor in spirit is all about. Then he says, blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted, right? We learn that mourning, it's this grieving over sin. That leads to repentance." ([00:00:36] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "The promise is, for they shall be comforted. You're comforted because the weight and the burden of sin is lifted. And he says, blessed are the meek. We learn that meekness is not weakness. Meekness is strength under control. It's power under authority. It's submitting yourself to the Holy Spirit's lead in your life. He says, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." ([00:01:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "The promise is, for they shall be filled. They shall be satisfied. And we talked about how there's nothing that can satisfy you like Jesus. Nothing. You want more. You want to know him more. You are on this hungering and thirsting, but at the same time, you're satisfied. You're filled. He's the only thing that can do that in your life." ([00:01:59] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "He says, blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy. Learn that what is mercy? Mercy from God is when God withholds judgment, withholds punishment from us. Right? So when we are merciful to others, we withhold things. We withhold punishment. We withhold, maybe someone has done us wrong, but because I'm called to be merciful, I'm not going to act out towards that person. And we learned that I can be merciful because I have been shown mercy from God." ([00:02:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "The authority is that you are an ambassador of Christ, that you bear his name, that you speak his name, and his presence is within you. And so, you walk with authority, not because you think you're something, but you are because of who God is in you. That's the Godfidence, right? We talk about it. God, I have Godfidence. Because I have this trust and in God, it's not myself. In fact, I know that I am weak in my own strength." ([00:15:01] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "But the Bible says that when I am weak, I am strong because his power is made perfect in my weakness. That's what Godfidence is. And that is the authority that you walk in. And that's how you can be a peacemaker into any situation. So, to be a peacemaker, it assumes that you are going to be walking into situations where conflict is present." ([00:15:34] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "So you walk into situations, you are bringing the presence of God with you wherever you go. And what is peace? Peace is the presence of God. So you are carrying the Holy Spirit into every situation. You are carrying the presence of God with you. Therefore, you are bringing peace." ([00:16:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "So peace, not necessarily the absence of conflict, but it's the presence of something better in its place. God is better. God is stronger. God is mightier than any type of chaos or situation that you can find yourself in. God is mightier than any storm that you may be facing in your life. God is mightier and stronger than any type of opposition that could come up against you." ([00:10:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "And we can have peace because peace is the presence of God. You can have peace. No matter what you are facing, no matter what you are walking through, you can have peace and joy. Think about the three Hebrew boys in the middle of the furnace. They were dancing around because the presence, there was a fourth man in the fire. The presence of God was with them." ([00:11:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "So when you are a peacemaker, you begin to reflect the image and the nature and the character of God. Yourself. Right? This is what we learned before we got into this series. What is our kingdom assignment? Our kingdom identity? Well, one of the things is you are the light of the world, Jesus says. Okay? You are called to reflect my image. You're called to reflect my light. You don't produce any light of your own. You reflect my light into the world." ([00:31:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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