Embodying Peace: The Call to Be Peacemakers

Devotional

Day 1: Peace as Wholeness

True peace, as described in the Beatitudes, is about wholeness and completeness. A peacemaker is someone who actively seeks to bring about this wholeness in all areas of life, reflecting the peace that comes from God. This involves not just avoiding conflict but actively working towards reconciliation and unity. The peace that Jesus speaks of is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of righteousness, justice, and harmony. It is a holistic peace that permeates every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our inner selves.

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that challenge our sense of peace. It is easy to become reactive and defensive, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We are to be agents of reconciliation, bringing the peace of God into every situation. This requires intentionality and a commitment to living out the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. By seeking wholeness and completeness in our interactions, we reflect the character of God and demonstrate our identity as His children. [04:10]

Isaiah 32:17 (ESV): "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever."

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that lacks wholeness. What steps can you take today to actively work towards reconciliation and unity in that relationship?

Day 2: Contrasting Worldly and Kingdom Approaches

The zealots of Jesus' time believed that the Kingdom of God could be established through violence and human effort. Jesus, however, teaches that the Kingdom is not of this world and cannot be brought about by such means. Instead, it is through living peaceably and seeking wholeness that we demonstrate our status as children of God. The Kingdom of God operates on principles that are often counterintuitive to worldly wisdom. While the world may advocate for power and dominance, the Kingdom values humility, service, and peace.

As Christians, we are called to live according to the values of the Kingdom, even when they conflict with the values of the world. This means rejecting the notion that peace can be achieved through force or manipulation. Instead, we are to embody the peace of Christ, which transcends human understanding and is rooted in the love and grace of God. By doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and invite others to experience the peace that only God can provide. [05:53]

James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to use worldly methods to achieve peace? How can you align your approach with the principles of the Kingdom of God today?

Day 3: Peacemaking in Various Spheres of Life

Being a peacemaker involves various aspects of our lives, including our homes, workplaces, communities, churches, and online interactions. In each of these spheres, we are called to love, serve, and seek the well-being of others. This requires self-examination and a willingness to ask difficult questions about our behavior and attitudes. Are we loving our spouses and children? Are we fair and honest at work? Do we seek the good of our community and church? Are we respectful and kind in our online interactions?

Peacemaking is not limited to grand gestures but is often found in the small, everyday actions that reflect the love of Christ. It involves being intentional about creating an environment of peace and harmony wherever we are. This means being patient, forgiving, and compassionate, even when it is difficult. By doing so, we create spaces where the peace of God can flourish and where others can experience His love and grace. [14:43]

Romans 12:18 (ESV): "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Reflection: Identify one specific area of your life where you struggle to be a peacemaker. What practical steps can you take today to foster peace in that area?

Day 4: Spiritual Warfare and Peacemaking

Our battle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. As Christians, we often forget this and make the war about the people around us. Recognizing this helps us to focus on being peacemakers, understanding that our true enemy is not flesh and blood but spiritual forces. This perspective shifts our approach to conflict and helps us to see others through the lens of compassion and grace. It reminds us that the ultimate goal is not to win arguments but to bring about reconciliation and wholeness.

Understanding the spiritual dimension of our struggles helps us to rely on God's strength and wisdom rather than our own. It calls us to prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be effective peacemakers. By recognizing the true nature of our battle, we can approach conflicts with a spirit of humility and a desire to see God's Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. [24:38]

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict you have experienced. How can recognizing the spiritual dimension of this conflict change your approach to resolving it?

Day 5: Active Pursuit of Peace

Being a peacemaker is not a passive endeavor but an active pursuit. It involves actively working to bring about reconciliation and wholeness, reflecting our identity as children of God. This means addressing conflicts, seeking resolution, and striving to make peace in all areas of our lives. It requires courage, perseverance, and a commitment to living out the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Peacemaking is a proactive effort that often involves taking the first step towards reconciliation, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of His peace in a broken and divided world. This means being intentional about creating opportunities for reconciliation and healing. It involves listening, understanding, and extending grace to others. By actively pursuing peace, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. [32:24]

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: What is one specific conflict or area of tension in your life that you can address today? How can you take the first step towards reconciliation and peace?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In Matthew 5:9, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." This Beatitude, like the others, outlines the attributes of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these characteristics, including being peacemakers. Peace is something we all desire, yet it often seems elusive. We tend to expect peace from others while being reluctant to offer it ourselves. True peacemakers, however, are those who have peace with God and strive to live in peace with others.

The concept of peace in this context is about wholeness and completeness. A peacemaker is someone who actively seeks to bring about this wholeness in all areas of life. This stands in contrast to the zealots of Jesus' time, who believed that the Kingdom of God could be established through violence. Jesus teaches that the Kingdom is not of this world and cannot be brought about by human effort alone. Instead, it is through living peaceably and seeking wholeness that we demonstrate our status as children of God.

Being a peacemaker involves various aspects of our lives, including our homes, workplaces, communities, churches, and even our online interactions. In each of these spheres, we are called to love, serve, and seek the well-being of others. This requires self-examination and a willingness to ask difficult questions about our behavior and attitudes. Are we loving our spouses and children? Are we fair and honest at work? Do we seek the good of our community and church? Are we respectful and kind in our online interactions?

Ultimately, being a peacemaker is about recognizing that our battle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. We are called to be like Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who made peace between God and humanity. As His followers, we are to delight in making peace wherever possible, actively working to bring about reconciliation and wholeness. This is not a passive endeavor but an active pursuit that reflects our identity as children of God.

###

Key Takeaways

1. being of others. This requires self-examination and a willingness to ask difficult questions about our behavior and attitudes. [14:43]
4. Spiritual Warfare and Peacemaking: Our battle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. As Christians, we often forget this and make the war about the people around us. Recognizing this helps us to focus on being peacemakers, understanding that our true enemy is not flesh and blood but spiritual forces.

5. Active Pursuit of Peace: Being a peacemaker is not a passive endeavor but an active pursuit. It involves actively working to bring about reconciliation and wholeness, reflecting our identity as children of God. This means addressing conflicts, seeking resolution, and striving to make peace in all areas of our lives.

### [14:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:13] - Opening Prayer
[04:10] - Understanding Peace
[05:53] - Kingdom vs. Worldly Approaches
[07:46] - Misconceptions About Peace
[09:40] - Historical Context and Modern Parallels
[11:17] - The Role of Time in Understanding
[12:44] - The Prince of Peace
[14:43] - Peacemaking in the Home
[16:50] - Peacemaking at Work
[18:44] - Peacemaking in the Community
[20:45] - Online Peacemaking
[22:32] - Wisdom and Discernment
[24:38] - Spiritual Warfare
[26:05] - Sons and Daughters of God
[27:54] - Benefits of Being Children of God
[29:21] - Active Peacemaking
[31:00] - The Role of the Church
[32:24] - Self-Examination and Action
[33:59] - Final Reflections and Call to Action

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 5:9, what is the reward for being a peacemaker?
How does Isaiah 9:6-7 describe the nature and role of the Messiah?
What does Ephesians 6:12 say about the nature of our true battle as Christians?
In the sermon, what are some specific areas of life where we are called to be peacemakers? ([14:43])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be called a "son of God" in the context of being a peacemaker? How does this reflect our identity in Christ? ([26:05])
How does the concept of peace as "wholeness" challenge our typical understanding of peace? ([04:10])
Why is it important to recognize that our battle is not against people but against spiritual forces? How does this perspective change our approach to conflict? ([24:38])
How does the sermon contrast the zealots' approach to establishing the Kingdom of God with Jesus' teaching on peacemaking? ([05:53])

Application Questions

Reflect on your home life. Are there specific ways you can be a peacemaker with your spouse, children, or parents? What steps can you take this week to foster peace in your home? ([14:43])
Consider your workplace. Are you fair and honest in your dealings with colleagues and supervisors? How can you actively work towards creating a peaceful and just environment at work? ([16:50])
Think about your online interactions. Are you respectful and kind in your comments and posts? How can you be a peacemaker in the digital world, especially in contentious discussions? ([20:45])
In your community and church, do you seek the well-being of others? What practical actions can you take to serve and love your neighbors and fellow church members this week? ([18:44])
Reflect on a recent conflict you were involved in. How did you handle it? What could you have done differently to pursue peace and reconciliation? ([32:24])
How can you remind yourself daily that our true battle is against spiritual forces and not against people? What practices can help you maintain this perspective in your interactions? ([24:38])
Are there areas in your life where you have been passive about making peace? What specific steps can you take to actively pursue peace and wholeness in those areas? ([29:21])

Sermon Clips

1. "Peace. Something we all want, but it's something that oftentimes seems lacking, isn't it? We act as if peace, is something that we are owed by others, but are oftentimes unwilling to give. Those who have peace with God will be people who live and demonstrate peace with others. Contention, anger, vindictiveness, provocation. These are not signs of people who belong to the kingdom of heaven. They're signs of people who belong to the kingdom of this world." [02:13] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We believe that maybe more money will make everything better. It'll make our lives whole. It'll really bring us peace. We think maybe a new house, maybe a new car, a new job, a new spouse, a new relationship, a new family. We think a new whatever is going, to bring us peace or wholeness in our lives. Forgetting that the kingdom of heaven that we are part of as followers of Jesus Christ is not of this world." [07:46] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We have a weird concept of time because there's things we think are really close time-wise. They're really close to us that are a long ways away. And we have other things in our minds that we think are a long ways away in the past, but they're really a lot closer than we think that they are." [09:40] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We have a disconnect between ourselves as the church today and the religious leaders and the people of the time of Christ because we see the stuff that went on and we're like, man, that was problematic. And I don't want to be associated with that. I don't want to be associated with the zealots who through military power are trying to overthrow the Roman government because that's not good." [11:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If he is the Prince of Peace and his government is of peace, it would only be logical that his people would be peacemakers, right? If his kingdom is peace, if he is peace, it would make sense that his people are as well. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? What does it mean to be a peacemaker in our lives in general? Because there's a lot of spheres of life we live in, aren't there?" [12:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "In the home, husbands, do you love your wife? Do you serve your wife? We're told that fathers are not to provoke their children. Let me just be honest. I like to harass my children. In our family, we harass each other all the time. But we have to stop and think. I have to stop and think. Where does it move from being a family that has fun, that enjoys each other, and where does it move into provoking?" [14:43] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "In the community, as citizens, as people, as Christians, do we love people? Do we speak truth? Do we serve others? Do we help people? Or do we just complain about the truth? Do we love the people? Do we love the people? Do we love the people? Do we love the city we live in? Do we just complain about the stuff that's going on? Do we seek peace? Do we seek wholeness in our community?" [16:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "As people and as Christians in the online world, do we love people? Do we watch our words as we are encountering and interacting with others? Are we peacemakers online or are we instigators? Now, I enjoy a good argument. I do. I have found online is not the place for it. There was a point in time I did. I would argue with people online. If I had the opportunity, I would sometimes... Start the argument online." [18:44] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "As people, in all spheres of life, oftentimes we need to just stop it. To be peacemakers, oftentimes we need to just stop it. Stop stirring the pot. Recognize that what I feel like I should say in this circumstance doesn't need to be said. Am I saying it because it's helpful or am I saying it because I'm riling people up? Am I doing it because this is bringing peace or am I doing this because it's making things the way I think it should be?" [20:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Peacemakers are people who are actively striving to see wholeness in the church and in the world. And I think if we're being honest with ourselves, we would say that none of us are seeking peace in every area, in every sphere that we are engaged. I would think that each and every one of us in here could probably sit down this afternoon and think, for just a couple minutes, and we could come up with an area where we are not seeking peace, where we are not making peace." [32:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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