Embracing Our Call as Peacemakers in Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound call to be peacemakers as followers of Christ, especially in a world rife with chaos, conflict, and injustice. Drawing from the Book of James, we delved into the essence of real faith that plants seeds of peace, emphasizing that wisdom is not merely intellectual but relational. James 3:13-18 serves as a guide, revealing that true wisdom is demonstrated through humility and good deeds, and is reflected in our relationships.
The world is in desperate need of peacemakers, and as children of God, we are called to step into this role. The recent events of injustice and unrest highlight the urgency of this calling. The chaos we witness is often rooted in envy and selfish ambition, leading to confusion and conflict. However, James provides us with a blueprint for cultivating peace through wisdom that is pure, peaceful, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere.
We are reminded that every day, in every interaction, we are planting seeds—whether of peace or discord. The challenge is to consciously choose to plant seeds of peace, which will ultimately yield a harvest of justice. This involves being truthful, avoiding antagonism, being considerate of others' feelings, being open to suggestions, showing mercy, and embracing differences. By embodying these principles, we not only foster harmonious relationships but also reflect the character of Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Key Takeaways:
- Wisdom in Relationships: True wisdom is reflected in our relationships, not in our intellectual achievements. It is marked by humility and good deeds, demonstrating that our faith is alive and active. Wisdom is not about winning arguments but about fostering understanding and peace. [04:51]
- The Role of Peacemakers: As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, actively working to resolve conflict and promote justice. This involves planting seeds of peace in our daily interactions, which will lead to a harvest of justice. [07:53]
- The Power of Truth and Humility: Being truthful and humble in our relationships is foundational to being wise. Truth builds trust, and humility allows us to listen and learn from others, fostering deeper connections and understanding. [12:17]
- Embracing Differences: Wisdom involves celebrating differences rather than despising them. Recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives enriches our relationships and reflects God's creativity in making us unique. [37:17]
- The Path to Wisdom: The secret to wisdom is found in knowing Christ. As we deepen our relationship with Him, we gain the wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges and build peaceful, fulfilling relationships. [40:39]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to the Series
[00:46] - Our Identity in Christ
[01:18] - The Call to Be Peacemakers
[02:46] - Addressing Injustice
[03:07] - Turning to God's Word
[03:40] - Secrets of Harmony in James
[04:30] - Wisdom in Relationships
[05:09] - The Role of Humility
[06:30] - The Dangers of Envy and Selfishness
[07:27] - Six Seeds of Peace
[09:56] - Planting Seeds of Peace
[11:05] - The Importance of Truth
[13:46] - Avoiding Anger and Arguments
[16:56] - Being Considerate
[26:31] - Openness to Suggestions
[31:12] - Emphasizing Mercy
[34:15] - Embracing Differences
[40:04] - The Path to Wisdom
[41:18] - Invitation to Know Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Peacemakers and Wisdom in Relationships
Bible Reading:
- James 3:13-18
- Matthew 5:9
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Observation Questions:
1. According to James 3:13-18, what are the characteristics of true wisdom, and how are they demonstrated in our lives? [04:30]
2. In the sermon, what reasons are given for the chaos and conflict we see in the world today? [06:30]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between peace and justice? [08:09]
4. What are the six seeds of peace mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to wisdom? [09:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a peacemaker relate to being a child of God, as mentioned in Matthew 5:9? [01:38]
2. What does it mean to plant seeds of peace in our relationships, and how can this lead to a harvest of justice? [07:53]
3. How does the sermon suggest we handle feelings of envy and selfish ambition in our relationships? [06:30]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that wisdom is more about relationships than intellectual achievements? [04:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily interactions. Are there specific relationships where you find it challenging to plant seeds of peace? What steps can you take to change that? [08:57]
2. Consider a recent conflict you were involved in. How could you have applied the principles of truth and humility to foster understanding and peace? [12:17]
3. Think about a time when you were quick to judge someone based on differences. How can you embrace and celebrate those differences in the future? [37:17]
4. Identify a situation where you might have been defensive or closed-minded. How can you practice being more open and reasonable in similar situations? [27:13]
5. How can you actively work to be a peacemaker in your community, especially in light of recent events of injustice and unrest? [02:46]
6. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ, thereby gaining the wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges? [40:39]
7. Is there someone in your life who is experiencing pain or injustice? How can you show empathy and support without being defensive or dismissive? [20:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom in Relationships
True wisdom is not measured by intellectual achievements but by the quality of our relationships. It is marked by humility and good deeds, demonstrating that our faith is alive and active. Wisdom is not about winning arguments but about fostering understanding and peace. In a world where knowledge is often equated with power, the call to embody wisdom through humility and service is countercultural. This wisdom is relational, seeking to build bridges rather than walls, and is evident in how we treat others. [04:51]
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or disagreement you had. How can you apply humility and understanding to foster peace in that relationship today?
Day 2: The Role of Peacemakers
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, actively working to resolve conflict and promote justice. This involves planting seeds of peace in our daily interactions, which will lead to a harvest of justice. The world is in desperate need of peacemakers, and as children of God, we are called to step into this role. The chaos we witness is often rooted in envy and selfish ambition, leading to confusion and conflict. However, James provides us with a blueprint for cultivating peace through wisdom that is pure, peaceful, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. [07:53]
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can actively work to resolve conflict or promote justice. What steps can you take today to plant seeds of peace?
Day 3: The Power of Truth and Humility
Being truthful and humble in our relationships is foundational to being wise. Truth builds trust, and humility allows us to listen and learn from others, fostering deeper connections and understanding. In a world that often values pride and self-promotion, the call to truth and humility is a radical one. It requires us to be honest about our own shortcomings and open to the perspectives of others. By embracing truth and humility, we create an environment where trust can flourish, and relationships can grow. [12:17]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship where trust has been broken. How can you begin to rebuild trust through truth and humility today?
Day 4: Embracing Differences
Wisdom involves celebrating differences rather than despising them. Recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives enriches our relationships and reflects God's creativity in making us unique. In a world that often seeks uniformity, the call to embrace diversity is a powerful one. It challenges us to see the beauty in our differences and to learn from one another. By valuing diverse perspectives, we not only enrich our own understanding but also reflect the inclusive love of God. [37:17]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone whose perspective differs from yours. How can you intentionally seek to understand and appreciate their viewpoint today?
Day 5: The Path to Wisdom
The secret to wisdom is found in knowing Christ. As we deepen our relationship with Him, we gain the wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges and build peaceful, fulfilling relationships. This wisdom is not just about knowledge but about living in a way that reflects the character of Christ. By drawing closer to Him, we are transformed and equipped to be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs His peace. [40:39]
"And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need Christ's wisdom? How can you seek to deepen your relationship with Him today to gain that wisdom?
Quotes
"Now James, chapter three, is an extremely relevant chapter to what's happening in our world right now. Let me read to you James, chapter three, verse 13 to 18, as we look at a faith that plants seeds of peace. A faith that plants seeds of peace, James, chapter three. Verse 13, If you are a truly wise and understanding person, it will be seen in your life by the good deeds that you do out of the humility that always comes from wisdom." [00:03:57]
"First, God says that the first mark of real wisdom is seen in your relationships. Whether you're wise, or whether you're foolish is not what shows up on some test you take in school, but what shows up in how you relate to other people. Wisdom shows up, God says, in relationships. So I don't care how much money you made in life, or how successful you are, if your relationships are strained, or they're weak, or they're hurting you're not very wise." [00:04:41]
"Now then James continues on in verse 16, he says this. For whenever there is envy or selfish ambition, you will always find, this is from the Amplified translation, confusion, unrest, disharmony, rebellion, and every kind of evil. That's from the Amplified translation. Anytime you see any of these things in your home, or your work, or your school, or in society, confusion, chaos, conflict, all of the things we just read." [00:06:30]
"Real wisdom, that's the wisdom from God is pure, then peaceful, then considerate. He said real wisdom is submissive, full of mercy and helpful, and impartial and sincere, or without prejudice, and without hypocrisy. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace the Bible says, they will harvest justice. Now this last verse, verse 18, it is so loaded with truth. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace they will harvest justice." [00:07:27]
"Everyday, and in every relationship that you have you are planting seeds in those relationships everyday of your life. The only question is what kind of seeds are you planting? What are you sowing into your relationships? Are you sowing seeds of anger? Sowing seeds of distrust? Are you planting seeds of impatience or fear? Are you always planting seeds of criticism, or nagging, or anything else? Whatever seeds I sow I will reap." [00:08:50]
"Number two, wise peaceful relationships. Number two, if I'm wise, I won't antagonize your anger. I won't antagonize your anger. I won't compromise the truth, but I also won't antagonize your anger by the way I tell it. Second phrase in James 3:17 says this. Real wisdom is peaceful. It's not just pure, it's peaceful. What does that mean? Wise people work at maintaining peace. They work at maintaining harmony." [00:13:38]
"Number three. If I'm wise, and I'm gonna plant seeds of peace I won't compromise the truth, antagonize your anger. I won't minimize your feelings. That's the next, that's the third seed that we plant in this list of six seeds. The Bible says real wisdom is considerate. Any time I'm inconsiderate I'm a fool because real wisdom is considerate. Other translations say real wisdom is courteous. Real wisdom is gentle with people." [00:16:46]
"One of the reasons so many marriages end in disaster, and so many kids are estranged from parents, and so many citizens are fractured in angry divisions is because most people have never been taught how to sit with someone's pain without getting defensive about it. How to sit with somebody's pain without getting defensive about it. And it causes all kinds of problems. When somebody tries to express how fearful, or heartbroken, or angry they are about some deep, painful wound." [00:19:11]
"Number four, the next thing James says is this. If I'm wise, in a relationship, I won't criticize your suggestions. Oh, man, could we save a lot of problems if we would just do this one. The Bible says, the fourth thing, real wisdom is not defensive. Real wisdom is not defensive. Now the Greek word here eupeithes, eupeithes, it's only used one time in the entire Bible right here in this verse James 3:17." [00:26:31]
"Number five, if I'm wise, here's the next one, I won't emphasize your mistakes. If I'm wise, in a relationship, I won't emphasize your mistakes. I'll just cover them up, I'll pass over them. James 3:17, the next phrase says, real wisdom, God's wisdom, is full of mercy and it's helpful. It's full of mercy, it's forgiving, it's gracious, and it's helpful. Are you quick to point out everything that's wrong in the world?" [00:31:12]
"If I'm wise, I won't despise our differences. If I'm wise, I won't despise our differences. Now this is a big one because one of the biggest sources of conflict in marriage, and every other relationship is that we want, and we expect other people to think like we do, to feel like we do, to act like we do, to have the same reasons and motivations we do. We want them to have the same priorities we do." [00:34:15]
"Get to know God, and get to know his word. Get to know God, and get to know his word. The more you know God, and the more you know his word the wiser you're gonna be, the more seeds of peace you'll plant, the more fulfilling, and successful your relationships will be. How do I get that wisdom? Well, start, first step one, get to know Jesus Christ. Look at this verse, the last verse on your outline." [00:40:04]
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