The Peacemakers Series

This message is an edited version of a sermon given at Loving God Fellowship. Copyright © 2007 Loving God Fellowship, Inc. http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org . You are encouraged to share this message with those you know that are hungry for God’s Word.

The Peacemakers

The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached Series

By Greg Johnson

Matthew 5:9

(Matthew 5:9 NIV) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Being a peacemaker is one of the eight qualities of character of a citizen of the Kingdom of God that Jesus declares in the greatest sermon ever preached, the Sermon on the Mount. The peacemakers are called children of God because they continue the ministry of God’s only begotten Son in the power of the Holy Spirit.

PEACEMAKERS FOLLOW CHRIST

The prophet Isaiah prophesying of Christ said (Isaiah 9:6 NIV) "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. He came into our world to bring peace between His followers and God. The price for piece was costly. God, through Jesus, chose to "reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." (Colossians 1:20 NIV)

At the cross Jesus paid a tremendous price for our peace in taking the punishment of our sin upon Him. In doing so, He reconciles us to God as we humble ourselves, fall at the foot of the cross, die with Christ to sin, make Christ our Lord and begin to follow Him from earth to glory. As we follow Christ, He brings peace between us and God.

PEACEMAKERS LIVE IN A WORLD OF CONFLICT

Jesus’ coming into our world brought conflict. Jesus said (Matthew 10:34-37 NIV) ""Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. {35} For I have come to turn "’a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- {36} a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ {37} "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;"

Jesus is saying that conflict would be inevitable because of His coming into our world. It would even be in one’s own family and if we were to be worthy of following Him, we must love Him best and even put Him above our closest and dearest family members.

It’s important to realize that Christ does not cause the conflict. The devil is the troublemaker; Christ is the Prince of Peace. The devil does not want peace between man and God so he causes conflict. Thus there is Christ and anti-Christ; light and darkness; good and evil; righteousness and sin; peace and conflict.

This does not mean that Christ followers look for conflict. It is very clear through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles that Christ followers are called to peace and are to pursue and strive for peace. God’s Word says (Romans 12:18 NIV) "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (1 Corinthians 7:15 NIV) "But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace." (Hebrews 12:14 NIV) "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (1 Peter 3:11 NIV) "He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it."

PEACEMAKERS ARE GIVEN SUPERNATURAL PEACE

Jesus said (John 14:27 NIV) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." The world gives conflict; Jesus gives His peace. The peace that Jesus gives is supernatural and passes all understanding. In the midst of conflict the Christ follower is able to live in peace.

PEACEMAKERS ARE CHILDREN OF GOD

God’s only begotten Son came into our world and brought peace. Jesus loved the Father and loved others as Himself. Jesus ministered to the people at their point of need. Christ followers live in peace in the midst of a world of conflict. Christ followers love God and others. Christ followers minister to people at their point of need. Christ followers continue the ministry of Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. They are blessed. They are the children of God.