The Beauty of Reconciliation
Matthew 5:9
blessed (makarious): supremely happy.
peace (eirene): more than just the lack of conflict; it is a state of being bound together; being properly related.
Where does this peace come from? God
Colossians 1:19-20
How is this peace given? Through the blood of Christ
Colossians 1:19-20
What secret is Jesus revealing?
God loves reconciliation
Peace must be:
*Accepted genuinely Romans 5:1
*Experienced personally Philippians 4:7
*Shared generously
- Making peace with others personally Romans 12:18
- Making peace between others & God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
We are never more like God than when we are making peace.
What secret keeps us from being involved in reconciliation? Pride
What is the promise for those who are involved in reconciliation?
They will have the heart of the Father.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
THE BEAUTY OF RECONCILIATION
MATTHEW 5:9
Intro: quick review…
In the Beatitudes, Jesus unveils the secrets to kingdom living; the secrets to abundant living; the secrets to a life of supreme happiness. Each of these 8 secrets uses the word ‘blessed’. It is the Greek word BLESSED (MAKARIOUS): SUPREMELY HAPPY. This happiness Jesus identifies is different than the happiness the world seeks. Thiers is a happiness that is based on emotion, that is temporary, that is based on favorable circumstances. But this supreme happiness is a state of being that is based on the favor of God.
And so this morning we come to the 7th secret of this life of supreme happiness. It builds on all of the previous 6 secrets. Jesus says in v.9 “THE PEACEMAKERS ARE BLESSED, FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD.” MATTHEW 5:9 HCSB
NT PEACE (EIRENE): MORE THAN JUST THE LACK OF CONFLICT; IT IS A STATE OF BEING BOUND TOGETHER; BEING PROPERLY RELATED.
Peace = what it is, and what it’s NOT.
Peace keeper vs. Peace maker
A peacekeeper is a person who enforces, by whatever means, by force of personality or by superior weapons, a truce.
A peacemaker is one who actually discovers the origin of the conflict, and finds a way to resolve it, and helps the parties to restore a proper, loving relationship.
* We can be a peace keeper and not be a peace maker. Sometimes conflict must occur in order to experience genuine peace. Example: Salvation – there was an inner battle taking place inside all of us, there was a struggle between flesh and Spirit….but giving way to Spirit allows “Peace” to flow in. Same is true in our relationship with mankind. Sometimes to have true peace, it causes us to confront in love.
To painfully forgive…this is not the response of a peace lover…they try and avoid conflict at all cost…and sometimes it costs them genuine peace.
WHERE DOES THIS PEACE COME FROM? (build slide) GOD
“FOR GOD WAS PLEASED TO HAVE ALL HIS FULLNESS DWELL IN HIM (JESUS), AND THROUGH HIM TO RECONCILE EVERYTHING TO HIMSELF BY MAKING PEACE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS.”
COLOSSIANS 1:19-20 HCSB
HOW IS THIS PEACE GIVEN? (build slide) THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
“FOR GOD WAS PLEASED TO HAVE ALL HIS FULLNESS DWELL IN HIM (JESUS), AND THROUGH HIM TO RECONCILE EVERYTHING TO HIMSELF BY MAKING PEACE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS.”
COLOSSIANS 1:19-20 HCSB
WHAT SECRET IS JESUS REVEALING?
GOD LOVES RECONCILIATION
God’s peace must be:
*ACCEPTED GENUINELY (vertical)
“THEREFORE, SINCE WE HAVE BEEN DECLARED RIGHTEOUS BY FAITH, WE HAVE PEACE WITH GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” ROMANS 5:1 HCSB
*EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY
“AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH SURPASSES EVERY THOUGHT, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.” PHILIPPIANS 4:7 HCSB
*SHARED GENEROUSLY (horizontal)
- MAKING PEACE WITH OTHERS PERSONALLY.
“IF POSSIBLE, ON YOUR PART, LIVE AT PEACE WITH EVERYONE.” ROMANS 12:18 HCSB
Celebrate Recovery says it like this: EVALUATE ALL MY RELATIONSHIPS. OFFER FORGIVENESS TO THOSE WHO HAVE HURT ME AND MAKE AMENDS FOR HARM I’VE DONE TO OTHERS, EXCEPT WHEN TO DO SO WOULD HARM THEM OR OTHERS. Hurting people hurt people
- MAKING PEACE BETWEEN OTHERS & GOD.
“THEREFORE, IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION;(A) OLD THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY, AND LOOK,(B) NEW THINGS[F] HAVE COME.(C) 18 EVERYTHING IS FROM GOD, WHO RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF THROUGH CHRIST AND GAVE US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION:(D) 19 THAT IS, IN CHRIST, GOD WAS RECONCILING THE WORLD(E) TO HIMSELF,(F) NOT COUNTING THEIR TRESPASSES AGAINST THEM, AND HE HAS COMMITTED THE MESSAGE OF RECONCILIATION TO US. 20 THEREFORE, WE ARE AMBASSADORS(G) FOR CHRIST, CERTAIN THAT GOD IS APPEALING THROUGH US. WE PLEAD ON CHRIST’S BEHALF,(H) “BE RECONCILED TO GOD.” 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-20 HCSB
….without God, we are all hurting…and in need of His reconciliation. (No God….NO peace; KNOW God ….KNOW peace) Having been reconciled we look for ways to reconcile others to God and each other.
We have discovered the answer to our deepest darkest secrets and we want to help others find the answer.
When this reconciliation actually takes place, and one has “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”—even “the peace of God transcends all understanding”—the peace-receivers become transformed into peace-diffusers.
Peace with God brings peace to self, resulting in peace with others.
Peace comes from God & is experienced by Christ followers & shared with others.
WE ARE NEVER MORE LIKE GOD THAN WHEN WE ARE MAKING PEACE.
WHAT SECRET KEEPS US FROM BEING INVOLVED IN RECONCILIATION?
PRIDE we may not say it….but we don’t really care. “We’re safe and that’s good enough for us”.
We have the Titanic syndrome….most of the life boats were ½ full…as they paddled away from everyone screaming out for help in the freezing water. Their thoughts at the moment? “We’re safe, let’s get the heck out of here.”
Our pride results in a A hardness of heart….We’ve been reconciled by God! We’re safe! We’re washed in the blood of Jesus!!!
When we allow pride to rob us of peace and sharing peace with others, we’ve forgotten what Paul said in
WHAT IS THE PROMISE FOR THOSE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN RECONCILIATION?
(DAVID & BAND PLAY)
THEY WILL HAVE THE HEART OF THE FATHER. (the heart of the Father to reach those who are lost)
* There is something about knowing you’re doing the will of the Father…(Personal story…making daddy proud.)
“sons of God” = that Jesus’ authentic disciples emulate God by undertaking the ministry of reconciliation.
Be called sons of God….The true disciples of Jesus make peace as we herald the gospel that brings people into a peaceful relationship with God and with one another.
It’s no surprise that “they will be called sons of God”, for they are simply seeking to emulate what their Father has done.
14 FOR CHRIST’S LOVE COMPELS[A] US, SINCE WE HAVE REACHED THIS CONCLUSION: IF ONE DIED FOR ALL,(C) THEN ALL DIED. 15 AND HE DIED FOR ALL(D) SO THAT THOSE WHO LIVE SHOULD NO LONGER LIVE FOR THEMSELVES,(E) BUT FOR THE ONE(F) WHO DIED FOR THEM AND WAS RAISED. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-15 HCSB
Closing illustration:
Eric leading life group….the result of a contagious relationship with someone who didn’t know peace….but I did, and I recognized the ministry of reconciliation that God has given all believers…and now He does to…now he knows the Father and Knows peace.
NOT SURE I’ll USE THIS:
Illustration: Telemachus was a monk who lived in the 4th century. He felt God saying to him, "Go to Rome." He was in a cloistered monastery. He put his possessions in a sack and set out for Rome. When he arrived in the city, people were thronging in the streets. He asked why all the excitement and was told that this was the day that the gladiators would be fighting and killing each other in the coliseum, the day of the games, the circus. He thought to himself, "Four centuries after Christ and they are still killing each other, for enjoyment?" He ran to the coliseum and heard the gladiators saying, "Hail to Caesar, we die for Caesar" and he thought, "this isn’t right." He jumped over the railing and went out into the middle of the field, got between two gladiators, held up his hands and said "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd protested and began to shout, "Run him through, Run him through." A gladiator came over and hit him in the stomach with the back of his sword. It sent him sprawling in the sand. He got up and ran back and again said, "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd continued to chant, "Run him through." One gladiator came over and plunged his sword through the little monk’s stomach and he fell into the sand, which began to turn crimson with his blood. One last time he gasped out, "In the name of Christ forbear." A hush came over the 80,000 people in the coliseum. Soon a man stood and left, then another and more, and within minutes all 80,000 had emptied out of the arena. It was the last known gladiatorial contest in the history of Rome.
* In the name of Jesus we must stop running from God
* In the name of Jesus we must stop the quailing
* In the name of Jesus we must stop the oppression of others
* In the name of Jesus we must bring peace true peace to others.
**Those who by word and example are promoters of this peace are called blessed. Their title is “sons of God,” a designation of high honor and dignity, showing that by their promotion of peace they have entered into the very sphere of their Father’s own activity.
Scripture passages:
Hebrews 12:14 14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness(M)—without it no one will see the Lord.
Colossians 1:19-20 19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness(A) dwell in Him,(B) 20 and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood(D) of His cross[a](E)— whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Isaiah 9:6-7 – Jesus is referenced as Prince of Peace = He comes to make peace between God and man.
Isaiah 52:7 = Jesus proclaims peace = the Prince of Peace, Jesus through His life and ministry made peace between God and man, and between man and man. Isaiah predicted this of Messiah.
Isaiah 26:3 3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace,(A) for it is trusting in You.
Quotes:
John MacArthur – “A truce just says you don’t shoot for awhile. Peace comes when the truth is known, the issue is settled, & the parties embrace each other.”
Haden Robinson -- “No peace will exist between nations until peace reigns in each country. And no country will have peace until peace dwells with the people. And no people will have peace until they surrender to the prince of peace.”
Peanuts Lucy “I hate everything I hate everybody I hate the whole wide world” Charlie says “But I thought you had inner peace”
Lucy replies “ I do but I also have outer obnoxiousness.”
Opening illustration on someone who brokered peace between . . . gangs?
Turn to Matthew 5:9 We’re coming to the end of this series based on 10 verses of Scripture that many have called the Beatitudes. In the Beatitudes, Jesus unveils the secrets to kingdom living; the secrets to abundant living; the secrets to a life of supreme happiness. Each of these 8 secrets uses the word ‘blessed’. It is the Greek word blessed (makarious): supremely happy. This happiness Jesus identifies is different than the happiness the world seeks. Thiers is a happiness that is based on emotion, that is temporary, that is based on favorable circumstances. But this supreme happiness is a state of being that is based on the favor of God.
And so Jesus is revealing the secrets of this life of supreme happiness. And what’s crazy, it is diametrically opposed to the life chased by the rest of the world. Such is the Christ-life: Christ-followers pursue life on a completely different plane of reality.
This life of supreme happiness is offered to all who follow Christ. If you are a Christ-follower, and your life is not marked by this supreme happiness, then something is terribly wrong. There are some secrets you must discover.
Each of these secrets builds on the previous one. That means you have to start on square one. You can’t skip it and go to square 3 or 6. You have to discover the 1st secret and live it, then you can discover the 2nd secret and live that. Then you can discover the 3rd secret and live that.
And so this morning we come to the 7th secret of this life of supreme happiness. It builds on all of the previous 6 secrets. Jesus says in v.9 “The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 HCSB
Let’s talk a little bit about the concept of peace. Isn’t peace a beautiful concept? Who doesn’t want peace? Clip from Miss Congeniality on plane mocking…
At the end of course she confesses she does want world peace, and who doesn’t? The problem is that from the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden and all of creation fell as a result, peace has been in scarce supply. From that moment on, humans have been in conflict with God, with each other, and with themselves. I say in scarce supply because most of humanity is alienated from God, aren’t they? Wars have devastated nations and people for millenniums. And peace of heart is so rare in our day that as many as 50 million Americans take medication to deal with their lack of peace.
In the Old Testament, the word is peace (shalom): made whole; the state of well-being. The word peace (eirene): more than just the lack of conflict; it is a state of being bound together; being properly related.
Illustration of something having friction: two sticks; apart they don’t have peace, not related. Rubbing they don’t have peace, but friction. But bound together (tie,glue,tape) they are at peace with one another. ???????????
So Where peace come from? (Build slide) Well, like any other thing that is good and valuable, it comes from God.
“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep —with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 HCSB
There is so much treasure in these verses that we don’t have time to get into: the shepherd is reminiscent of Ps.23 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…that whole psalm describes this peace. Covenant: there is the binding together I was talking about. But look at that 1st phrase: The God of peace. Ours is not a warring God, but a God of peace.
To whom is this peace extended? (build slide) People of faith
“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 HCSB Who has peace with God? Those who have been made righteous by faith.
How did this happen? (build slide) By the blood of Christ
“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him (Jesus), and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:20 HCSB
That is the initial peace. An eternal peace. (point up) It leads to a internal peace; a peace that comes from being aligned with God’s will. (point in) This is what qualifies us as sons and daughters of God.
But it doesn’t stop there. Jesus says that those who make peace are supremely happy. Why?
What secret is Jesus revealing? (build slide) God loves reconciliation. He’s the God of Peace. He is the God of reconciliation. That’s why He entered our world in the person of Jesus Christ. That’s why He died on the cross. He wants to reconcile all to Himself. He wants to restore what destroyed; make whole what is incomplete. We are never more like God than when we are making peace. We are never more like God than when we are making peace.
How does a Christ-follower make peace?
1. Making peace with others in personal conflict
It goes without saying, that if we are at peace with God (up), we must be at peace with others (out). They go together. God says “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 HCSB
We give ourselves a pass on this all the time, but to do so is an affront to God.
I like how the Celebrate Recovery ministry puts it: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others.”
They use a little acrostic to help them be a peacemaker:
A dmit the hurt and the harm.
This takes some reflection and self-examination. To be a peacemaker you’ve got to be honest about those you might have hurt and you can’t keep ignoring the hurts others have done to you.
M ake a list
Write it down. Writing always helps clarify the issues. How did you hurt them? How did they hurt you?
Get E ncouragement
Sometimes the hurt has been so bad, you’ll need a lot of encouragement to go to the person. Find someone you can trust who will encourage you and pray for you as you take this step.
N ot for them
What this means is that if you approach the situation as if you have it all together and they don’t, it won’t work. Humility is critical. Don’t try to fix them. This is about God working in YOUR life. Don’t offer excuses or attempt to justify your actions. Focus on your part of the problem and don’t expect anything in return.
D o it at the right time
When you are trying to be a peacemaker in a relationship that has gone sour, not only does it take courage and humility, it takes wisdom and good judgment. Pray and ask God when, where, and how to go about making amends with this person.
S tart living the promise of freedom
Here’s the cool thing: when we have done all that we can to make amends with someone, it is incredibly freeing. We don’t have to live in guilt or fear. As the Scripture says, as far as it is possible with you, you are at peace with everyone. That’s a great way to live.
2. Making peace between others and God
Now we get into the blessing that most Christ-followers are missing out on; and that is being a person who is involved in reconciling people far from God with the God of peace.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ 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 He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 HCSB
God loves reconciliation. He has given US the message of reconciliation. He wants His followers to be involved in the great miracle of seeing others be reconciled to Him in peace.
If you’re a Christ-follower, but you’re not a witness for Christ, then you’re not living the blessed life Jesus wants for you.
What keeps us from being involved in reconciliation? (build slide) A hardness of heart. An incredible indifference to the eternality of the people around us.
I mean, after all, we’re safe, right? We’re reconciled, right? Our eternity is set and blessed, right? That knowledge mixed with a hard heart can lead to a tragic indifference.
At 11:40 on April 14, 1912 the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg in the north Atlantic and sunk at 2:30 in the morning on April 15th. Of the 2,223 people on board, 1,517 died in the frigid waters. 18 lifeboats were launched, each one with a capacity of 65 people. Unfortunately most of the lifeboats were not filled to capacity. Get this: according to the official commission authorized to investigate the sinking, all but 2 of the of the lifeboats rowed away from the passengers screaming in the water for fear that the ship would pull them down with it. Only 2 of the half-empty lifeboats came to rescue anyone. In fact, an hour after the ship had sunk, they stayed away from the area where people were drowning. Wouldn’t you agree that indicates an incredible hardness of heart?
This was an indifference toward those who were perishing physically—how much more tragic that we who are safe and reconciled and at peace with God would stand idly by and not tell others of this great message of reconciliation, this God of peace who became one of us and died on the cross to reconcile us to Himself. God help us.
