Sermon Study #317 – TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PEACEMAKERS
Illus. Poem:
I dreamed death came the other night
And heaven’s gate swung wide.
With kindly grace an angel fair
Ushered me inside.
And there, to my astonishment
Stood folks I’d known on earth.
Some I’d judged and labeled as
“Unfit”, “Of little worth”.
Indignant words rose to my lips,
But never were set free
For every face showed stunned surprise
No one expected me!
Key Scripture: Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Msg 9"You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
1. What does peace produce? = Harvest of righteousness
~ James 3:17-18 - But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
2. Can I live in peace with everyone? = People may not live in peace with you, but you can have peace with people.
~ Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
~ Hebrews 12:14 - Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
3. How can I “make every effort to live in peace”?
Key Passage: Luke 6:27-37 - "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you. [32] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ’sinners’ lend to ’sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. [37] "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
10 COMMANDMENTS FOR LIVING AS A PEACEMAKER:
(1) Love your enemies by doing good to those who hate you (v.27)
(2) Bless those who curse you (v.28a).
(3) Pray for those who mistreat you (v. 28b).
(4) Do not retaliate (v. 29a).
(5) Give freely (vv. 29b-30).
(6) Treat others the way you want to be treated (v. 31).
(7) Mercy will lead to mercy (36).
(8) Judgment will lead to judgment (v. 37a).
(9) Condemnation will lead to condemnation (v. 37b).
(10) Pardon will lead to pardon (v. 37c).
“The man who refuses to forgive destroys the bridge over which he himself must cross.” — John Iverson
Who are the “sons of God”?
Galatians 3:26-29 - You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Review:
1. What does peace produce?
2. Can I live in peace with everyone?
3. How can I “make every effort to live in peace”?
