The Be-Attitudes - Part Vii Series

This morning we are continuing our series on the "Be-Attitudes" looking at the issue of being a peace maker.

Our passage today comes from Matthew 5:9:

Matthew 5:9 (NLT)

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

You’ve all seen the bumper sticker that reads “Visualize World Peace.” In our day and age that is often hard to do. Spend 30 minutes with the evening news and you begin to wonder is there truly such as thing as peace.

Why is there so little peace in our world. I think it is important that we identify the enemies of peace. Most of us are all too familiar with many of their names:

Selfishness

Pride

Jealousy

Bitterness

Unforgiveness

Ultimately a lack of peace begins with an “I” problem.

Look at what Psalm 35:20 tells us:

"They don’t talk of peace; they plot against innocent people who are minding their own business."

Psalm 35:20

There is good news for all of us. Peace is the very nature of Jesus. In fact He is called the Prince of Peace. Look at the prophecy from Isaiah concerning His names:

Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest upon his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

To find peacel, we must first realize that peace can only come from within. Let me explain. First of all peace is a fruit of the Spirit. It is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. Peace flows out from within and becomes part of our nature.

Look at Galatians 5:22-23:

"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Here there is no conflict with the law.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Look at what else the Bible tells us about the peace making work of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:6 (NLT)

If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.

A nature of peace is not easy, we must all work at it. There are 3 types of people in this world:

Aggressors

Deniers

Peace-makers

The work of a peace-maker includes the following characteristics:

Forgive - even when it is not asked for

Forget - don’t hold grudges

Reach out - to those who are in need

Speak the truth - but always in love

Love unconditionally - even when it hurts

We are all children of God, by the blood of Jesus. His blood was shed for the peace of all men. As a child of God you have been given the highest of honors and you have the greatest of reputations to uphold.

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God."

Romans 8:14 (NLT)

"So you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

Galatians 3:26