Blessed: Experiencing fully your God-breathed intention.
Matthew 5:2–10 (NIV) 2 He began to teach them. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:9(NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Peace Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) To make complete or whole. YHWH Shalom- The Lord is our Peace.
Eirene (εἰρήνη) Right relationships between people and between people and God.
God’s peace is different Matthew 10:34 (NIV) Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 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.
Peacemakers:
Peacemakers, not peacekeepers.
Called Children of God 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 (NIV) 17 If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Making peace: 1. Be at peace “You can only have the peace of God by being at peace with God.” Romans 5:2 (NIV) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 2:13–14 (NIV) 13 Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility...
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.
“Peace with the world is not promised, but through Jesus, we can have peace in the world.”
2. Make every effort Ephesians 4:1–3 (NIV) 1 I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
a. We take responsibility.
b. We have conversations.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
“Passivity is not peacemaking.”
3. Promoting this Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:15 (NIV) ....and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
