1. Practical Christianity
Blessed are the Peacemakers
October 2018

2. Readings
Matthew 5 : 1-16 Ephesians 2:11-18 Ephesians 4:25-32 Reference: Martyn Lloyd-Jones “Studies in the Sermon on the Mount”

3. Building Something Tangible
Practical Christianity
Meekness is real strength “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth
Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the KOG
Humility before Christ
“Without sorrow there is no joy” Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted
Blessed are the Pure Hearted for they shall see God
Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God
Righteousness the road to blessedness and fulfilment
Mercy – the ultimate Christian test!
Building the Foundation

4. The progression thus far
Poor in Spirit Mourn for sin of self and others Blessed are the meek (in relation to others) Hunger & thirst for righteousness – the only way to real peace & fulfilment Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God

5. Our focus
Matthew 5 vs 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Sons of God

6. The fundamental principle
In the beatitudes Jesus is establishing a Kingdom that is separate, new and entirely different – “the most terrible sermon – impossible for man to live this way”

7. The Context War! Oppression! Conflict
Jews were expecting a military victory with a Messiah that would bring such a military victory
Even John the Baptist enquired “Are you the one?”
Today? Any different? What are our expectations around the topic of peace?

8. The Shock! Jesus came with a totally different and lasting solution
He offers that same different solution today

9. The question Jesus was actually asking
Why are peacemakers different?
They are different and unlike the world because they are children (Sons) of God
Their influence is therefore so different
Our first application lesson today:
How different are you from the world?
Do you stick out like a sore thumb?
If we are not different we can’t be God’s instruments of salt and light
Can’t be a peacemaker

10. Why is this difference needed?
The chaos in the world today is the fruit of sin!
The problem lies in the heart of man

11. Let’s examine our hearts

12. So let’s examine our hearts It starts with each of us!!!
Do we have inner peace?
John 14:27 “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 & do not be afraid”
Are you saved? Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Saviour?
It is this difference that is the cornerstone of being a peacemaker!

13. This is the truth that needs to be applied to the world!

14. The second application lesson for today
Let us not put our faith in the power of our acclaimed constitution or in the independence of our judiciary or treasury etc, BUT, Rather in righteous living and adherence to God’s way, In a visible and bold manner

15. Three kinds of peace warriors
Peace breakers
Peace fakers
Peace makers

16. What then is a peacemaker?
Not an appeaser or someone who seeks peace at the cost of principle
The absence of war also does not mean there is peace
Robin Williams
The town clown

17. A peacemaker is:
Someone who acknowledges their total dependence on God
Someone who mourns for his own sin and the sin of others
Someone who is actively driven by his/her concern that all men should be at peace with God

18. So our third application today is:
We can not be uninvolved and passive as a Christian (SOG)!
Our Christian lives are peaceful protests
We have to be flag bearers
We are all evangelists through the use of our spiritual gifts

19. To be a peacemaker we must:
Have an entirely new view and opinion of self
Have a pure and undivided heart – purity is the basis of biblical peace!
Be mournful of sin in self and others
Understand that it is only by the Grace of God that we and the world are saved
Be driven by glorifying God
Be humble and be prepared to suffer if need be for the Glory of God

20. Practically – how do we do this?
Check my / your own heart – are we truly sons of God?
Ephesians 4:13 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

21. Practically – how do we do this?
James tells us to control our tongues “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”

22. Practically – how do we do this?
Take the initiative and don’t be passive. Become positive and go out of our way to look for the means and methods of making peace – “if thine enemy be hungry, feed him!”

23. Practically – how do we do this?
Diffuse peace wherever we are
Matthew 5:44 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
Love your enemies
Be selfless, lovable, approachable and don’t stand on own dignity.
Let us be a people that will cause others to come to us, that will cause those with a bitter spirit to somehow feel condemned when they look at us and perhaps be led to speak to us about their problems.
No self righteousness but let God shine through. Let the God of peace shine
Say sorry even if you are not wrong!
Pray for those who persecute you
Seek God’s wisdom.
Matthew 5 vs 47 “If you greet only your brother, what more are you doing than others?”. Don’t bear grudges

24. Practically – how do we do this?
Recognise that your stand for truth may be the cause of the conflict
Don’t compromise on the truth – eternal salvation is weightier and more important than any global or human issue.
How would you & I respond??
The most violent conflict that ever took place in all of history was witnessed by the universe when Jesus was hung upon the cross making peace. Jesus did not compromise on the truth.
There will be times when we will be misunderstood & misrepresented but God says “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called Sons of God”
As SOG we bear Christ’s likeness
We have the character of our Heavenly Father (2 Cor 5; 19 says “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.”

25. Recognise that your stand for truth may be the cause of the conflict
Seek first God’s Spirit of wisdom.
James 3 :17 teaches us that “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable” – seek God’s wisdom first.
But Matthew 10 :34 clearly teaches that we must never abandon our allegiance to God and His word, no matter how much animosity it brings

26. Matthew 10:34
“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.’[c] 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

27. Practically – how do we do this?
Recognise that you won’t always succeed.
Romans 12 :18 says “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all”
Don’t let the rupture in your relationship be your fault.
Just be the Holy Spirit’s host!

28. Key lessons for today
How different are you from the world? Are you a SOG?
Place our faith in God and in bold, righteous living
As Sons of God we cannot be passive - are all active evangelists!
Are you and I willing to make sacrifices for peace as Jesus did?
Master the six practical applications

29. The Peacemaker’s Benediction
Hebrews 13:20
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

30. Let us pray!