How to have Peace

Matthew 5 (NASB)

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 

2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The poor in spirit are those who understand the poverty of their souls without Christ. 

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Those who mourn are those who grieve over their sinful condition without Christ.  

5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

The gentle are those who surrender to the rule of Christ in their lives.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Those who are satisfied because they are looking unto Jesus to make them righteous and not themselves. 

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Those who have a pure motive of gratitude and appreciation for God, Himself.    

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

We are being pressured by the world to conform to it.  

Our number #1 concern is to remain at peace with God.  

Peace is more than the absence of strife.  

Peace is the rule of God in the human heart.  

Jesus came not only as the peacemaker, but also the peace provider.  

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).  

Without Jesus, there is no lasting peace.  

The root word of peace in the Bible means to join together.  

The peace in Jesus's day was under Roman rule which came by the sword.  

The Greek word for peace that the New Testament was written in means harmony.

Jesus offers a different kind of peace from the peace that the world offers.

John 14:27  (NKJV)

27 Peace I (Jesus) leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.   

Matthew 10:34 (NASB)

34 “Do not think that I (Jesus) came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

What does this mean?

We are not supposed to be peacekeepers.

We're supposed to be peacemakers.

Peacekeeping involves force.  

The gospel divides families from those who believe in Jesus from those who don't.  

When you stands on the claims of Jesus, it puts you in opposition to the rest of the world.  

You can't have harmony with people who don't believe in truth and righteousness.  

Galatians 5 (NASB)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Philippians 4 (NASB)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3 (NASB)

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.   

Jesus is not describing the absence of conflict, but what happens within the human heart when Christ rules there.

What unsettles your peace?

Peacekeepers avoid conflict.  

Peacemakers surrender to Christ's rule in their lives. 

Peace is the desire for others to  belong to God, too. 

Colossians 1 (NKJV)

20 and by Him (Jesus) to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Peacemakers have made peace with God. 

Peacemakers help others find peace with God.  

We exist to help people encounter Jesus, so they can experience true life. 

Who do you know or don't know yet who needs peace with God? 

James 3 (NKJV)

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Peacemakers reach out to offer God's peace to  others. 

Romans 12 (NKJV)

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Hebrews 12 (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

If we live like this, we will be called the children of God.  

Matthew 22:37-39  (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 

38 This is the first and great commandment. 

39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Dear God, give me the opportunity to share my faith today.  

Help me to share your offer of peace with courage, love, and simplicity.  Amen!

Proverbs 11 (NKJV)

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.

Romans 10:15  (NKJV)

...“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Romans 5 (NKJV)

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

¹³ For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Darryl Craft, Whitesburg Baptist Church

http://www.whitesburgbaptist.org/sermons/peacemakers/