Blessed are the Peacemakers

What do I need to know?

Peacekeepers vs. peacemakers

love peace not drama

what is peace

peace does not sacrifice truth 2 John 3

maybe you can tell other people how they can have peace with God through putting their faith in Jesus

sons reflect character of father (God made a huge sacrificial effort for peace with humanity) Rom. 5:1 Called gospel pf peace

Father is God of peace Jesus is prince of peace (it is clear that one of God’s goals is peace)

God wants peace for you (you don’t have to experience anxiety)

Why do I care?

We all want to experience internal peace and God wants us to be at peace in ourselves and with our neighbors.

What do I do?

Where could God be asking you to help make peace?

Intro

I don’t know what your middle school experience has been like, but if there was one word that could describe mine. It would be ‘drama.’

Whether it was boyfriends and girlfriends or friend groups or teachers and coaches and teams, my life was full of drama.

I even remember so distinctively one time at lunch there was some drama going on as usual and I walked past a group of girls and I heard one of them say, “I love drama so much!”

Maybe if you’re home schooled that looks a little bit different, but I’m sure you have experienced drama, whether thats here or at home or wherever.

To me this seems so weird because if there’s one thing that I think all people have in common it is that they want peace.

Like who in the world would say, “no I don’t want to experience peace. I don’t want a life that is full of peace.”

And yet we are so often attracted to drama which is essentially the exact opposite of peace.

It’s so backwards that we would seek out drama and yet desire and long for peace in our lives.

Maybe some of you can relate to me in the amount of drama that is around you or in your life.

And if you’re honest with yourself maybe you’re a part of that drama or you are like that girl that I mentioned and you are really attracted towards drama.

Maybe the shows you watch are full of drama or the friend group you are in. or maybe the relationship you are in is causing drama.

Transition

There was a point in my life where I was in a ton of drama, but I truly don’t believe that it is God’s desire for our lives.

I think he wants something better for us.

For the past couple months we’ve been the beatitudes, which is a really big fancy word. But the beatitudes are simply teachings of Jesus and in them He shows the difference between the way God views something and the way that humans typically view something.

_______ is one of these teachings.

Here is what Jesus says. about the topic of peace.

Scripture

Matthew 5:9 ESV

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

Now the first thing that you might notice about this verse is that Jesus says ‘peacemaker.’ You have probably heard peacekeeper more often though.

What is the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper? Well if I keep something it means that it was already there or already existed, but that’s not what Jesus said. If I make something it means it wasn’t there before, so Jesus isn’t just telling us to avoid conflict or to just keep the peace. He is actually telling us to create peace where there is no peace.

One big aspect of peacemaking is truth. I think sometimes we can be tempted to prioritize peace over the truth, but if peace is only based on a lie then it is not real peace.

As peacemakers, the truth has to be a top priority.

And Jesus tells us, If we are peacemakers that we will be called sons of God, but what does that mean.

Maybe you’ve heard your entire life, “hey you look like your dad.” or, “ you look like your mom.” when you’re a child you look like your parent, so Jesus is telling us if we become peacemakers we will look like our father God.

Because God made peace in the biggest way possible, between all of us humans and Him. The reality is that when God made humans we were at peace with Him and it was perfect, but we chose our own way and we made ourselves enemies of God by rejecting Him. But if you know the story then you know that God was not happy with the lack of peace, so He sent Jesus, who was and who still is God, to teach us how to have peace with God and ultimately to die in our place as a sacrifice so that we can have peace with God.

Something that you should notice here is that it is not God’s fault that humans and God were not at peace, it was humans fault, but God was the one that made peace even when it wasn’t His fault.

I believe we should be peacemakers in the same way. Even if it’s not your fault that there’s drama or there’s a fight you should go out of your way to create peace just like Jesus did for us on the cross.

Transition

I think that if we all became peacemakers and created peace, our families would be better, our friend groups would be better, and our relationships would be better, but also I think our lives would be better.

Maybe you’re someone who fights a daily battle with anxiety or depression or it feels like there is no peace in your family because of your parents or your siblings relationships.

Well can I tell you that God wants you to have inner peace. Or peace in your mind your spirit your soul.

And He actually offers this peace to you.

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Could you imagine what it would be like to experience a peace in the middle of your worry and your anxiety that surpasses all understanding, or is beyond what you can comprehend.

Did you know that God offers you that peace through going to Him in prayer.

How different do you think your life would look if you went to God and experienced His peace when you were anxious. And how do you think your family and your friendships would change if you made an effort to create peace even when it is not your fault there isn’t peace?

Application

Where do you think God might be asking you to help make peace?

Let’s pray for God to tell us where He wants us to help make peace.