"Peace-maker... of course" - Beatitude #7

The Beatitude Series - #7

Matthew 5:9 p1501

Acts 10-11:1-18 p.1709

“Peace-maker… of course”

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

Peter’s Vision

9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”

22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along.

28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Ethics Class last fall

Sunday laws

TV, Swimming, Shopping
Doctrine – women, children at the table

Happy are the Peace-makers

Are you a Peace-maker
Peter a Peace-maker

What is a peace-maker? Look at the text.

Vs 9-14 – Peace-maker Peter? Not!

Peter says – mēdamōs (Are you crazy)
Never had he eaten the unclean
Peter says “Lord” – He know God is talking

Vs 15 – This happens a second time

Now God explains what He is doing

Vs 16 – Three times this happens and then it is gone

Vs 19 – Peter is wondering…

While wondering the Spirit talks
Tells him men are coming and greet them
Look what the men say

Vs 22 – Cornelius

Righteous, God fearing, respected by Jews
They knew the laws too

What does Peter do?

Invites Gentiles in his house

What is the result of this?

Peter and buddies go to Joppa to be with forbidden people
Vs 28 – No more wondering about the vision
Peter goes against everything he was taught

What is a peace?

Greek – eirēnē
Hebrew – shalom
LXX – shalom = eirēnē - Peace, prosperity, wellbeing, health, completeness, safety restored relationship

Peace is not lack of conflict

If we care we confront sin

Peace is not just a state of mind
Peace is not about self (keys in car)

Peace is from God

14 Xs from God
Judges 6:24 - Yahweh Shalom

Did Peter become a peace-maker?

Vs 43 –
He preached the gospel
the Gentiles were saved

How does this happen?

Beatitude #7 is another extension of #6
Pure in heart will promote peace-making
Peace-makers will be sons of God (God-like)

Am I a peace-maker?

What would I be willing to change so that people in Sioux Center would be saved
Peter was criticized
In the end critics were rejoicing too
Can you rejoice when God works