MESSENGERS OF PEACE
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Being Peace Makers
Being Peace Makers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom.
But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.
This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal).
For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).
And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.
PEACEMAKERS USE GOD’S WISDOM TO BRING PEACE TO THEIR WORLD
1. If I’m wise, I won’t compromise the truth
James 3:17 (ESV)
But the wisdom from above is first pure...
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord,
but gracious words are pure.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
2.If I’m wise, I won’t antagonize your anger
James 3:17 (ESV)
But the wisdom from above is...peaceable...
It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes.
3. If I’m wise, I won’t minimize your feelings
James 3:17 (ESV)
But the wisdom from above is…considerate...
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).
Considerate = being mindful of the feelings of others
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
James 3:17 (The Living Bible)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is...courteous.
James 3:17 (ESV)
But the wisdom from above is…gentle with people (TEV)
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
4. If I’m wise, I won’t criticize your suggestions
James 3:17 (AMP)
But the wisdom from above is…not defensive...
Greek: “eupeithes” = reasonable
James 3:17 (RSV)
But the wisdom from above is...open to reason
James 3:17 (The Living Bible)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven...allows discussion and is willing to yield to others
A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others.
5. If I’m wise, I won’t emphasize your mistakes
James 3:17 (NLT)
But the wisdom from above is full of mercy and helpful
Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends.
Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement.
6. If I’m wise, I won’t despise our differences
James 3:17 (ESV)
But the wisdom from above is free from prejudice and hypocrisy (TEV)
Greek: adiakritos& anypokritos = no hidden prejudice & no hypocrisy
1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)
Show proper respect to everyone...
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
in him lie hidden all God’s treasures of wisdom and knowledge.