Below are notes taken from Bob Kraning's message on March 19th as he continued in the study of the Beatitudes.
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9
From the Message Translation…Matthew 5:9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
Amplified translation…Matthew 5:9 Blessed (enjoying [a]enviable happiness, [b]spiritually prosperous--[c]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and [d]maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
New Living Translation…Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
The Bible begins with peace in the garden…and ends with peace in eternity. Jesus on the cross bought and made peace with sinful man and God.
“Peace is when everyone stops to reload” – Author Unknown. In every age of history, the greatest heroes have been warriors.
When self is first…peace is last. God calls his people to be peacemakers. Unresolved conflict blocks peace and relationship with God. Peace is God’s call to us. He expects us to bring peace to our world.
1) Meaning of peace…is more than the absence of conflict. Presence of righteousness. Righteousness without prejudice, aggressiveness…but pursues peace.
The most people can offer is a truce…which only ends up buying cold war. Instead we need to bring people together in mental peace, love and harmony. Righteousness, holiness, purity, love and harmony. These attributes should make up a Christian.
James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Purity of motive. Can’t be at peace without resolving a wrong attitude. Righteousness and peace and caring for others. Lack of harmony with God will mean lack of harmony with each other.
2) We are to be the messengers of peace. How do we do that?
Jesus Christ is God’s divine and eternal peace child. God gave him so you can be at peace with God in heaven.
Messenger of Peace
P = Plan a peace conference…resolve conflict…if only for the sake of the kingdom.
E = Empathize with their feelings. Look out for one another’s interest.
A = Attack the problem and not the person.
C = Cooperate as much as possible.
E = Emphasize reconciliation…not total resolution.
Fixing the blame won’t fix the problem. It’s beautiful thing to fix the problem.
Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Peace always has a price. Must let go of ego, selfishness and pride. Words like “I’m sorry”, “I’m wrong”, and “You were right”…are part of our regular vocabulary.
Unlike the stupid movie line…love is all about saying I’m sorry.
Reconciliation focuses on the relationship. Resolution focuses on the problem. “If you can’t solve the problem, save the relationships.” That’s what’s valuable and what it’s all about.
Colossians 1:19 “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him”
Making peace though his blood she on the cross. Jesus modeled what God would have us to do.
3) Merits of Peace
The greatest human heritage can not match our inheritance with God. We are joint heirs in the Kingdom of God. Peacemaking is the hallmark of God’s children.
Are you critical or thankful? You will know as you get older. Are you divisive, critical or critical? Take a personal inventory.
God asks us to be peacemakers. Shall we be called the sons and daughters of God.
God cares for us. So much so that his word tells us that he put the tears of his children in a bottle. He remember our problems because his love for us.
John 15:15 - “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
God tells us he is changing us. There is never an accident in the family of God.
We need to make a difference…and bring forth fruit. How do I find the missing peace? Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.
Like a referee in a soccer game. The may be conflict and dispute. But when he holds up the yellow sign…it calms things down real quick. Why? Because they team knows that the next sign is a red sign. At that point, not only does the game end…but so does the tournament.
So let conflict act as your yellow sign. When you see it…calm down…resolve the conflict and make peace.
Peace with God
Have the peace of God
Peace with other people
Harry Reasoner...comments:
“I’m not a happy man.” When asked why not he went on to expound that he was not happy because he had not found what he was looking for. Peace. Peace with myself, the world, people and God.
John 16:33 – "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
In the world you will have trouble. But Jesus has overcome the world. In him you will have peace. To get thing right in our life with God…we need to also have things right with people. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment