Review

• Humility required to be in the Kingdom of Heaven
• Only the declared pure are in the Kingdom

Matthew 5:2–9 (NIV) ² and he began to teach them. He said: ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

1. What kind of peace do we have first?

• If we don’t rest in the peace of Christ first for ourselves it’s difficult to be a peace maker
• Peace making does not mean we don’t have conflict –
• Peace making starts with fighting a war in our own heart first
• Many like the idea that we have the scriptures which is the sword of the Spirit but before it’s a sword it should be a mirror.

Romans 5:1–2 (NIV) ¹ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

Galatians 5:19–23 (NIV) ¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

James 3:13–18 (NIV) ¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 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. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

2. Becoming a peace maker – reconciled and reconcilers

2 Corinthians 5:17–20 (NIV) ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

3. When the internal workings of the Holy Spirit works amongst believers

Romans 12:18 (NIV) ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Matthew 5:23–24 (NIV) ²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Ephesians 4:25–27 (NIV) ²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.

4. When the Spirit of peace and the message of peace meets the world

John 14:27 (NIV) ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Matthew 10:34–38 (NIV) ³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— ³⁶ a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ ³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

1 Peter 2:11–12 (NIV) ¹¹ Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. ¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Titus 3:9–11 (NIV) ⁹ But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰ Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. ¹¹ You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Important truths about peace making

1. Remember that just because there is not peace does not mean you are wrong – have you done your part
2. Peace making is not an absence of conflict
3. Peace making is not the same as peace keeping – peace makers are not passive or avoidant
4. Peace making does not mean we compromise on the things God commands –
5. I cannot affirm what God has forbidden

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: If you had the power to bring total peace between two entities (people, groups, places, etc), who would you choose and why?

Main Point: Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, bringing peace between God and man. Abiding with Christ helps us to be Christ-like to create peace in the lives of others.

Main Scripture: Matthew 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Head Questions

• How does scripture define peace according to Romans 5:1 and John 16:33?
• What is the difference between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper?

Heart Questions

• The ministry of reconciliation is “restored wholeness” in relationship. How have you experienced the ministry of reconciliation in your own life?
• How have you helped restore others to the Lord?

Hands Questions

• Reconciliation with others takes two, how do you respond when the other person is not interested in peace? (Matthew 10:34-39)
• How do you personally, actively pursue peace with others? (Psalm 34:14)

Additional Scripture: James 3:17; John 14:27

Tips and Resources: Peacemaking is – NOT Absence of conflict, NOT passive but Active, NOT Appeasement, NOT Avoidance.