1. Braggs church of Christ
Blessed are the peacemakers
Braggs church of Christ
Spiritual Growth, Beatitudes

2. Blessed Are The Peacemakers

3. Introduction
“If someone was sent from outer space to determine the chief major business of humanity, they would have to go back and say it was to make war!” John Stacy

4. Introduction Peace = the absence of conflict --
The idea of wholeness and overall well being
The “peacemaker” not only seeks to avoid conflict, where possible, he also pursues the wholeness & well being of humanity

5. 1. Becoming A “Peacemaker”
NOTE – the peacemaker does not pursue peace at any price
He is honest – if there is a problem he will admit it and issue a warning

6. Jer. 6:14
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

7. 1. Becoming A “Peacemaker”
The peacemaker will risk pain in his attempt to uphold the truth
He fights for peace!

8. Eph. 4:3
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

9. Rom. 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men

10. Rom. 14:19
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

11. 2. Who Are The “Peacemakers”?
a. Those with a peaceable disposition
They live, desire and delight in peace

12. 2. Who Are The “Peacemakers”?
b. Those who speak peaceably
Prov. 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

13. 2. Who Are The “Peacemakers”?
c. Those who serve God, who is a God of peace
1 Th. 5:23
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

14. 2. Who Are The “Peacemakers”?
Js. 3:16-18
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
[17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits,

15. Js. 3:16-18 without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

16. 3. Where We Must Work To Have Peace
a. With God
There can be no peace among men who are not at peace with God!

17. Is. 48:22
There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked

18. Jn. 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

19. 3. Where We Must Work To Have Peace
b. In the home
1 Pet. 2:23
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”

20. 3. Where We Must Work To Have Peace
c. With our neighbor
Mt. 22:39
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

21. 3. Where We Must Work To Have Peace
d. In the church
1 Th. 5:13
“…And be at peace among yourselves.”

22. Mt. 5:23-24
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
[24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

23. 3. Where We Must Work To Have Peace
e. At work, school etc.
Heb. 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”

24. 4. They Shall Be Called The Children Of God
This is true because when one lives as Jesus has been describing in these Beatitudes, he will then be the peacemaker Jesus had in mind

25. 4. They Shall Be Called The Children Of God
God owns the man that lives his life as outlined in these Beatitudes
Eph. 5:1
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children”

26. Braggs church of Christ
Blessed are the peacemakers
Conclusion
“No man can enjoy any greater blessing in this world than peace, and he can render to greater service than in the capacity of peacemaker.” James Tolle
Spiritual Growth, Beatitudes

27. References
Survey of the Life of Christ, by Melvin J. Wise The Living Way series, Lambert’s Book House, 1968
“The Beatitudes, Spiritual Sword, Vol. 4 #3
“The Beatitudes”, Christian Worker, Vol. 97, #2
“The Peacemakers”, John Stacy