KINGDOM

PRINCIPLES
BLESSED TO BLESS | THE BEATITUDES
CAMACOP DIVISION OF MISSIONS | OCTOBER 2023
SERMON 4
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
MATTHEW 5:9
INTRODUCTION:
We have learned that the first three beatitudes look at man's needs: (1) being "poor in spirit" [one
is helpless without God]. (2) Being "mournful" or sorrowful because of one's sin. (3) Being
"meek" [being willing to be under the complete control of God] leads one to submit to the will of
God.
In the fourth beatitude we see the result when one seeks after God's righteousness. The
experience itself of the blessing of hungering and thirsting after God's righteousness - being
filled and satisfied.
The fifth, sixth and the 7th Beatitude deals with the three kinds of character or virtues that God
wants to see developed in the life of the disciples. 1. To be merciful 2. To be pure 3. To be a
peacemaker.
At the outset, the 6th Beatitude, the word "pure" does not necessarily mean "sinlessness". The
whole teaching of the beatitudes is that we are weak and sinful; that we are spiritually bankrupt
and conscious of the uncleanness in our lives that cause us to mourn.
Purity of heart is a way of life - a constant walk under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.When one
desires to be "pure in heart" he must hate sin and love the things of God. It is a day by day walk
and being conscious of the things that grieve the Holy Spirit. One who is pure in heart is aware
of his/her shortcomings and immediately deals with them.
This is leading us now to the 7th Beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called
children of God."
"In Hebrew language, the word ‘peace’ does not only refer to the absence of trouble. It means
everything that contributes to man's highest good." (William Barclay'sDaily Study Bible
Seriesgives this understanding of Peace or shalom in Hebrew).
In the East when one greets another person, Salaam—which is the same word—he does not
mean that he wishes for the other person only the absence of evil things; he also wishes for him
the presence of all good things. In the Bible peace means not only freedom from all trouble; it
means enjoyment of all things even in adverse situation that in the end will bring good to the
person.
This gives us insights on why peacemaking, just as with all the other characteristics expressed
in the Beatitudes, is a standard set for those who are followers of Jesus. Peacemaking means
"everything which makes for a man's highest good."
The Greek word which is translated as "peace" here in Matthew 5:9, has the meaning of
"harmony." When Jesus spoke of "peace" He was referring to the "balance of the soul" being in
harmony with God.
Today, when we think of the meaning of peace, we do not think of the same meaning that Christ
was speaking about. "Peace," as it is used in Scripture, refers to God's acceptance of man! The
kind of peace spoken of in God's Word is the result of man's reconciliation with God!
When man was created by God, he was at peace with his Creator and, as long as he did not seek
independence from God, he was in harmony with God and His laws. Satan's goal however, was
to tempt man to declare his independence from God, and when that happens man's peace with
God is broken. And it has been this way ever since because there has been a war going on
between man and God.
When man disobeys the commands of God, he is separated from and therefore there is no
(absence of) peace. But when man enters into a relationship with Jesus, he is now at peace with
God.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
MATTHEW 5:9

Jesus said in John 14:27, "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 troubledand do not be afraid."
Both in prophecy and history, Christ brings with Him the meaning of peace!

In the Old Testament, it was prophesied. He will be called "'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'"(Is. 9:6)
His birth was announced to the shepherds with the words, "'Glory to God in the highest and
on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!'"(Luke 2:14)
In Jesus' ministry He brings about well-being or wholeness in all those whom He heals or
releases from demons. After Jesus heals and speaks to the woman with the issue of blood,
he tells her to "'go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"(Mark 5:34)
He calms the waves and wind with the words, "'Peace! Be still!'"(Mark 4:39)
When Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent death, resurrection, and ascension
back to His Father, he says, "'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world
gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.'"(John
14:27)

Eph. 2:14-16 reads, “For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall
of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in
himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body
through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were
far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one
Spirit."
Notice here what Paul is saying. Christ Jesus Himself is our peace, He does not just give us
peace. The peacemaking happens first within Himself, within His very own flesh. Jesus had to
suffer at the cross in order for true peace to take place in the world, in the church and in the life
of those who follow Him.

What is the process of becoming true peacemakers?

A. TRUE PEACEMAKING STARTS WITH HAVING PEACE WITH GOD
It is important to keep in mind the context of this beatitude and the fact that it follows "Blessed
are the pure in heart," which, in turn, follows "Blessed are the merciful." This means, "peace" is
the result of our hearts not condemning us after we have received God's forgiveness and, then,
in return we are able to forgive others as well!
Romans 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ."
God never promised us immunity from injustice, slander, hatred, and inflicted wrongs, but He
did promise to give us His peace if we allow the Holy Spirit to form within us the attitudes of the
beatitudes.
B. TRUE PEACEMAKING IS DEMONSTRATED BY HOW WE LIVE
In Romans 12:18, Paul commands us, "As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
It is not an easy task to do, considering human tendencies to protect their own or demand for
their own rights.
KINGDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
MATTHEW 5:9

Yet, it is something that is expected of us. It is first and foremost for our own peace that we
have to do it, for it is impossible to be happy while involved in arguments and warfare.
Some people are more competitive, decisive and contentious than others, and the way to
restrain their pride and anger and to be calm in order to become a true peacemaker. Though
pride may be a reason for contentions, anger with one or the other person in a dispute is
frequently the first sign that the peace is about to be broken.
Paul's instruction is necessary because anger is so difficult to check and equally difficult to
resolve when the peace is broken causing bitterness and hatred.
If we follow Christ's example of being passive in the face of contention and live out the
Beatitude of a peacemaker, the one reviling or threatening soon finds out that you are not the
enemy. God's word instructs us to be passive in the face of contention. When this happens,
peace becomes real and peacemaking becomes a greater virtue.
Because peacemakers are blessed it follows that God is not happy for people who are peace-
breakers. Contention produces disunity. When Adam and Eve sinned, both unity and peace
with God were shattered.
John writes, "If someone says, ‘I love God,' and hates his brother he is a liar; for he who does not
love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" 1 John 4:20.
This is Paul's advice to the church at Ephesus on how to live:
"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with
which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one
another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:1 - 3
Paul explained the reason for making unity and peace, "It is our calling." Our conduct therefore
must show how we live it.
Paul counsels us to conduct ourselves humbly. Humility is the opposite of pride. If pride
produces contention, humility soothes, calms, heals and unifies opposing parties.
Some problems are sometimes too big or too deep to be resolved immediately. Here is Paul’s
admonition to us, “forbear with each other in love”. As if he is saying, "put up with it" or endure
it, by not doing anything to bring the other party down in the eyes of others in order to elevate
oneself. This is true peacemaking demonstrated by godly living.
Another aspect of Christian duty in peacemaking is that of praying. Invoking God's mercy upon
this broken world, unity in the church and love for the brethren. The Bible gives us many
examples of godly people who did this. Abraham prayed for Sodom and Gomorrah when God
threatened to have the two cities destroyed (Gen. 18:16 - 33). Mosesinterceded for Israel before
God following the Golden Calf incident in Exodus 33:11 - 14. In each case God relented to some
degree.
"We will probably never know in this life how much our prayers affect the course of division or
how much others—even the wicked—gained as a result of our intercession, but we should find
comfort knowing that we have done at least this much toward making peace."
True peacemaking is demonstrated by how we live: How we walk, how we love and how we
pray.
C. TRUE PEACEMAKING CONTINUES WHEN SHARED WITH OTHERS!
Putting this in context, we are blessed Peacemakers because of our experience of having the
peace of God. But this also give us the idea that we need to "share this peace". It is not enough
that we have peace with God, we need to reach out to others so they too will have this peace.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
MATTHEW 5:9

James 3:13-18, 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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your
hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is
earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and
every evil practice. 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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a
harvest of righteousness.
Peacemaking involves not only mediating but also everything the person is, his attitude and
character as well as what he intends to accomplish. Peacemaking is first to be demonstrated by
the godliness of the person, then translated into helping others attain the same state of being
restored to God.

D. TRUE PEACEMAKING HAS ITS REWARD

Jesus says that peacemakers "shall be called sons of God." The Bible's usage of the words "sons"
and "children," in this Beatitude does not apply to all people. The meaning of "sons" and
"children" applies to those who show the characteristics of the one they follow - either Christ or
Satan.
Here is an example in John 8:38, 41, 44, Jesus tells the Jews that Satanis their father. Their
attitudes and conduct revealed who their true spiritual father was.
So, in Matt. 5:9, peacemakers are blessed and will be called children of God
"They shall be called sons of God" means "owned." It includes sons and daughters who have been
born of God through the work of God the Spirit. God has a relationship with believers like a
father does with his children.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be owned as the children of God." God owns them
as His children. Since we are His children we must act like our Father. We have His character.
When we become peacemakers we become more like our Father in heaven.
The peacemaker enjoys inner peace with God, others and himself. God has made peace with
man through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ is our peace. Peacemakers do what their Father has
done. How often do we want to stand up for our rights and fight for them . But God in His
mercy and grace sent His Son to make peace with us through His own blood. The Prince of
Peace gave Himself to make peace with us.

"For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all
things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on
earth or things in heaven" (Colossians 1:19-20).

He is our peace because He gave Himself that we might be at peace with God.

Being a peacemaker you portray the character of God. Peacemakers are called “God’s children”
There is something God-like in bringing reconciliation between men and God.
Peacemaking does not make us children of God but we are peacemakers because we are His
children.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
MATTHEW 5:9

CONCLUSION:
Let me summarize the truth about this Beatitude:
A. True peacemaking starts with having peace with God.
B. True peacemaking is demonstrated by how we live.
C. True peacemaking continues when shared with others.
D. True peacemaking has its rewards.
The question is, are you a peacemaker of and for God?

MISSIONS CHALLENGE:
The greatest thing about peacemaking is that we can go to somebody who is at war with God
and make peace between that person and God. The minute he comes to Jesus Christ and makes
peace with God, he will be at peace with us. He becomes God’s child and our brother.
In other words, Evangelism is peacemaking. The best way to be a peacemaker is to preach the
gospel of peace so that a man’s alienation from God and from the body of Christ can be ended
and he can be at peace.
No wonder it says in Romans 10:15, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news
of good things!”

Do you really want to be a peacemaker?

The greatest thing about peacemaking is that we can go to somebody who is at war with God
and lead that person to be at peace with God. The minute he comes to Jesus Christ and makes
peace with God, he will be at peace with us. He becomes God’s child and our brother.
In other words, Evangelism is peacemaking. The best way to be a peacemaker is to preach the
gospel of peace so that a man’s alienation from God and from the body of Christ can be ended
and he can be at peace.
No wonder it says in Romans 10:15, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of
good things!”
Do you really want to be a peacemaker? Tell somebody about Jesus Christ!
However, let us also bear in mind that our missions of peace should not only be limited to our
spiritual reconciliation, but it should also extend to the social, economic, and physical
dimensions.
Becoming a peacemaker may cost you, and maybe you will have to suffer or sacrifice
something. But, then that is what a peacemaker should do.
That’s what Jesus did, and He is our example.
May God empowers us to be peacemakers.

KINGDOM PRINCIPLES SERIES 2023

 WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
SERMON Rev. Arthur O. Joseph EDITOR Ms. Albina L. Cristobal TRANSLATOR LM Milcah G. Gerada
FRONT COVER ARTIST Ptr. Joerel R. Candido GRAPHICS & LAYOUT LM Nielrose S. Candido