Peacemaker

Matthew 5:9 ESV9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. • • •1. Peacemaking is gospel work. • • •2 Corinthians 5:16-21 ESV16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. • • •Ephesians 2:13-18 ESV13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. • • •Colossians 1:19-20 ESV19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. • • •2. Peacemakers reflect God's character. • • •Isaiah 9:6 ESV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. • • •Romans 12:18 ESV18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. • • •Romans 14:19 ESV19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. • • •Hebrews 12:14 ESV14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. • • •John 14:27 ESV27 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. • • •Application:Let’s be proactive in looking for ways to establish God’s peace in the areas of our life like family, work, school, friendships, community, neighborhood, etc. where God has placed us. Peacemakers will point people to Jesus as the only place where real peace can be found. • • •Supporting Texts:2 Corinthians 5:16-21Ephesians 2:13-18Colossians 1:19-20Romans 12:18Romans 14:19Hebrews 12:14John 14:27Isaiah 9:6