THE BEATITUDES (Part Seven)
Matthew 5:9 (705)
Introduction
A. Review:
B. This morning let’s concentrate on the seventh beatitude which is recorded in Matthew
5:9.
I. “Blessed are the peacemakers:”
A. What peacemaking isn’t. Romans 12:18 (838)
1. Not the absence of conflict.
2. Not appeasement.
3. Not the avoidance of strife.
B. What did Jesus mean by peacemakers?
1. A peacemaker is someone who is seeking to reconcile people to God and
to one another.
2. The word “make” in the term peacemakers comes from a Greek word that means
“to do” or :to make.”
3. The peacemaker is active. He takes the initiative.
C. Passages to be understood as we seek to reconcile people to God.
1. Romans 5:1-2,8-9,21 (832) 2. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (854)
3. Colossians 1:18-21 (854) 4. Colossians 2:9-15
5. Isaiah 52:7 (547). The one who proclaims salvation is the one who announces peace.
D. Passages to be understood as we seek peace with and among one another.
1. John 14:27 (794). Peace is available for all Christians.
2. Matthew 5:21-24 (706). The peacemaker pursues peace.
3. John 13:34-35 (793). Love motivates us to seek and maintain peace.
II. “For they shall be called sons of God.”
A. The peacemakers resemble God. 1 Corinthians 14:33 (850)
B. The peacemakers are acknowledged by God as sons. Romans 8:15-16 (834)
C. The apostle Paul, a son of God, wrote (Galatians 3:26-27,p861)
Closing: Review and “Prayer by St. Francis of Assisi.”