Outline: Matthew 5:9
- Heart of a Peacemaker
- Life of a Peacemaker
- Blessing of the Peacemaker
Summary: The very
essence of peace is defined in the relationship between the persons of the
Godhead. We examined the heart and the life
of a peacemaker. To have the heart of a peacemaker is to be at peace with God
by being found in the True Peacemaker, Jesus Christ. When our heart is at peace
with God, we will inevitably be at war with sin. By battling the sin in our
hearts, we will experience more of the peace of God. Next, we observed the life of a peacemaker. We
meditated on how we are to handle conflict biblically within the church (Matt.
5:21-26; 7:1-6; 18:15-20). Our ultimate goal in pursuing peacemaking among
unbelievers is to point them to the true Peacemaker, Jesus Christ. Finally, the
blessing for a peacemaker is inclusion into the family of God. As adopted sons
and daughters, we now are given the Spirit of the Peacemaker and transformed
more into the likeness of our elder Brother and Father.
Discussion Questions
- Describe the theme of peace throughout the Bible (Genesis through Revelation)?
- Meditate on the “Divine Conflict.” How does one gain peace with God?
- When we are at peace with God, how does our attitude toward sin change? How does this attitude towards sin impact our experience of God’s peace? (cf. Phil 4:6-9)
- Why is Jesus passionate about the peace and unity among believers? (cf. John 17:20-21)
- How does we know whether we should overlook an offense or address it?
- Step-by-step, walk through Matthew 18:15-20? (Bonus: include context passages)
- What is the primary purpose in pursuing peace among unbelievers?
- Meditate on Adoption. Contrast the life of an orphan before and after adoption. Relate that picture to how God has folded us into His family.
Application Questions
- Do you have peace with God? If not, what needs to be done in order to restore peace with your Maker?
- How are you experiencing the peace of God in your life? In what ways are you currently battling against the sin in your heart?
- Think of a current relationship in your life that you could apply a biblical peacemaking strategy to?
Prayer Points
- Praise Jesus, the True Peacemaker, who has come down and has made peace between God and man.
- Confess any sin in your heart that is hindering you from experiencing the peace of God.
- Confess any ways in your life that you have not intentionally pursued peace with those around you.
- Ask God to fill you with the Spirit of the Peacemaker so that you may live a life of peacemaking.
- Praise God for the blessing of adoption and for the gift of the Spirit that transforms us more and more into the image of the True Peacemaker Jesus Christ.
Written by Caleb Janson
