Radical Teachings of Jesus Lesson # 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers

In Matthew 5 Jesus gives us a list of personal “attitudes” that will cause us to be “blessed” or “happy”. These are directly counter the usual humanistic way of thinking.

Radical Concept #7

"Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." [Matthew 5:9 KJV]

What does it mean to be a “peacemaker”? This is the only time in the New Testament that this word is used. Let’s explore the idea of “making peace” and how it labels us as “children of God.”

1. Is a peacemaker the same thing as a pacifist?
   1. Pacifist: a person who believes that war and violence are unjustifiable.

2. What is “peace”?
   1. Peace: Freedom from or the cessation of war or violence

3. Is it possible to have peace by suspending conflict or must the conflict come to an end in order for peace to exist?

4. Should I be willing to deny myself good things so that I can spare a conflict in a fellow believer’s conscience? See Romans 14:15-20

"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." [Romans 14:19 KJV]

5. Is a “peace-maker” fundamentally opposed to all conflict?

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." [Romans 12:17-21 KJV]

6. Is the Christian ever required to engage in conflict? If so when, how and for what purpose?

7. Questions to answer before seeking peace through conflict:
   1. Do I have the authority to engage in this conflict?
   2. What are my motives for engaging in this conflict?
   3. Have I tried to see the other side of this dispute?
   4. Have I exhausted all peaceful methods for resolution?
   5. Am I trying to do what only God can do?

8. Who is the greatest peacemaker?

9. What conflict did he resolve? Between whom?

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" [Romans 5:1 KJV]

10. How did Jesus resolve the conflict between God and man?

11. Does Jesus continue today in this role?

"For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." [1 Timothy 2:5-6 KJV]

12. How can I apply this example to my life?

13. My greatest objective in any conflict should be to:
    1. Bring peace between the offended and offending parties,
    2. Bring peace between all parties and God.

14. As we imitate Jesus in his role as “mediator” we too will be known as the ____________ ___ ___________.

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