Matthew 5:9

PEACEMAKERS

One researcher has noted recently that in the past 4,000 years there has been less than 300 years of world peace.

Why are there wars in the world? Why does world peace seem to elude our government leaders? Why are there at least fifty civil wars going on all the time in various parts of the world?

Jesus is not referring to peace–keepers but to peace–makers in Matthew 5:9. He said, " Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." The difference is a peacemaker actively overcomes evil with good. Some people are never happy unless they are fighting with someone. A peacemaker on the other hand finds great satisfaction in removing hostilities and effecting reconciliation between enemies.

Most world leaders won't acknowledge it but the Bible tells us the answer is sin––old fashioned selfishness. Our problem is human greed, lust and selfishness, not political, economic or social. Those are symptoms of a deeper problem. It is sin and depravity in the heart of man. Until there is a change in the heart there will never be any solutions to the problems on the surface. The source of the problem is within man. Nothing but a new heart, and new man, will bring peace. What is in the heart of man inevitably comes out of him.

Let's review and summarize where we have been in our study of the Beatitudes by observing how Kenneth Wuest illuminates these morsels of truth in  An Expanded Translation of the beatitudes:

Spiritually prosperous are the destitute and helpless in the realm of the spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Spiritually prosperous are those who are mourning, because they themselves shall be encouraged and strengthened by consolation. Spiritually prosperous are those who are meek, because they themselves shall inherit the earth. Spiritually prosperous are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, because they themselves shall be filled so as to be completely satisfied. Spiritually prosperous are those who are merciful, because they themselves shall be the objects of mercy. Spiritually prosperous are those who are pure in the sphere of the heart, because they themselves shall see God. Spiritually prosperous are those who make peace, because they themselves shall be called sons of God. Spiritually prosperous are those who have been persecuted on account of righteousness, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Spiritually prosperous are you whenever they shall revile you and persecute you and say every pernicious thing against you, speaking deliberate falsehoods on account of me. Be rejoicing and exult exceedingly, because your reward is great in heaven. For in this manner they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As we have seen these are not natural dispositions, but dynamic spiritual changes in men's hearts. The spiritually prosperous person has had a life-changing encounter with God. That life-changing experience affects the way we approach every relationship in our lives.

SPIRITUALLY PROSPEROUS PEOPLE ARE PEACEMAKERS 

Spiritually prosperous

The Spiritually prosperous, are in no way kin to the “prosperity gospel” cult in our day, but are those individuals who have a right relationship with God based upon an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. By faith they live above the chances, changes, and circumstances in life.

"Peace" is God's highest good for man. In the New Testament sense "peace" is not just the absence of trouble; it is everything that makes for our highest good. The words "grace and peace" are associated together many times in the New Testament. We have our highest good because God has graced us. It is the highest good God can give to man. The peacemaker is God's messenger to bring this peace with God upon the world.

The "God of peace" is the source of this new life. In deed, His very name is Yahweh–shalom––"the LORD our peace" (Judges 6:24), and our Lord Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. He is God's Peacemaker. "He is our peace" (Eph. 2:14). He has brought us near by His own blood (v. 15) and taken us by the hand and brought us into the presence of the Father and introduced us to Him (v. 18). Jesus gives us His peace (John 14:27; 16:33). Moreover, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of peace. He applies and supplies the peace of God to our hearts (Gal. 5:22). The peacemaker draws upon this constant supply of God's peace.

Only a new man can live this kind of life. The one clear objective of the peacemaker is that the LORD God be glorified in all that he does. Every believer is expected to be a peacemaker. He has laid aside his own selfish ambitions and seeks to glorify God in all he does.

Jesus is our best model for a peacemaker. His concern was to glorify the Father at all times (John 17). 

Lloyd-Jones asked, "Why are peacemakers blessed? The answer is that they are blessed because they are so absolutely unlike everyone else . . . They are the people who stand out as being different from the rest of the world, and they are different because they are the children of God." They are different because they do not offer the peace as the world knows it, but the deep, deep peace of God in the soul of man.

God is perpetually at war with sin—namely the world, the flesh and the devil (James 4:1, 4, 7). Sin is the enemy of peace; therefore, believers living in sin are great sources of troublemaking. Warren Wiersbe made an accurate observation when he said, “ . . . the longer a man delays in dealing with sin, the larger the influences of that sin grows.” On the other hand, the peacemaker reveals the spiritual war going on in the world. He is salt and light that points to the righteousness of Christ. Only the pure in heart can be true peacemakers in a world of unrighteousness.

Peacemakers

"Peacemakers" are those disciples who strive to prevent contention and strife. However, they are not peacekeepers, but are active makers of peace.   They use their influence to reconcile opposing party strife among individuals, families, churches, and the community.   They change hostile attitudes to attitudes that seek the best interests of everyone.  

John R. W. Stott writes:

Now peacemaking is a divine work. For peace means reconciliation, and God is the author of peace and of reconciliation. Indeed, the very verb, which is used in this beatitude of us, is applied by the apostle Paul to what God has done through Christ. Through Christ God was pleased "to reconcile to Himself all things,  . . . making peace by the blood of His cross." And Christ's purpose was to "create in Himself one new man in place of the two (sc. Jew and Gentile), so making peace" (Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:15). It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the particular blessing which attaches to peacemakers is that "they shall be called sons of God." For they are seeking to do what their Father has done, loving people with His love, as Jesus is soon to make explicit. It is the devil who is a troublemaker; it is God who loves reconciliation and who now through his children, as formerly through his only begotten Son, is bent on making peace (The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, p. 50).

It must be kept in mind that "the peace of God is not peace at any price." God brought sin out in the open and dealt with it. God made peace with sinful depraved man at "immense cost." Only the blood of Jesus Christ can make propitiation for us (Romans 3:24-25).  "Jesus Christ the righteous . . . is the propitiation for our sins" (1 Jn. 2:2).  "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (4:10). The word propitiate means "the turning away of wrath by an offering." God's wrath is His settled controlled, holy antagonism against all sin. Propitiate is the appeasement of the wrath of God by the love of God through the death of Christ. Christ is the priest offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Rom. 3:25). God Himself takes the initiative in sheer unmerited love. He turns His own wrath away by His own blood. God's justice has now been satisfied. Our sin debt has been paid in full. His holiness is satisfied. God's wrath is turned away from us on to His Son who died in our place. Any other concept of peace is a "cheap peace." True peace with God is an expensive treasure. We must never compromise with truth just to bring about peace. The moment we do we cheapen it. A false peace is more dangerous than open war. All it does is cover up the symptoms. James wrote, “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (3:17). We enjoy peace with God at a very high price. 

Are these peacemakers those who make peace between man and God or between man and man? Probably either interpretation is possible, however, you can never bring peace between men until they have peace with God. His peace is the solid foundation for all other relationships.

Peace with God

Peacemakers are at peace with God (Rom.  5:1, 11).  It is a valid observation that all of the other beatitudes are being acted upon.  Quarrelsome people are not peacemakers. They have never found peace with God nor peace within their own hearts. You cannot be an active maker of peace until you have first found peace. Peace with God involves a new nature, and a pure heart. Only the person who is pure in heart can become a peacemaker. There must be no hidden agendas, not selfish ambitions, and no double-mindedness with the peacemaker. The person who if filled with envy, jealousy, covetousness, hostility, etc. can never be a peacemaker.

Out of the heart proceeds a whole list of things that prevent individuals form being peacemakers (Mark 7:20-23). The heart must be cleansed of this evil before man can possibly make peace. The change must take place from the inside out.

“Peace” is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22; Phil. 4:7). We most resemble our heavenly Father when we are filled with peace.

“The perfect peacemaker is the Son of God (Eph. 2:14f.)” (McNeile).

These "peacemakers"demonstrate in their own lives how to have inward peace with God and how to be instruments of peace in the world. We can never be peacemakers until Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives and sin is put to death by the work of the Holy Spirit. We have been called to be ministers of reconciliation because “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Therefore, because we are no longer at war with God we are no longer at war with ourselves. The “peace of God passes all understanding” reigns in our lives (Phil. 4:7).

Peace with other people

John Broadus said, "There is no more Godlike work to be done in this world than peacemaking."

Peacemakers show they are "children of God" by using every opportunity to bring about reconciliation with others. God is a peacemaker and they are like their father. "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:18-20).

Peacemakers seek to live at peace with others (Rom. 12:17-21; 14:1, 13, 15-20; 15:1-2, 5-7; I Thess. 5:13; II Tim. 3:16; Heb. 12:14; 1 Cor. 7:15; 1 Pet. 3:11).  

Ministry of reconciliation

Peacemakers use their influence to effect reconciliation between God and others  (II Cor. 5:18-20; Gal. 6:1). Ultimately peacemakers are concerned that all men be at peace with God. That essentially is the role of the peacemaker. He goes out of his way to reconcile lost man with God. It can only take place through the peace that Jesus Christ gives.

A great example of a peacemaker is the apostle Paul. If anyone was transformed from troublemaker to peacemaker it was Saul of Tarsus. How would you have liked him as a friend before his conversion to Christ? Luke tells us the very air he breathed was “threats and murder” against believers in Christ (Acts 9:1). Then he met Christ on the road to Damascus and he became a “man in Christ.” Stephen’s death was a testimony to Saul of God’s peace in his heart. As Saul’s henchmen were stoning him to death Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! . . . Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (7:59-60). You can’t kill a peacemaker because the source of his peace is an eternal God who shall never die. Even today in many parts of the world peacemakers give up their lives making peace. Men still treat them like they did our Lord.

Warren Wiersbe writes:

As you and I seek to be peacemakers, men will treat us as they did Jesus. They will misunderstand us and not honestly seek for the truth. They will criticize us and accuse us. Eventually they will condemn us and crucify us. Hatred blinds, while love sharpens the vision. Hatred looks for a victim, while love seeks a victory. The man of war throws stones, and the peacemaker builds a bridge out of those stones. The man of war comes with a sword, and the peacemaker disarms him with love and beats that sword into a ploughshare. The man of war throws his spear, and the peacemaker beats it into a pruning hook. The peacemaker does not avoid the battle; instead, he transforms the battle into a ministry of reconciliation. How does he do this? Certainly not in his own strength! “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us” (Rom. 5:5). “But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . peace” (Gal. 5:22) (Live Like a King! p. 135).

THE OPPOSITE OF PEACEMAKERS

The world has its share of troublemakers.   They are also called agitators, rabble-rousers, spark plugs, instigators, dissidents, heretics, insurgents, malcontents, mavericks, misfits, rebels, renegades, and turncoats.

I am not talking about those agents of change we need in every organization including the local church. We need those individuals who make us think, evaluate, and don't always think the way we do, or see things the way we see them. 

However, the opposite of a peacemaker is one who has attitudes which are hostile, indifferent, angry, bitter, judgmental, obsessively critical nit- picking.  (Cf. III John 9-11). 

John Stott reminds us "true reconciliation can be degraded into cheap peace." Visible peace in the church must never be obtained at the expense of doctrine. "We have no mandate from Christ to seek unity without purity, purity of both doctrine and conduct." There are shortcuts to peace that we dare not take. They not only cheapen peace, they also cheapen grace.

HOW DO WE BECOME PEACEMAKERS? 

Let’s take time to examine our attitudes and behaviors.  Observe your own behavior and attitudes toward other believers, the church, and its leadership.  If we are prone to be a bearer of gossip, bad news, negative attitudes, bitterness, resentments, hostility toward others, then let’s start working at changing attitudes toward ourselves and others. Let's decide now to make love a priority in our lives.  Let's make the building of relationships based on love and grace an emphasis in our lives. 

Take some time and do an in-depth study of the principles of interpersonal relationships in the Bible.  Study Romans chapters 12-16. You will be amazed at how many passages are addressed to interpersonal relationships. These chapters’ emphasize good relationships in the body of Christ.

 Philippians 4:1-9 gives us an excellent model on becoming "peacemakers."  There were two women who were outstanding leaders in the church at Philippi. Their names were Euodia and Syntyche. Paul asked the leaders in the church to help them. They may have had strong personalities and wanted to do things their way. Take a piece of paper and respond to some questions and apply these verses to your own Euodia and Syntyche.

What are my attitudes toward Euodia and Syntyche?

What are my feelings about Euodia and Syntyche? 

What am I saying to myself about Euodia and Syntyche? Use the tape recorder analogy. If we were to place a tape recorder against your brain and record everything you are saying to yourself about these two ladies and played it back for the whole world to listen to, what would we hear you saying? Yes, that stuff! What am I silently saying to myself about them?

The peacemaker also learns to be quiet. "Be swift to hear, slow speak, slow to wrath," is the behavior of a peacemaker. There are times when it is best not to reply, don't make comment, and don’t react with your natural instincts. Don't repeat what you hear. Don't take sides. Lay aside your personal biases in decision–making. Strive to be objective. Know when not to speak. Humble yourself before man and God and ask for wisdom from Him.

Pray with thanksgiving for Euodia and Syntyche (v.  6). What is it you can honestly thank God for in the lives of Euodia and Syntyche.? Start with one thing, but don't stop there. Write them down and pray over them daily.

"Stop being anxious” about Euodia and Syntyche "Stop worrying!" "Do not be full of anxious care" over this situation.

Paul says, "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" (v. 6b). Have you sincerely prayed for God's will to be done?  Have you prayed that God will bless your enemy?   "Lord I thank you for Euodia. Lord bless Syntyche." and be specific. 

Change what you are saying about these individuals. Apply verses eight and nine to this situation, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Do what you know to be the right thing to do. Instead of expressing your bitterness, pause and don't say a word, just think through the situation. Find something encouraging to say, or don't say anything. Start taking off your own masks. Remind yourself out loud that just like you they are sinners saved by grace! In your idle moments write down the things you like about Euodia and Syntyche., what you like about your church, Jesus Christ, etc.  Look over your list at least once a day and remind yourself of the good things in life. You can become a peacemaker in this situation.

Do what you know to be the right thing to do at this time for them. Practice the gesture of love.  It is a volitional choice; it is something we do. It may be to bake them a pie, or take them out to lunch. I have a friend who says, "Love them until you slobber all over them!"

Corrie ten Boom tells of an experience while speaking at a church in Munich, Germany.

It was at a church service in Munich, Germany, that I saw him, the former S. S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing center at Ravensbruck.  He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since   that   time.   And   suddenly   it   was all there––the room full of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, my sister's pain-blanched face.

As the church was emptying, he came up to me.  "How grateful I am for your message, Fraulein.  To think that, as you say, [God] has washed my sins away!"

His hand was thrust out to shake mine.  And I, who had preached so often the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.

Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them.  Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? "Lord Jesus," I prayed, "forgive me, and help me to forgive him." 

I tried to smile; I struggled to raise my hand.  I could not.  I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity.  And so again I breathed a silent prayer:  "Jesus, I cannot forgive him.  Give me your forgiveness." 

As I took the man's hand, the most incredible thing happened.  From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.

And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on God's.  When God tells us to love our enemies, he gives, along with the command, the love itself ("When We Can't, God Can," Decision, May 1992, p. 34).

WHAT IS THE REWARD OF THE PEACEMAKER? 

The peacemaker enjoys inner peace and security in relationships with God, others and himself. 

God is the actor, "God will call them His children" (TEV). "To be called" means "to become." "They shall be called children of God" means "owned." "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be owned as the children of God." God owns them as His children. Lloyd-Jones observes, "The peacemaker is a child of God and he is like his Father." He has the character of his Father. When we become peacemakers we become more like our Father in heaven.

God has made peace with man. "He has humbled Himself in His Son to produce it," says D. M. Lloyd-Jones.  Peacemakers do what their Father has done. Lloyd-Jones continues:

If God stood upon His rights and dignity, upon His person, every one of us, and the whole of mankind, would be consigned to hell and absolute perdition. It is because God is a "God of peace" that He sent His Son, and thus provided a way of salvation for us. To be a peacemaker is to be like God, and like the Son of God. He is called the "Prince of Peace," and you know what He did as the Prince of Peace. Though He counted it not robbery to be equal with God, He humbled Himself. There was no need for Him to come. He came deliberately because He is the Prince of Peace (Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, p. 126).

Barclay and Moffett render the verse "for they shall be ranked as the sons of God." Phillips translates "for they will be known as sons of God!" Here "sons" not only means male children, but is figurative for children of God. "God will have a relationship with (or, will care for) them like a father with His children" (Newman & Stine).

The Bible treats reference to people as "sons of God" or "children of God" with great reserve. It is always an act of God's mercy and grace.

"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" (Col. 1:19-20). He is our peace because He gave Himself that we might be at peace with God.

The promise is that you will be  "called sons  (and daughters) of God." If you want to resemble God, be a peacemaker.  The peacemaker is called "God's sons." "There is something godlike in bringing peace to people and people to peace," says Leon Morris. All believers are children of God, "But those who make peace are fulfilling what membership in the family really means, and this is something to which all the members of the family must aspire." Such a person is really what the name indicates, children of God.

Every time we led someone to Christ we change the tide of world history. You can't legislate it, you can't socialize it, and you can't educate it. The problem is so deep in the heart of mankind that there has to be a radical change. Only God can do that. He does it one on one. The heart is deceitful beyond all imagination; only God can cleanse the heart and make man new.

Do I write to someone today who longs for this kind of deep inner peace? You can have it right now by confessing to God your need and asking Him to give you that peace that comes only from Jesus Christ.