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.”