Sessions 8 & 9 Notes Download

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

God is the author of reconciliation, and reconciliation is the means to achieve peace. From our relationship with God, we gain peace within our soul, peace with God, and peace with others.

Romans 15:33  “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

Romans 16:20   The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

1 Corinthians 14:33   God is not a God of confusion [disorder, instability] but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Philippians 4:9   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.

1 Thessalonians 5:23   Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord.

God’s plan of redemption aims to restore humanity’s relationship with Him through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. This act establishes peace, making Jesus the bridge for reconciliation with God and fostering harmony among believers.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The remainder of the Sermon on the Mount provides profound and radical guidance on maintaining inner peace and promoting peace with others. It offers essential teachings for living a peaceful and righteous life.

The Beatitudes: Humility, mourning sin, meekness, gentleness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, and pure in heart all foster inner peace and encourage reaching out to others.

Love Your Enemies: This radical love helps to break cycles of hatred and violence and promotes peace.

Forgiveness: Emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, Jesus teaches that we should forgive others as God forgives us. Forgiveness is crucial for resolving conflicts and maintaining peaceful relationships.

The Golden Rule: Jesus summarizes his teachings with the Golden Rule: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you”. This principle encourages empathy and mutual respect, which are foundational for peaceful living.

Avoiding Judgment: By focusing on our own faults rather than criticizing others, we can create a more understanding and peaceful community.

Romans 8:4-8; Galatians 5:22   Walking by the spirit, we enjoy peace.

Romans 12:18-21 (Proverbs 25:21-22)  A radical approach to dealing with enemies is to prioritize love, kindness, and generosity rather than seeking revenge or retaliation. We should not take the ungodly behavior of others personally for the Scriptures reveal that humanity apart from God is evil. Their behavior is not about you; it is about them.

Romans 14:1-3, 12-19; 15:5-7, 33   Peacemakers are accepting of and not judging fellow believers over disputable matters. We do not quarrel over differences such as dietary practices and the observance of special days.

If a particular practice causes fellow believers to struggle, it is better to abstain from that practice out of love and consideration for them

Ephesians 1:2; 2:13-22; 4:1-3; 6:15   Jesus paid the price for peace. We should do everything we can to maintain it.

Philippians 4:6-9   Prayer is vital for maintaining, getting, and holding peace.

Colossians 3:14-16

1 Peter 3:8-12; Psalm 34:12-14

Matthew 18:15-17  This is a godly format to follow when experiencing difficulties with a brother.

Matthew 5:9   “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:48   “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

When we exhibit the qualities set forth in the beatitudes and become peacemakers, we are reflecting God’s nature and as such are called the sons of God.