The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 5 Part 7 Peacemakers Are The True Children Of God

The last three verses of the Beatitudes describes the life of one who has been converted to Christ.

Thus, Jesus teaches us that those who are regenerated by the Spirit of God will be peacemakers as opposed to being troublemakers. 

They will suffer gladly for the sake of the gospel and the name of Jesus knowing that their Father in heaven will reward their efforts. 

Peacemakers are the blessed children of God.

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

A "peacemaker" is one who loves peace and pursues it.

One of the Divine titles of Jesus is "prince of Peace and it is most fitting when His children reflect His character (See Isaiah 9:6).

Therefore, Jesus makes it clear that the true children of God will be peacemakers. 

This particular Greek word is only used five times in the Bible and looking at how it is used helps us understand this wonderful word.

Salt slows down decay, so our lives need "salt" in order to have peace.

Mark 9:49-50  For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50)  Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. 

In the context of these two texts, Jesus is speaking about Hell, eternal condemnation and the fiery judgment that awaits all sinners.

All who refuse to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ shall die in their sins and suffer eternal damnation. 

As salt preserves meat, the idea here is that those in hell are preserved for eternal judgment in the flames of Hell. 

In this same context, Jesus also speaks of believers in Christ having salt in themselves, which is connected to having peace with one another. 

Jesus reminds us that the believer must remember in our flesh dwelleth no good thing (See Romans 7:18).

Thus, as salt preserves decay in meats, so we need the spiritual salt from God sprinkled liberally in our soul.

This is why Paul tells us that our speech must be infused with the grace of God and seasoned with salt, so that no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouths (See Colossians 4:6).

Later in Matthew Jesus will show us that our conduct should reflect God and His Word, such that our behavior acts like salt slowing down cultural decay (See Matthew 5:13). 

All sacrifices were to be offered with salt. 

Leviticus 2:13  And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

Salt is a preservative and God commanded that salt be offered with sacrifices. 

God emphasized the salt requirement three times in one verse of scripture.

It is presented in a positive form "with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt" and in a negative form "Neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking."

Considering these truths, the idea of having salt within ourselves in order to experience peace with others, is connected with Paul's command to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God (See Romans 12:1-2).

Refraining from doing evil to those who wrong us promotes peace.

Romans 12:17-18  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18)  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 

Paul gives an example of salt in the character of a Christian's life.

"Salt" in this case is not doing evil to someone who did us wrong. It is providing all things with honesty in our dealings with others.

Then, we can live peaceably with all men as "peacemakers."

Spiritual progress in walking with Christ brings peace from God. 

2 Corinthians 13:11  Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you

In concluding his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul makes it clear that Christians must continue to grow and make progress toward spiritual maturity. 

As we make spiritual progress in their walk with the Lord, believers will enjoy comfort and being of one mind concerning the gospel and living for the glory of God. 

It is then that we can live in peace and be the peacemakers Christ has called us to be.

This peace is founded on knowing and loving the God of love and peace and basking in His presence. 

Holding our pastors in high regard by loving them brings peace to us.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13)  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 

The last time we find this word used is in Paul's conclusion to his first letter to the church at Thessalonica.

It is connected with those bishops, elders or pastors who are responsible for their flock of believers.

We are instructed to know our spiritual leaders and to hold them in high esteem because they labor on our behalf.

They labor to set a good example of godliness, to feed us daily bread from the scriptures and to equip us for the work of ministry.

Thus, we ought to love and support our pastors, teachers and elders and when we do, we enjoy peace.

A peacemaker is a man who is endowed with a generous public spirit and labors for the public good. 

Therefore, instead of fanning the fire of strife, he uses his influence and wisdom to reconcile contending parties. 

All men are born into a state of hostility to God.

The Gospel is called the Gospel of peace, because it reconciles men to God and to each other. 

This is why our Lord calls the true children of God peace-makers, for as He is the Father of peace.

The children of God must reflect the character of God being worked into us by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

It is the Spirit of God who brings unity and peace into Christ's church.

Ephesians 4:1-3  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2)  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3)  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Paul teaches us to walk worthy of our Lord by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice.

Our Christian walk should reflect the character of our Lord who was meek and lowly while He ministered on earth. 

When the Spirit of God works His fruit into us, we will become more patient with one another.

We will enjoy a like-mindedness that keeps us united around the gospel of Christ and serving God and others. 

God's Spirit will unite us in the bond of peace. Thus, we can be as Jesus said, peacemakers who are blessed to be the children of the living God.

Bob