Joyful are the Peacemakers

Joyful Are: “The Peacemakers”
Matthew 5:1-9
Page # 960

I. The outcome of peace for believers
     a. Hope

Romans 15:13 - “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

     b. Forgiveness

Acts 7:60 - “...he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep.” Page # 1136 - Romans 12:17-19

     c. Encouragement

Page # 1177 – Philippians 4:11-13

     d. Security

Page # 1133 - Romans 8:35-39

II. How believers maintain peace
     a. Through remaining in Christ

John 15:5 - “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”  

John 16:33 - “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” 

     b. Through living by the Holy Spirit
     c. Through obedience to God’s Word

Psalm 119:165 - “For those who love Your law have great peace…”

     d. Through prayer and meditation

Page # 1177 - Philippians 4:6-9

III. The hope of future peace for believers
     a. Peace in heaven
     b. Peace in God’s new creation

Romans 8: 18-22 - “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

 Faith Sheet

Main Themes:

~ The peace that goes beyond human understanding occurs in a heart that
    is changed by God.
~ That peace is kept in our lives as we yield to the continuing work of the
    Holy Spirit.
~ The peace experienced now will usher the believer into an eternal
    gathering with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

#1 - Reviewing this Past Sunday
Joyful Are: “The Peacemakers”
Matthew 5:9

1. Read Matthew 5:1-9, and discuss the message with someone.
2. What is the blessing of being a peacemaker?  (vs. 9)
3. How should the promise of an eternal peace affect the believer today?
4. Read John 16:29-33.  What assurance does vs. 33 give you as a
    peacemaker?

#2 – Preparing for Next Sunday
Joyful are: “Those Persecuted for Christ”
Matthew 5:1-12

1. Read Matthew 5:1-12.
2. What two reasons will cause us to be persecuted? (vs.10-11)
3. What did He command of us when we are persecuted? (vs. 12)
4. Are you more likely to compromise your faith, isolate your faith, or engage
    with your faith when you are around people who do not agree with your
    faith in Christ?
5. How can we encourage one another as we face persecution for Christ?
6. Read Matthew 10:39, Acts 5:41, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter
    2:20, 1 Peter 5:10, and Hebrews 11:23-40. Discuss with someone, and
    pray as God leads from these passages.