Peacemakers are the genuine article

1. Peacemakers are the “genuine article” = sons (sermon on mount is the process of this)
   1. Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the Sons of God.”
   2. How can we become the “Genuine Article” in the midst of a society that is telling us in order to be “accepting” of others we must abide by societies definitions?
   3. Romans 8:19
      1. Peacemaker is different than a peacekeeper.
      2. If you haven’t been confronted with this yet… you will be!
      3. The earth is waiting for the revealing of the sons of God…
2. Persecution qualifies your son-ship - Matthew 5:43-45 (read)
   1. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
      1. Reminder: praying for your enemies is not praying a carnal prayer.
      2. Lord’s prayer: They kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven…
   2. Verse 45- praying for those that persecute also qualifies you to be “sons of the Father”.
      1. There is no mistake that the next “be-attitude” is “blessed are those who are persecuted…”
   3. Peacemaking stirs up strife (but doesn’t look for trouble)– I Cor. 11:18-19 (read)
   4. Misconceptions about peace
      1. Approved = genuine
      2. There are contrary motivations in the church which stir up strife. Those motives do not accept the genuine article.
      3. Is it your fault when you take a stand and it causes division? = no
         1. Jesus at birth, Angels sing “Glory to God in the highest Peace on earth…
         2. Paul says… if possible live at peace with all men (implying not always possible).
         3. Matthew 10:34 “I have not come to bring peace on earth but a sword…”
            1. Jesus is dealing with man’s refusal to be genuine (see previous)
            2. We are not worthy of Jesus if we put family ahead of Him or if and following verses). We do not accept our cross.
3. Peacemakers deal with their soulish issues (they accept their cross- not their sin)
   1. Genuineness is knowing who you are, and what your problems are.
   2. Dealing with the soul is huge.
   3. Look at the curses instilled at the Garden due to man’s rebellion.