Matthew 5:21-26

Peacemaking begins with each of us.

1. The Law of God examines our hearts, not just our behavior.

   1. Christ reminds us that his commandments govern us more deeply than we naturally think.

• Isaiah 2:3

  1. The law of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, not just rules for our actions.

• Heb 4:12-13 Ps 44:21 Ps 139:23-24 James 1:14-15

  1. God tells us many times to guard our hearts.

• Proverbs 3:1, 3 Prov 4:4, 23 Jer 17:9-10

1. The foundation of godliness is the love of God, not the fear of judgment.

   1. God uses threats of judgment to awaken us to the seriousness of our moral darkness.

   2. The law of God drives us to the Lord and motivates us to love God.

2. Romans 13:5 Romans 8:7 Revelation 16:11

   1. The motivation of love leaves no desire for wickedness in word, thought or deed.

3. 1John 3:9-12 1John 4:7, 20-21

5. One fruit of godliness is an earnest desire to make peace.

   1. Blessed are the peacemakers, scene two.

6. Romans 14:17-19 James 3:18 Titus 3:1-3

   1. God's worship demands peace and reconciliation because it celebrates peace and reconciliation.

7. Romans 5: 10-11 2Cor 5:20-21 Col 1:21-22

   1. Reconciliation is the sweet confirmation of Satan's defeat.

8. Zechariah 3:1-4 2Cor 2:10-11 Mark 4:15 Matt 16:23 Romans 16:20

   1. But better than reconciliation is to think and speak no evil about your brother or sister.

9. Philemon 4-7