Study Guide: "Happy Are Those Who Stand In The Gap"

Open:
Headlines in the New York Times this week reflect the conflicted and often violent state of our world.
- Chemical attack on thousands in Syria leaving hundreds lifeless.
- Egyptian military crackdown on Islamists.
- Suspected gunman who terrorized an Atlanta-area elementary school just a few days ago.
- Domestic violence right here in our own city.

Peace is at a premium.
Jesus has something to say to us about our role in peacekeeping and peacemaking: "Blessed are the peacemakers..."

Christ followers are expected to stand in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.

I. This is Third Party Peace.
- Jesus speaks about first person reconciliation later in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-26).
- This matter of peacemaking is something Christ-followers do for two or more other individuals or entities.

II. This is More than Stopping Conflict.
- The word translated "peace" is rooted in the biblical concept of 'shalom.'
- This peacemaking is not so much about resolving conflict as it is bringing about wholeness.
- The act of peacemaking is also rooted in the Old Testament concept of 'standing in the gap' (Ezekiel 22:30).
- This speaks of an aggressive act on the part of believers to stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves (Jeremiah 29:7).

III. Gap-Standing Makes Us Resemble the Son of God.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
-We are most like Christ when we facilitate righteousness in the life of someone else,

Close:
Christ followers are expected to stand in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.

- For whom is God calling you to seek the peace?
- Who needs you to stand for them because they can't stand for themselves?
- What category of at risk individual in our community will you stand on behalf of?