September 6, 2020
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
I. Mercy is a demonstration of love between God and Man
Exodus 34:6
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
James 5:11
Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because of His mercy you can live better than you deserve
II. Mercy is a demonstration of love between man and man
Share what you have received
Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
How is mercy expressed?
1. Forgiveness of enemies
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
2. Commitment to carry hope
3. Intercessory prayer
James 5:14-16
Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
What Goes Around Comes Around
Next Steps
- Confess my need for mercy and make Jesus the King of my life.
- Confess my unwillingness to forgive others and choose to show mercy.
- Commit to pray for those in my life who are hurting.
Deep Dive
- Read Isaiah 53:5 and discuss how Jesus’ act of life in His death makes a difference in our eternity.
- What does James 5:11 tell us about the nature of God and how should that impact our conduct?
- Mercy should lead to action. What does James 2:15-16 look like in your everyday context?
Springboard
- How is our “heart” like a steering wheel to guide our choices?
- Read Titus 1:15. How does a life changed by God view the world differently than a non-believing heart?
- How do you desire to see God work in your life routinely?