#261 – MOURNING LEADS TO JOY (11/1/21)

This week in our discipleship series, we are considering the second of the Beatitudes,

'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted’. (Matthew 5:4)

Firstly, this is about salvation. Only those who mourn for their sin will come to Jesus for salvation. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin in order to lead us to the cross. Jesus speak of the ministry of the Holy Spirit,

“Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment…” (John 16:7-8)

‘Advocate’ is the same word used for ‘Comfort’. The Holy Spirit’s comforting ministry begins with doing what according to John?

The comfort of God begins by pointing out our need for salvation through Jesus. This is much like the first job of a doctor, which is to diagnose sickness in order to heal.

It sounds strange to say that we are truly blessed - truly rich- when we become aware of our utter failure before a holy God. However, the way up begins by going down! True joy comes from knowing that we are worse than we ever thought, but that God has forgiven and given Jesus’ righteousness to us as a gift.

‘As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.’ (Ephesians 2:1-5)

What was our condition before we received the gospel?

What has God done for us in Jesus?

How does remembering the truth of our past and present position help us to overflow with joy?

In times of mourning and trial like these, we can lose sight of the foundations of our life and hope. God loved us at our worst so we can know that we can trust Him in the worst of times!

Here is a song for you to listen to that speaks so beautifully of God’s comfort to those who mourn. In the first verse it says,

'Broken one, take heart

For your King has entered in

Made your heart His home

When He washed away your sin

In the darkest day, know your shame is all gone

When He looks at you, God will see His Son

At the throne of grace, He says "sinner, come”’

To listen to the whole song go to:

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - BLESSED ARE THOS WHO MOURN

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

What are you 'mourning' - finding challenging - at the moment?

Introduction - please share in your group

This week in our discipleship series, we are considering the second of the Beatitudes,

'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted’. (Matthew 5:4)

Firstly, this is about salvation. Only those who mourn for their sin will come to Jesus for salvation and receive the comfort of justification, adoption and eternal hope.

Secondly, this is about mourning for our ongoing sin. It’s interesting to note that Jesus, when He taught us to pray, told us to ask, “Forgive us our debts”. Mourning over our sin toward God and others is to be part of our lifestyle. Those who mourn in this way will be comforted by Jesus' forgiveness and transformative power.

Thirdly, we are to mourn over sin in the world. As we see death, sickness, relationship breakdown, war... we are to mourn and intercede in prayer. Those who mourn in this way will be comforted as they see lives transformed by the love of God.

Finally, our comfort will only be fully realised at the end of history when Jesus comes and restores all things. Only when the Kingdom comes fully will we have the fullness of the comfort that Jesus promises.

Discussion questions

1. How does God comfort those who grieve for their sin?

2. What scripture would you use to back up your answer?

3. What do the parables in Luke 15 tell us about what the Father feels toward those who truly mourn for their sin?

3. How does mourning lead us to prayer, compassion and witnessing to our community?

4. What does Luke 9:36-38 say about our attitude and response to those who don't know Jesus?

5. Are you mourning for anything that you'd like to share and receive prayer for?

Investing and inviting

i) Who has God put into your life that we could pray for together?

ii) How are you planning to 'invest and invite'?

iii) Finally, Who are you planning to invite to our Alpha Course which is beginning on the 25th January?