#276 – ALL NEED MERCY (1/2/21)

This week we are considering the fifth Beatitude,

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’ (Matthew 5:5)

We can define mercy as undeserved generosity or compassion in action.

Today, we are considering that everyone needs mercy. It’s common to think that there are bad people who need God’s mercy, but there are good people who don’t require mercy. The simple test of a true understanding of man in sin and our understanding of the gospel is how much we praise God for mercy rather than taking pride in our own performance.

Total depravity

The doctrine (teaching) of man’s ‘total depravity’ does not mean that we are as bad as we could be; it means that there is no aspect of us - our thinking, feelings, will…- this is holy. The ‘total depravity’ of mankind means that by nature we rebel against God and will not come to Jesus except His mercy work in our hearts by the Spirit.

Paul’s experience of mercy

Paul was a very religious person, but he spoke of his salvation in terms of God’s mercy,

‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

What ‘saying’ requires our full acceptance?

What was shown to Paul and how is this an example to everyone?

Paul makes it clear that the mercy of God is to inspire us to ‘believe in Him’. Without faith, there is no mercy! We receive God’s mercy through faith in the cross of Christ.

What do we ‘receive’ as a result of God’s mercy?

Have you seen the ‘display of His immense patience’ and mercy in Jesus? Are you full of joy at the mercy of God toward you? How would a greater awareness of His mercy change your life?

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COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL

Notices

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

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

What have been your 'highs' and 'lows' this week?

Introduction - please share in your group

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

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

We can define mercy as undeserved generosity or compassion in action.

The Parable of The Good Samaritan is a great example of the kind of mercy that we are to show. The Parable ends with Jesus saying,

“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

The Beatitudes are a portrait of a true Christian; all Christians will show mercy. They understand how God has been merciful to them in their sin, and this overflows into all of their relationships. Christians also have a new nature; they have been 'born again' by the Holy Spirit and are being made into Jesus' likeness.

Discussion questions

1. Did God speak to you about anything in particular from Sunday's message or the blogs this week?

2. This Beatitude teaches that it's only the merciful who will be shown mercy. Clearly, we are not saved by our works of mercy, so how would you explain Jesus' words here?

3. Let's try and think of as many ways that we can show mercy in our every day lives.

4. Let's pray for one another that we would be more merciful in our disposition.

Investing and inviting

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

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