#280 – WAITING FOR MERCY (5/2/21)

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 the words of Jude regarding mercy,

‘But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.’ (Jude 1:20-23)

Whilst Waiting for mercy

Christians have been shown mercy, but they are also waiting for mercy. Here, the reference is to Jesus’ Second Coming, when all things will be restored. Whilst we wait, often in trying times, we are encouraged to:

i) Whilst waiting, build yourselves up

Read verse 20 again. In what two ways are we to build ourselves up and what does this mean? In this challenging season, it’s essential that we are being built up in this way!

ii) Wait actively

We are to ‘wait for mercy’. This means that we are to actively wait. We are to be mindful and full of joy in the hope of Jesus’ coming. May this current crisis cause us to see that our home is in heaven. May we say,

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

iii) Be merciful whilst waiting

According to Jude, how are we to treat those who are in danger and weakness? How and to whom does God want you to ‘be merciful’? Is there anyone that you can reach out to?

The fifth Beatitude promises that we will be shown mercy. If you have received Christ, you have a sublime inheritance ahead of you. Jesus is coming. May this hope fill you with joy and overflowing mercy in these challenging days.

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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'?