Living Out Mercy: A Call to Action
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound significance of mercy as described in Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." We began by acknowledging God's immense grace and mercy, which not only provides salvation through Jesus Christ but also meets our daily needs. The Beatitudes, including the call to be merciful, are not just lofty ideals but practical attributes that should characterize the lives of those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mercy is foundational to the Christian life. Without it, there would be no salvation. It is an attribute of God, exemplified in Jesus Christ, and it should be a natural outflow of our lives as believers. We discussed how mercy is not just an action but a lifestyle, a consistent way of living that reflects God's covenant and promises. True mercy involves not receiving what we deserve—eternal separation from God—but instead receiving His grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
We also delved into the practical aspects of living out mercy. It's not enough to feel compassion; we must act on it. Mercy should extend to everyone, including those who have wronged us or whom we find difficult to love. This is challenging, but it is what Jesus exemplified and calls us to do. We are to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of others, just as Jesus did.
Mercy is not about expecting something in return; it is about giving freely, just as God has given to us. We are reminded that we often put brackets around who we think deserves mercy, but Jesus' mercy extends to all, even those who reject Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to break down these barriers and extend mercy universally.
### Key Takeaways
1. Mercy as a Lifestyle: Mercy is not merely an action but a lifestyle that reflects God's covenant and promises. It is foundational to the Christian life, and without it, there would be no salvation. Living mercifully means consistently embodying the compassion and grace that God has shown us through Jesus Christ. [08:49]
2. Mercy Extends to All: True mercy extends to everyone, including those who have wronged us or whom we find difficult to love. This is challenging but essential for Kingdom living. Jesus' mercy knows no bounds, and as His followers, we are called to break down barriers and extend mercy universally. [22:12]
3. Mercy in Action: It's not enough to feel compassion; we must act on it. Mercy involves meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of others, just as Jesus did. This holistic approach ensures that we are not merely putting a Band-Aid on deeper issues but addressing the root causes of suffering. [19:49]
4. Mercy Without Expectation: True mercy is given without expecting anything in return. This is in stark contrast to the world's view, where acts of kindness often come with strings attached. As Christians, we are called to give freely, reflecting the unconditional mercy that God has shown us. [32:29]
5. Mercy Reflects God's Character: When we show mercy, we reflect the character of God and the mercy we have received from Him. This not only glorifies God but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. Our acts of mercy should point people to Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross. [35:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Opening Prayer
[01:48] - Introduction to the Beatitudes
[02:53] - Understanding "Blessed"
[03:47] - Kingdom Attributes
[04:48] - Living the Beatitudes
[05:39] - Struggling with Mercy
[07:10] - Perfect Justice in Christ's Kingdom
[08:49] - The Foundation of Mercy
[09:52] - Mercy Exemplified in Jesus
[10:45] - The Meaning of "Blessed"
[11:24] - Defining Mercy
[12:18] - The Deserving of Hell
[12:57] - The Mercy of God
[13:52] - Mercy Throughout Scripture
[14:26] - Jesus as Our Merciful High Priest
[15:09] - Recognizing Our Need for Mercy
[15:54] - God's Love and Mercy
[16:26] - Daily Mercy and Provision
[17:18] - Mercy in Daily Needs
[17:57] - Taking God's Mercy for Granted
[18:34] - Living Out Mercy
[19:16] - Mercy in Action
[19:49] - Meeting Physical and Spiritual Needs
[20:35] - The Holistic Approach to Mercy
[21:22] - The Challenge of Mercy
[22:12] - Extending Mercy to All
[23:28] - The Scope of God's Mercy
[24:00] - True Mercy and Comfort
[24:32] - Balancing Physical and Spiritual Needs
[25:19] - The Mission of Mercy
[26:00] - Mercy in Our Own Backyard
[26:29] - Jesus' Example of Mercy
[27:08] - Year-Round Mercy
[28:05] - Practical Mercy
[28:46] - Following the Holy Spirit's Lead
[29:11] - Helping Some, Not All
[29:35] - Mercy in Daily Encounters
[30:07] - Mercy to Enemies
[30:37] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[31:05] - The Facade of Goodness
[31:31] - The Only Good in Us
[32:08] - Worldly Mercy vs. True Mercy
[32:29] - Mercy Without Expectation
[33:10] - True Mercy to All
[33:44] - Expecting Persecution
[34:31] - Receiving Mercy from God
[35:08] - Mercy Demonstrated in Scripture
[35:37] - The Golden Rule
[36:09] - Treating Others with Mercy
[36:43] - The Example of Luke 7
[37:27] - The Woman and the Pharisee
[38:34] - The Parable of the Debtors
[39:00] - Forgiveness and Love
[39:52] - Living Like the Pharisees
[40:28] - Forgetting Our Need for a Savior
[41:09] - The Unchristian Attitude
[41:37] - The Danger of Forgetting Mercy
[42:10] - The Call to Mercy
[42:50] - Speaking with Mercy and Love
[43:22] - The Need for Jesus' Help
[43:54] - Kingdom Living and Mercy
[44:46] - Showing Mercy Today
[45:23] - Invitation to Pray
[45:53] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:7 - "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
2. Romans 5:8 - "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
3. Luke 7:36-50 - The story of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 5:7, what is the promise given to those who are merciful?
2. In Romans 5:8, how does God demonstrate His love and mercy towards us?
3. In Luke 7:36-50, how did the Pharisee react to the woman’s actions, and what was Jesus' response to him? [37:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is mercy considered foundational to the Christian life, according to the sermon? [08:49]
2. How does the story of the sinful woman in Luke 7 illustrate the concept of mercy without expectation? [39:00]
3. What does it mean to live a lifestyle of mercy, and how does this reflect God's covenant and promises? [11:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to show mercy. What were the barriers, and how can you overcome them in the future? [06:29]
2. How can you actively meet both the physical and spiritual needs of those around you, as Jesus did? [19:49]
3. Think of someone who has wronged you or whom you find difficult to love. What steps can you take to extend mercy to them this week? [22:12]
4. In what ways can you ensure that your acts of mercy are given without expecting anything in return? [32:29]
5. How can you make mercy a consistent part of your daily life, reflecting the character of God? [11:24]
6. Identify a specific need in your community. How can you and your small group address this need in a way that demonstrates true mercy? [26:00]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of the mercy you have received from God, and how can this reminder influence your interactions with others? [15:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Mercy as a Lifestyle
Mercy is not merely an action but a lifestyle that reflects God's covenant and promises. It is foundational to the Christian life, and without it, there would be no salvation. Living mercifully means consistently embodying the compassion and grace that God has shown us through Jesus Christ. [08:49]
Mercy is more than just a single act of kindness; it is a way of life that should permeate every aspect of a believer's existence. This lifestyle is rooted in the understanding that God's mercy towards us is the foundation of our salvation. Without His mercy, we would be lost, eternally separated from Him. Therefore, living a life of mercy is not optional for Christians; it is a natural response to the mercy we have received.
When we live mercifully, we reflect God's covenant and promises. This means that our actions, words, and even our thoughts should be characterized by mercy. It is a daily commitment to embody the compassion and grace that God has shown us through Jesus Christ. This lifestyle of mercy is not just about grand gestures but also about the small, everyday acts of kindness and forgiveness that demonstrate God's love to those around us.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Think about your daily interactions. How can you incorporate mercy into your routine today, even in small ways?
Day 2: Mercy Extends to All
True mercy extends to everyone, including those who have wronged us or whom we find difficult to love. This is challenging but essential for Kingdom living. Jesus' mercy knows no bounds, and as His followers, we are called to break down barriers and extend mercy universally. [22:12]
Mercy is not selective; it is universal. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend mercy to everyone, including those who have wronged us or whom we find difficult to love. This is a challenging aspect of Kingdom living, but it is essential. Jesus' mercy knows no bounds, and He calls us to follow His example by breaking down barriers and extending mercy universally.
This means that our mercy should not be limited by our personal biases or prejudices. We are to show mercy to all people, regardless of their background, actions, or attitudes towards us. This kind of mercy is radical and counter-cultural, but it is what Jesus exemplified and what He calls us to do. By extending mercy to all, we reflect the boundless love and grace of God.
Luke 6:35-36 (ESV): "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is difficult to love. How can you show them mercy today?
Day 3: Mercy in Action
It's not enough to feel compassion; we must act on it. Mercy involves meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of others, just as Jesus did. This holistic approach ensures that we are not merely putting a Band-Aid on deeper issues but addressing the root causes of suffering. [19:49]
Mercy is not just about feeling compassion; it requires action. True mercy involves meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of others, just as Jesus did. This holistic approach ensures that we are not merely putting a Band-Aid on deeper issues but addressing the root causes of suffering. When we act on our compassion, we demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Meeting physical needs might involve providing food, clothing, or shelter to those in need. Meeting spiritual needs could involve sharing the gospel, offering prayer, or providing spiritual counsel. Both aspects are crucial, and together they reflect the comprehensive nature of Jesus' ministry. By addressing both physical and spiritual needs, we follow Jesus' example and bring holistic healing to those we serve.
James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can meet both the physical and spiritual needs of someone in your community this week.
Day 4: Mercy Without Expectation
True mercy is given without expecting anything in return. This is in stark contrast to the world's view, where acts of kindness often come with strings attached. As Christians, we are called to give freely, reflecting the unconditional mercy that God has shown us. [32:29]
In a world where acts of kindness often come with strings attached, true mercy stands out because it is given without expecting anything in return. This kind of mercy reflects the unconditional love and grace that God has shown us. As Christians, we are called to give freely, just as God has given to us. This means that our acts of mercy should not be motivated by a desire for recognition, reward, or reciprocation.
When we show mercy without expectation, we mirror the heart of God. His mercy towards us is not based on our worthiness or our ability to repay Him. It is a free gift, given out of His boundless love. By extending this same kind of mercy to others, we demonstrate the transformative power of God's love and grace. This selfless approach to mercy is a powerful testimony to the world of the nature of God's Kingdom.
Luke 14:12-14 (ESV): "He said also to the man who had invited him, 'When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.'"
Reflection: Consider a recent act of kindness you performed. Did you expect anything in return? How can you practice giving mercy freely?
Day 5: Mercy Reflects God's Character
When we show mercy, we reflect the character of God and the mercy we have received from Him. This not only glorifies God but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. Our acts of mercy should point people to Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross. [35:08]
Showing mercy is a profound way to reflect the character of God. When we extend mercy to others, we mirror the mercy we have received from Him. This not only glorifies God but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. Our acts of mercy should point people to Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross. By embodying God's mercy, we become living testimonies of His love and grace.
Mercy is a tangible expression of God's character. It reveals His compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. When people see us living out mercy, they catch a glimpse of who God is. This can open doors for sharing the gospel and inviting others to experience the transformative power of God's mercy for themselves. Our acts of mercy should always be accompanied by a desire to point people to Jesus and His saving grace.
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to show mercy. How did it reflect God's character? How can you use acts of mercy to point others to Jesus?
Quotes
1. "But these principles that he is giving us in these 12 verses are kingdom attributes, they're kingdom principles, they're kingdom living lifestyles. We can look at the Sermon on the Mount, we can think, man, these are some great concepts. We can even say them as an empty platitude. But these are meant to be descriptors of those that are part of the kingdom of heaven that Matthew continually addresses." [02:53] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When he says this, when he says you're blessed, he's saying this, this statement, this attribute, each one he works through, they should be a normal part of the life of one who belongs to the kingdom of heaven. They should be a normal part of life of the one who trusts in Jesus Christ." [03:47] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Mercy is foundational in the Christian life. Without mercy, there would be no salvation. Without mercy, let's be honest, we would not be alive today. This statement, this kingdom attribute, this beatitude of mercy is a living out of what we have experienced ourselves through the person of Jesus Christ. When we refuse to be merciful, we refuse to be like Christ." [08:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're a believer in Jesus Christ, no matter your circumstances today, you are blessed. You have received the favor of God and are to be envied for it. That's what the word means. If you're a believer in Jesus Christ today, you are blessed. But as a follower of Jesus Christ, you're not just blessed as a result of that. He says you are also blessed when you are merciful." [10:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Mercy, as we commonly describe it in the church, is the idea of not receiving what we deserve. Each and every one of us, I don't care what your lifestyle is, I don't care what your life has looked like, I don't care what you've done, good or bad, every single person in this room deserves hell for eternity. Every single person in this room." [12:18] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We have not, through the person of Jesus Christ, when we trust in him, when we believe in him, we do not receive what we are owed. Jesus Christ died on the cross for us so that if we would believe in him, we would have eternal life. He took on him our sins. He died in our place. He took the judgment of God that was owed to you and me. If that's not mercy, I don't know what is." [12:57] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Mercy is truly shown when we care for other people's true needs. There are physical needs and there are spiritual needs that each person has. And mercy meets both of them. Obviously, the spiritual need is greater than any physical need because we can care for the physical needs of someone without caring for the spiritual needs. And all we've done is prolong the plight of man until they die." [20:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Mercy says we're concerned about the whole person, spiritual and physical. Didn't Jesus do something like that? Even when he was here on earth, didn't he do something like that? He cared about the physical. Isn't it every sick person who came to him, what did he do? He healed them. What? As he came across people with needs, didn't he care for them?" [26:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When the Holy Spirit impresses on you to care for someone, to help for someone, or to help someone and you refuse to do it, you have not been merciful. I had one time I was pulling into a Walmart on the south end of town. I was pulling in. There's this guy with a sign, hungry, blah, blah, blah. So I had to go in the store anyway. So I got a sandwich. I got stuff for him. I came out and he's gone." [28:46] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The only thing good in you, the only thing good in me is the person of Jesus Christ and Him working through us. That's it. You and yourself, me and myself, there dwells no good thing. That's what Paul says. Stop lying to ourselves. Let's stop convincing ourselves to disobey God's word to make us feel better. Because we do. We convince ourselves to disobey. It's uncomfortable. It's uncomfortable to live the way Christ calls us to live." [31:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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