Blessed are the merciful

Matthew 5: 1 -- 12

Introduction

1.      Matthew 5: 3 – 7

2.      philosophers have argued for centuries about the definition of virtue; Jesus came from heaven to show us the character of God and teach us what true virtue is

3.      when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we look inward to correct their own lives

4.      to be merciful we must focus on the difficulties and tragedies of others and do something to help them  

Discussion

1.      Jesus’ example of mercy

a.       Matthew 20: 29 – 34  

b.      Luke 23:34  

c.       Luke 23:43  

2.      The importance of mercy

a.       Mercy is more important than judgment -- James 2:13  

b.      Mercy is more important than religious rituals -- Matthew 9:9 -- 13; 12: 1 – 8  

c.       the importance of mercy in our judgment -- Matthew 25:31 -- 46; James 2:14 – 16  

d.      the importance of our mercy if we are to receive mercy -- Matthew 6: 14  

3.      The need for mercy to continue in the face of discouragement

a.       consider God’s mercy to Israel in the wilderness  

b.      consider God’s Mercy to Israel during the period at the judges  

c.       consider it God's mercy to Israel during the kingdom  

d.      God’s Mercy only ended when they rejected Jesus -- Romans 11:20 -- 22  

Conclusion

1.       when I am in trouble I want mercy, but I must first of all be a person who shows mercy

2.      perhaps most important of all we need to consider God's mercy toward us

3.      have you considered what God's mercy is capable of doing? - see Colossians 1:13