Dr Tom Hover
February 16, 2025
Matthew 5:7
“BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL”
“BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL”
Text: Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Introduction: Mercy is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His followers. It is the compassionate treatment of those in distress, especially when it is within one's power to punish or harm. The Bible provides numerous examples of mercy, both divine and human, illustrating its importance in the life of believers.
A.) Divine Mercy
1. God's Nature Exodus 34:6
2. Forgiveness of Sins Micah 7:18
3. The Sacrifice of Jesus Romans 5:8
B.) Human Mercy
1. The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37
2. Joseph and His Brothers Genesis 45:5
3. David and Saul I Samuel 24:12
C.) Teachings on Mercy
1. The Beatitudes Matthew 5:7
2. The Lord's Prayer Matthew 6:12
3. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: Matthew 18:21-35
The word blessed (Makarios) is almost hard to translate. It means having everything that you need, having everything that you need spiritually. We could say “happy,” but it means more than “happy.” It means “fulfilled.” It means “with joy.” It means “complete.” It may mean “to be congratulated.” All of those things and more are wrapped up in that Greek word makarios. Matthew 5:1-7 Mercy is a God-like characteristic that is in the heart and mind of those who have been born again. And, the way it shows is by having a heart full of mercy. Those who have received mercy, beyond the shadow of any doubt or peradventure, will show mercy. What is mercy? Well, mercy is not just softness or sentiment. What is mercy? What is this quality of mercy?
My friend, it is compassion and forgiveness in action.
I. MERCY IS BEAUTIFUL Matthew 5:7, Lamentations 3:22-23
A.) Beautiful in Its Care Lamentations 3:22-23
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed,” Psalm 103:8
B.) Beautiful in Its Compassion Lamentations 3:22-23 “because His compassions fail not.” Zechariah 7:9
C.) Beautiful in Its Continuance (Continuing) Lamentations 3:23
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Ephesians 2:4 Example: The Lord Jesus Christ illustrated that so much in the Gospel of Luke. Luke 10:25-36
II. MERCY IS BASIC Matthew 5:7
There can be no mercy without truth. Psalm 85:10 Hebrews 10:28-29 The requirement in the beatitude. “Merciful.”
First, The Passion in Mercy.
Second, The Prompting of Mercy.
Third, The Performance of Mercy.
Fourth, The Prudence of Mercy.
Fifth, The Price of Mercy.
III. MERCY IS BENEFICIAL Matthew 5:7
Why? Mercy Brings Blessings James 2:13, Psalm 18:25,
Proverbs 11:17
1. Compassionate Treatment Proverbs 21:21
2. Forgiveness
3. Leniency Proverbs 14:21
4. Acts of Kindness Matthew 5:7
Conclusion: The Bible's teachings and examples of mercy serve as a guide for believers to emulate God's compassion and forgiveness in their own lives. Through divine and human examples, Scripture calls Christians to be agents of mercy in a world often marked by judgment and retribution.
OUR MERCY: Hebrews 4:16
OUR LIFE: Matthew 5:7
Join us tonight at 6 pm in fellowship hall for our annual Valentine meal and fellowship.
