Blessed are the Merciful Matt. 5:7
Introduction: We have considered the foundational Spirit birthed fruit of spiritual realism. The Blessedness of the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus must travel the path of poverty in spirit (knowing our real condition), which gives birth to a mourning (a repentant) heart, which leads to a quiet and graciously submissive character of meekness before such a High and Holy God. And this Spirit taught realization of our true position and need before Him leads to a passionate longing to be like Him, that is hungering and thirsting after righteousness. And praise God, that hungering and thirsting brings about a Glorious Filling. We begin now to consider what the outflow of that Blood bought, Spirit wrought Righteousness looks like
I. Blessed are the Merciful 5:7a
A. The word--#1655 “as an adjective, means merciful, not simply possessed of mercy, but actively compassionate, and is used only twice in the NT, here and of Christ as High Priest in Heb. 2:17.” From the root, the verb #1656 (eleheh’o) translated compassion/mercy 28 times. Similar to grace in that it is a free gift for the forgiveness of sins, but it is related to the misery that sin brings. “Grace removes guilt, mercy removes misery!” It is an outward manifestation of pity, more in deed than in word, it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and adequate resources to meet the need on the part of him who shows it.” New Strong’s Dictionary
B. What do you expect the people of the Most High God to look like?
Exodus 34:6-7 Mercy is God’s very Name!!! The old Puritan Thomas Goodwin speaks of this passage as declaring God's seven fold attributive name, five parts mercy and two parts justice and judgment
Numbers 7:89 The very “location” of God’s speaking to Moses was the “Mercy Seat”. In His Mercy, the Perfect One speaks to humans.
Numbers 14: 11-22 Moses appeals to God’s Mercy Name on Israel’s behalf.
II Chronicles 7:1-6 At the Temple dedication, “songs of praise” are sung to God’s enduring Mercy.
Psalm 136 Every act of God is because “His mercy endures forever.”
Ephesians 2:4 “But God, Who is rich in Mercy, because of His great Love with which He Loved us.”
Shouldn’t those birthed from above have their Father’s character? That is precisely Jesus’ implication in our passage. The Righteousness of God gives birth to merciful people!!!
C. Notice, it says “Blessed ARE the merciful”. It isn’t like spiritual gifts, where the Spirit gifts each one uniquely for His purpose. No, being merciful is not optional!!!
Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord REQUIRE of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This is not a suggestion!!!
D. Notice, Mercy comes right after Righteousness. This proves it’s Spirit birthed nature. In fallen man, self righteousness brings forth judgmentalism. True mercy can only be produced by feasting on Jesus, the only One Who possesses the perfect balance of character.
Psalm 85:10 “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Prophetic of this glorious union and balance found in Christ Jesus.
II. For they shall be filled 5:7b
A. “shall obtain mercy”--#1653 literally to “compassionate” by word or deed specifically by Divine grace.
The merciful always remember their condition. The mercy born from above in them, is ever dependant upon the One Who gave it birth. As long as our address is on this earth, we live in a state of misery that brings about groaning. (Romans 8:18-30) But the Merciful One is always there with a new Mercy for each day. (Lamentations 3:23-25).
Hebrews 4:15-16 We have a compassionate and Merciful High Priest Who has assured our access to His Throne of Grace, a throne where mercy may be obtained continually and grace is available for our every need. May we ever be found before this throne drawing from its never ceasing supply!!!
But remember, only the merciful can expect to receive Mercy. Remember, Israel’s judgment was greatly due to their lack of mercy, not being righteous and just with the fatherless and widow, the helpless!!!
Introduction: We have considered the foundational Spirit birthed fruit of spiritual realism. The Blessedness of the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus must travel the path of poverty in spirit (knowing our real condition), which gives birth to a mourning (a repentant) heart, which leads to a quiet and graciously submissive character of meekness before such a High and Holy God. And this Spirit taught realization of our true position and need before Him leads to a passionate longing to be like Him, that is hungering and thirsting after righteousness. And praise God, that hungering and thirsting brings about a Glorious Filling. We begin now to consider what the outflow of that Blood bought, Spirit wrought Righteousness looks like
I. Blessed are the Merciful 5:7a
A. The word--#1655 “as an adjective, means merciful, not simply possessed of mercy, but actively compassionate, and is used only twice in the NT, here and of Christ as High Priest in Heb. 2:17.” From the root, the verb #1656 (eleheh’o) translated compassion/mercy 28 times. Similar to grace in that it is a free gift for the forgiveness of sins, but it is related to the misery that sin brings. “Grace removes guilt, mercy removes misery!” It is an outward manifestation of pity, more in deed than in word, it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and adequate resources to meet the need on the part of him who shows it.” New Strong’s Dictionary
B. What do you expect the people of the Most High God to look like?
Exodus 34:6-7 Mercy is God’s very Name!!! The old Puritan Thomas Goodwin speaks of this passage as declaring God's seven fold attributive name, five parts mercy and two parts justice and judgment
Numbers 7:89 The very “location” of God’s speaking to Moses was the “Mercy Seat”. In His Mercy, the Perfect One speaks to humans.
Numbers 14: 11-22 Moses appeals to God’s Mercy Name on Israel’s behalf.
II Chronicles 7:1-6 At the Temple dedication, “songs of praise” are sung to God’s enduring Mercy.
Psalm 136 Every act of God is because “His mercy endures forever.”
Ephesians 2:4 “But God, Who is rich in Mercy, because of His great Love with which He Loved us.”
Shouldn’t those birthed from above have their Father’s character? That is precisely Jesus’ implication in our passage. The Righteousness of God gives birth to merciful people!!!
C. Notice, it says “Blessed ARE the merciful”. It isn’t like spiritual gifts, where the Spirit gifts each one uniquely for His purpose. No, being merciful is not optional!!!
Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord REQUIRE of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This is not a suggestion!!!
D. Notice, Mercy comes right after Righteousness. This proves it’s Spirit birthed nature. In fallen man, self righteousness brings forth judgmentalism. True mercy can only be produced by feasting on Jesus, the only One Who possesses the perfect balance of character.
Psalm 85:10 “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Prophetic of this glorious union and balance found in Christ Jesus.
II. For they shall be filled 5:7b
A. “shall obtain mercy”--#1653 literally to “compassionate” by word or deed specifically by Divine grace.
The merciful always remember their condition. The mercy born from above in them, is ever dependant upon the One Who gave it birth. As long as our address is on this earth, we live in a state of misery that brings about groaning. (Romans 8:18-30) But the Merciful One is always there with a new Mercy for each day. (Lamentations 3:23-25).
Hebrews 4:15-16 We have a compassionate and Merciful High Priest Who has assured our access to His Throne of Grace, a throne where mercy may be obtained continually and grace is available for our every need. May we ever be found before this throne drawing from its never ceasing supply!!!
But remember, only the merciful can expect to receive Mercy. Remember, Israel’s judgment was greatly due to their lack of mercy, not being righteous and just with the fatherless and widow, the helpless!!!