The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 March 7, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful …”

“Blessed are the merciful …” What is mercy? “Kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them.” (Thayer) “the outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it.” (Vine)

“Blessed are the merciful …” What is mercy? “… not simply possessed of pity but actively compassionate …” (Vine) Vincent refers to “the sense of human wretchedness coupled with the impulse to relieve it.” Mercy must include action … like love. 1 John 3:18 Is mercy simply withholding punishment deserved? Luke 1:58; 10:37; 1 Peter 1:3

“Blessed are the merciful …” We are therefore to: Exhibit “Kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted” and Have an ardent “desire to relieve them.” Be “actively compassionate” towards the pitiable. Towards those lost in sin. Matthew 9:13 (Jonah 4:11)

“Blessed are the merciful …” A foundational spiritual quality. Matthew 23:23 Required to inherit “eternal life”; Luke 10:37 (context; verses 30-37 – really go back to verse 25; James 2:13)

“Blessed are the merciful …” What evoked Jesus’ compassion? Souls without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (“distressed and dispirited”) (note verses 37- 38; and Mark 6:34) Those with a spiritual debt they could not pay. Matthew 18:27 The lost who return to Him. Luke 15:20 People with infirmities and dire circumstances they could not be relieved of. Matthew 14:14; Luke 10:33

“… For they shall receive mercy” We need to know the mercy of God towards us before we can properly extend the same to one another. Ephesians 2:4; Hebrews 4:16; James 5:11; 1 Peter 1:3-4 Mercy did not come through the Law – Hebrews 10:28; James 2:13

“… For they shall receive mercy” Does faithful obedience negate divine mercy? Deuteronomy 13:17-18; 30:1-3; 1 Kings 8:46-50; 2 Chronicles 30:7-9; Nehemiah 13:22; Psalms 51:1ff; Isaiah 30:18; 55:6-9; Jonah 4:11; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:3

“Blessed are the pure in heart …” What does “pure” mean? Unmixed, unadulterated. Free from impurities. Pure or clean in and of itself, or That which is made clean or pure; i.e., to be cleansed.

“Blessed are the pure in heart …” The purity Is to be of our heart – not outwardly. James 4:8; Matthew 5:21ff; Matthew 23:25-26 The Pharisees and Jewish leaders were focused on purifying the outside of the dish. Mark 7:1-5; Matthew 23:25ff

“Blessed are the pure in heart …” Who will the Lord welcome? Psalms 24:3-4; Psalms 73:1; 1 John 3:3 Requires constant attention: Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:19 We’re responsible but we also need the Lord’s forgiveness. James 4:8; Psalms 51:6-10; Acts 15:9; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:22