Sermon Cloud

Intro:  I use the Gladiator line as a joke.  Home study: Amie described me as compassionate.

Big Idea:  Following Jesus means delighting to grant mercy.

I. A merciful lifestyle marks true followers.

-         One characteristic of kingdom-living is to be merciful. It’s a mark of discipleship.

-         We are to be merciful, because God is merciful (Exodus 33).

-         God is rich in mercy (Eph. 2), and delights in showing mercy (Micah 7).  Stunned?

-         The Spirit of God shapes us into the likeness of Jesus; we’re merciful.  God does it!

-         Mercy is not an occasional occurrence.  Ill. Boy Scout.  It is a default setting.

Transition: If we are supposed to be merciful people, we’d better know what mercy is.

II. Mercy moves to alleviate misery in others.

-         Mercy is a response to misery.  Mercy addresses the misery sin brings.  Ill. adoption

-         Misery=>Pity=>Choice=>Plan=>Action

-         First is an emotional response- pity or compassion (from the guts).  Ill. TV ads

-         Mercy chooses to help, if possible.  It isn’t always possible to help someone.

-         Mercy devises the best plan to help this person.  Address the need properly (1 Thes. 5).

-         There are many causes of misery: use Frame’s Triangle (truth, circumstances, self)

-         Mercy then acts on that plan.  Mercy is more than good intentions- but good actions.

-         Glimpses of mercy: David & Mephibosheth; Jesus healing & feeding people; the cross.

-         Mercy helps restore their dignity as image bearers.

-         Mercy can be a single act of kindness, or a plan to help regularly.

Transition: In a fallen world, we are surrounded by misery.  Why don’t we see more mercy?

III. Obstacles to Mercy

-         Communities lack vulnerability.  People don’t reveal their needs.  Ill. Suffer in silence

-         Proud people resist attempts to help them.  Ill. David Wright

-         Lack of the resources needed to exercise mercy.  Ill. Mercy Fund/counseling

-         Refuse to sacrifice the resources needed to exercise mercy.  We’re selfish.  Ill. adoption

-         “Blessed are the hard hearted- they can spend all they have on themselves.”

Transition: How can we overcome the internal obstacles to exercising mercy?

IV. Motives for Mercy

-         God showed mercy to us in Jesus- made us spiritually alive (Eph. 2:4-10).

-         Love others as images of God.  Love them because we love Him.  Ill. ‘lepers’

-         Love other followers as part of Christ’s Body & God’s family.  Ill. Corrie ten Boom

-         Believe God’s promise to grant mercy to the merciful.  Reap what you sow!  Ill. World

-         The merciless will experience only justice (James 2).  Ill. Gladiator

Transition: Motivation is necessary, but insufficient.  Be ready when opportunities arise. 

V. Prepare to show mercy.

-         Prepare to show mercy by freeing up resources.  Ill. John Wesley

-         Prepare to show mercy by praying for opportunities.  Ill. George Mueller

-         Repent of your personal obstacles to giving or receiving mercy.