Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 57)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. How grateful we need to be that God has revealed instructions in His Word that will help us to remain free from the world's spots. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on several principles that relate to the 5th Beatitude in Matthew 5:7 -- "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." 4. Being merciful is an important characteristic for those who desire to remain unspotted from the world. Discussion: I. NUMEROUS PASSAGES TEACH GOD'S PEOPLE TO BE "MERCIFUL"
A. Luke 6:36 is an important passage. 1. The Lord clearly commands His followers to be "merciful." 2. In being "merciful," the Father is to be our example (see Psalm 103:8). B. In the context, Jesus showed how being "merciful" relates to: 1. the treatment of enemies (Luke 6:27-28, 35) 2. the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31) 3. judging (Luke 6:37-38, 41-42). C. Religion that lacks "mercy" is vain (Matthew 23:23). D. Since being "merciful" is such an important matter, let us examine how . . . II. THE SCRIPTURES EXPLAIN WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BEING "MERCIFUL"
A. Mercy is defined as "kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them." B. Examples of people asking Jesus for "mercy" help to illustrate this definition. 1. (Matthew 9:27-30) Two blind men asked Jesus to have "mercy" on them. 2. (Matthew 15:21-28) A woman asked Jesus to have "mercy" on her by healing her daughter. 3. (Matthew 17:14-18) A man asked Jesus to have "mercy" on his son who suffered from demon possession. 4. (Matthew 20:30-34) Two other blind men asked Jesus to have "mercy" on them. C. "Mercy" involves compassion toward: 1. the less fortunate (ex.: the Good Samaritan -- Luke 10:33-37) 2. sinners (ex.: the prodigal son's father -- Luke 15:20-24). D. In addition to providing relief in various ways, having hearts filled with "mercy" will lead us to refrain from doing deeds and saying words that are "worldly." Conclusion:
1. The passages we have examined should impress us with the importance of being "merciful." 2. As motivation, let us remember the reward in store for the merciful -- "they shall obtain mercy."
