Message #4 - Happiness is Having an Attitude of Mercy Towards Others and Living in the Pursuit of Purity
Beatitude #5 - Happiness is Having an Attitude of Mercy Towards Others
Matthew 5:7
√ The Explanation
Matthew 5:7
• Merciful is being actively compassionate and having a practical concern for people and their needs – Hebrews 2:17
√ The Examination
What It Is Not
● A Sentimental Sympathy – 1 Samuel 15:9
● False Mercy – Psalm 9:17
● A Passive Pity – Psalm 18:25
Biblical Mercy Includes Three Elements:
○ Recognition - I see the need
○ Motivation - I am moved by the need
○ Action - I endeavor to meet the need – Titus 3:5
√ The Exhortation
● A Godly Cultivation
Luke 23:34, 6:36
● A Glorious Motivation
Matthew 5:7; 2 Samuel 22:26; Proverbs 11:17
Beatitude #6 - Happiness is Found in the Pursuit of Purity
Matthew 5:8
The Explanation
● It is: A Heart (Mind) That is Focused on God
Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 3:13
√ The Examination
What It Is Not:
• It’s Not About Being More Pure Than Others
2 Corinthians 10:12; Luke 18:11
There are three approaches to religion:
√ Head religion - Trusting in a creed
√ Hand religion - Trusting in a deed
√ Heart Religion - Trusting in a Seed of Implanted Purity by God
• It’s Not About Being Perfect
There are 5 kinds of Biblical Purity:
1. Primitive Purity - Exists only in God
2. Created Purity - The Innocence of Adam and Eve
3. Ultimate Purity - Eternally Pure in Heaven
4. Positional Purity - The Imputed Righteousness of Christ
5. Practical Purity - Actually Living out a Pure Life
2 Corinthians 7:1
√ The Exhortation
Matthew 5:8; Exodus 33:18
How Can My Heart Be Made More Pure:
1. Faith - Acts 15:9
2. Facts - John 15:3
