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MATTHEW 5: 7

"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL"

I. FURTHER STAGE IN DESCRIPTION OF CHRISTIAN.
        Prior straits needs.
        Now look at disposition. Results from prior. Blessed are the
        merciful. Searching statement. This is what Christian should be
        - merciful "Search me oh God and know my thoughts, try me..."
        If we are anxious to be on with this and talk of communism
        position contrary to  N .T. man.
        A. man who is truly a Christian never objects to being humbled.
        Christian emphasis is on being - not doing. 
        Attitude more important than actions. More what we are than what
        we do. Later he talks of actions. You are a Christian first and
        actions are a result. Not meant to control our Christianity, it is
        meant to control us. Not a surface experience. Beatitudes tell us
        that as we are living our ordinary daily life, we are declaring
        what we are.

II. ARE WE MERCIFUL?
        Not easy going, overlooking sin not natural God our example of
        mercy. Grace is associated to man in his sin - Mercy is associated
        to man in misery of sin. Sense of pity and desire to relieve from
        suffering. Pity and action.
        Parable of Good Samaritan.
        Joseph with brothers.
        God sending His Son.

Ill "FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY."
        A. Problem -legalism.
                1. Forgive.
                        a. If we were judged on this basis, none would be
                           saved.
                        b. Opposed to doctrine of grace.
        B. Follow progression of beatitudes.
                1. Christ on cross.
                2. Stephen being stoned.