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MATTHEW 5:7

"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL"

Intro:  Further description of Christian. Disposition. These are probing
tests, what is my reaction? Impatient- Talk about communist or something
else.

I. BEATITUDES SEARCHING.
        A. Do I mind this?
                1. The true Christian never minds being humbled.
        B. Christianity places primary emphasis on being.
                1. Attitude more important than actions.
                2. What I am more than way I do.
                3. Disposition first- Later actions.
                        a. I am something before I do anything.
        C. We are not meant to control our Christianity. It is meant to
           control us.
                1. I am not to try to apply Christian principles in order
                   to be a Christian. 
                        a. "I live yet not I, but Christ."
                                1. He is in control.
                        b. Not a surface coating - sugar coated.
                        c. Born again.
        D. Our ordinary lives are declaring daily what we are.

II. WE NEED TO ASK QUESTIONS.
        A. Am I Merciful?
        B. What is meant by this?
                1. Not easy going.
                        a. Danger of present age "non-involvement."
                        b. Look at law breaking and say "so what?"
                2. Natural temperament not considered at all.
                        a. Merciful trait attributed to God.
                        b. God is concerned with law breakers.
                3. Compare Mercy with Grace.
                        a. Grace associated to man in his sin.
                        b. Mercy associated to man in his misery
                        c. Mercy a sense of pity and desire to relieve
                           suffering, Pity plus action.
                        d. Good Samaritan good example.
                        e. Final example God's mercy.

III. "FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY."
        A. My obtaining mercy dependent upon my being merciful.
                1. Lord's Prayer,  "Forgive us."
                2. Parable of unjust servant.
        B. Does this teach I must forgive to be forgiven?
                1. If we were judged strictly on these terms I would never
                   see heaven.
                2. Must cancel Doctrine of Grace.
        C. Order of Beatitudes.
        D. Christ on cross  "Father Forgive."
                1. Stephen.
        E. The man who has received mercy is the man who is merciful.