They Will Know we are Christians Because we are Merciful

They Will Know We are Christians  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
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Mercy in the Bible

A characteristic of God.

Not as “theologically deep” as some godly expectations of believers.

Generally less abstract and need based than other terms that span the theological/behavioral divide. Mercy will almost always be experienced in a specific deed or action, or the request for a specific deed or action.

Old Testament

God does it. Often requested in times of duress.

Generally not expected from other people.

Jesus and Mercy

Behavior of people around Jesus

“Lord, have mercy on me!”

Transference of a request from God to Jesus.

Texts

Jesus

Matthew 5:7 ESV
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Matthew 9:13 ESV
13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 12:7 ESV
7 And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.
Matthew 18:33 ESV
33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’

(Parable of the wicket servant)

Reciprocal mercy is expected of believers.

Other NT

Romans 12:8 ESV
8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
James 2:13 ESV
13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 3:17 ESV
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Jude 22–23 ESV
22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Summary

God-like behavior.

Practical Mercy.

“Theological mercy.” (Jude)

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