Blessed are the Merciful | Feb 20, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between
(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passage: Matthew 5:2-11

● Phil used this definition of mercy: “The unconditional love of God pouring out of
us through abounding compassion and kindness toward all people” Where have
you experienced God’s mercy in the past week?
● Mercy is core to the nature and character of God; read through these scripture
passages and share observations of where you see God’s consistent unchanging
nature from past (Old Covenant with Israel) to present (New Covenant through
Jesus):
○ Exodus 25:21-25
○ Leviticus 16:14
○ Hebrews 9:11-12
○ Matthew 27:50-51
○ 1 Corinthians 3:16
● Phil described the “chiasm” we find in the nine Beatitudes
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiastic_structure)
● Consider and discuss the connection between each matching pair in verses 2-11
○ v3 – v11
○ v4 – v10
○ v5 – v9

○ v6 – v8
● How does mercy (v7) factor into each of these as the “core” of this teaching?
● As Christians because we have received mercy all of our sins are forgiven; but
our forgiveness came at a great cost – Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
● Reflect on people in your life to whom you are resisting to show mercy
○ Pray for God to soften your heart to forgive in order to release any spiritual
“blockage” you are experiencing

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.