Sermon on the Mount Part 4

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