A Conspiracy of Kindness

"It is immediately apparent that if the implication of the fifth beatitude were put into practice with greater zeal and consistency the preaching of the gospel would be far more effective! What a blessing for mankind this would be!" - William Hendriksen, The Gospel of Matthew, p. 276

Here is the sermon skeleton from Sunday's message:

Sermon Title: "A Conspiracy of Kindness"

Text: Matthew 5:7

Theme: The blessedness of being merciful

Point: God blesses those who are merciful.

Outline:

I. The blessedness of mercy extended (5:7a)

    A. The definition of mercy: compassion in action.

    B. The demonstration of mercy

        1. How: The manner of mercy

          * It is to be practical (Matt. 25:31-46).

          * It is to be continual.

          * It is to be humble (Matt. 6:1-4).

       2. When: The moments of mercy

           * When the hurting need sympathy.

           * When the poor need generosity.

          * When the guilty need forgiveness.

II. The blessedness of mercy experienced (5:7b)

    A. This is not a legalistic blessing.

    B. This is a midway blessing.

       1. We are merciful because we have received mercy.

       2. We are merciful because we will receive mercy.