Sermon Central
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Gracious Blessings On The Platform Of God's Mercy
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Aug 29, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: God is a faithful God and full of mercy. He is willing to show His mercy to those who will diligently seek Him wholeheartedly, and who are willing to turn to Him in righteousness.
GRACIOUS BLESSINGS ON THE PLATFORM OF GOD'S MERCY
Study Text: Hebrews 4:16.
Introduction
- Man doesn’t always get what he requires, pursues or deserves, but what the mercy of God delivers to him: Romans 9:16.
- Most certainly, it is not the strongest of the species that always survive in life, not the most intelligent, not the most hardworking, but those who are the most receptive to the mercies of God.
- Mercy is that platform, which allows the favour of God or gracious blessings to flow towards a person or group of persons.
- Mercy is the outflow of God’s compassion and forbearance that graciously shuts the doors against harm but conveys blessings to His people who have obtained mercy on their journeys of life (Psalms 23:6).
- We shall discuss the topic under three subheadings:
1. The Worth of God's Mercy
2. The Works of God's Mercy
3. The Ways to God's Mercy
1. The Worth of God's Mercy
- Mercy is readily available only at the throne of grace, because the cost of it is the priceless blood of Jesus Christ.
- God’s plan stems from His merciful love for His people. Knowing there was nothing we could do to earn our way into His presence, He made a way through the crucifixion of Christ.
- Defeating death, Jesus opened up access to God for us. Through prayer, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit living in us, each day brings fresh new mercy.
- Mercy is God’s gift to the repentant heart. The following verses define this element of God’s love:
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Psalm 86:5)
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)
- God’s mercy is never-failing because it is as eternal as it is everlasting, and it is as dependable as it is reliable. The mercy of the Lord is ever sure and durable (Isaiah 55:3).
- Moreover, we need the mercy of God in order to secure access to everything obtainable in the kingdom of God.
- God revealed Himself to Moses on the platform of mercy (Exodus 33:18-23; Romans 9:15-16).
- Jesus revealed to the Pharisees that He came to show mercy (Matthew 9:10-13)
- Whatever is given by God to man, is provided on the platform of mercy, and only those that are washed by the blood of Jesus Christ can approach the throne of grace.
- We receive forgiveness, blessing, healing, ministry, strength to finish strong and so many others, by mercy. Access to the kingdom of God is obtained by mercy.
- Mercy works at the instance of faith. When living faith is provoked, the mercy of God speaks! (Acts 14:8-10). Everyone that approached Him for mercy was justified in one way or the other.
- When the mercy of God is in operation, the impossible becomes possible; the dead situation comes alive; the dry bones live again; garment of iniquity is replaced with garment of righteousness; the handwriting of ordinances designed against one is blotted out.
- Rejecting the mercy of God implies that we are trying to relegate the righteousness of God, thereby promoting self righteousness, which lead to destruction.
- A man that has not encountered the Cross will never see the need for mercy. He believes he has the power and might to do everything.
- Only a humble man with a contrite heart, spirit and a broken heart, can genuinely seek and obtain the mercy of God.
- Mercy is not dependent on our ability or strength but God’s grace. Romans 9:16. Mercy is not earned but granted by God’s grace alone. Hebrews 4:16.
2. The Works of God's Mercy
- We cannot actually quantify the importance of the mercy of God in the life of a man. But some of the notable works of mercy are mentioned below.
1. God’s mercy turns a rejected person into the accepted and beloved.
- Whenever a sinner or wicked person turns away from his sins and wickedness, and turns to God, God will receive him and fellowship with him through mercy. Isaiah 55:6-8.
2. God’s mercy turns insurmountable obstacles into stepping stones for greatness.
- When God visit a man with His mercy, difficult situations and obstacles, are turned around as instruments of progress and success in life. Romans 8:28
- When the Lord showed mercy to the Jews during Mordecai's days, what was supposed to be for their total destruction, was turned to be for their total deliverance.
