"MERCIFUL LOVE "
By Dr. Dennis Deese - www.dennisdeese.com
James 2:1-13
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
There are three areas where God’s people must constantly evaluate their exercise of Christian love. In:
I. REACHING PEOPLE 2:1 "have not the faith our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons."
A. A Compassion for the Lost
Luke 10:33 (the Levite and Priest first passed by) But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him],
Luke 10:36-37 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
1. Salvation = Empathy
2. Selflessness = Priorities
3. Faith = Conviction - In the reality of heaven, hell, the abundant life, Satan etc.
4. Christlikeness = Sanctification
Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
II. RECEIVING PEOPLE 2:2-7 v-9 "But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin,"
A. Welcome - Greeting each other and our guests
B. Worship - Different styles
C. Works - side by side in ministry
III. RESTORING PEOPLE 2:8-13* "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shown no mercy;"
Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
A. Have an understanding of ministry - Pleasing God and caring for Humanity is our ministry
B. Be controlled by the Spirit of meekness - Galatians 6:1
C. Exercise the Gift of mercy - 2:13
