Untitled Sermon (5)

Endless Mercy: The Heart of God Revealed

Bible Passage: Exodus 34:6–7, Psalm 103, Ephesians 2:1–10

Summary: These passages collectively reveal the profound mercy of God as both a foundational attribute and a transformative force in the lives of believers. They show how God’s mercy is not only a characteristic but also an action that leads to redemption and restoration.

Application: Understanding God's mercy can strengthen the faith of individuals struggling with guilt, shame, and feelings of unworthiness. It offers clarity that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace, encouraging believers to extend mercy to others as they reflect on their own experience of God's forgiveness.

Teaching: This sermon illustrates that God’s mercy is persistent and transformative, reaching out to those who are spiritually lost, healing the broken-hearted, and establishing a new identity in Christ. It teaches that no matter the circumstance, God’s mercy abides and invites us to respond to it in our own lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In these passages, Christ is depicted as the ultimate embodiment of God's mercy, fulfilling the Law and bringing grace through His sacrifice. His life and teaching reveal the heart of God for the sinner, thus becoming the means through which mercy is magnified and experienced.

Big Idea: God's mercy is an unending source of hope and renewal, calling us to receive redemption and to reflect that same mercy in our interactions with others.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the narrative context of Exodus 34:6-7 to understand the depth of God's mercy shown to Israel. Utilize Logos to examine how Psalm 103’s themes of mercy and forgiveness are echoed in the New Testament, particularly in Ephesians 2, where Paul expounds on the depth of God’s mercy in salvation. Investigate how these texts can be cross-referenced to illuminate the diverse implications of God's merciful character.

1. Extravagant Mercy Unveiled

Exodus 34:6–7

Perhaps, you could highlight how these verses reveal God's character as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in steadfast love and faithfulness. Despite human sinfulness, God’s mercy remains steadfast. Reflecting on God's forgiveness, you can remind believers that God's mercy transcends their past failures and invites them into a renewed relationship with Him. This understanding could encourage them to extend the same mercy and forgiveness to others, reflecting their experience of God's grace in their communities.

2. Extol His Merciful Benefits

Psalm 103:1–22

You could suggest that this passage joyfully recounts the manifold benefits of God’s mercy, urging believers to remember and praise God for His compassionate acts. As the Psalmist reflects on forgiveness, healing, redemption, and steadfast love, you might encourage the congregation to have gratitude for God’s mercy in their own lives. Emphasizing the communal and personal aspects of these mercies, you could challenge listeners to be conduits of the same mercy in their relationships, promoting peace and reconciliation.

3. Embrace the Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:1–10

Maybe, you could illustrate how Paul describes the transformative mercy of God that comes through Jesus Christ. This mercy, extended to those who were dead in transgressions, brings life and salvation as a gift, not by works. You could emphasize the new identity believers have in Christ as recipients of mercy, called to live as reflections of God’s grace. By understanding their status as loved and redeemed, listeners can find assurance in God's mercy and be inspired to show compassion to a broken world.

Endless Mercy: The Heart of God Revealed

Bible Passage: Exodus 34:6–7, Psalm 103, Ephesians 2:1–10

Summary: These passages shed light on the nature of God as merciful and compassionate, highlighting His readiness to forgive and restore His people. They illustrate the biblical connection between God’s mercy and His covenant relationship with humanity, marking it as a fundamental part of His character and His dealings with us throughout history.

Application: Recognizing God's mercy equips believers to combat despair and the struggles of life by reminding them of the hope found in forgiveness. It encourages congregations to approach God boldly in repentance, knowing that they will encounter a merciful and loving Father willing to embrace them anew.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God's mercy is a fundamental attribute that invites relationship and reconciliation. It emphasizes that this mercy is not earned, but freely given, and is vital for our spiritual growth and healing as we learn to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

How this passage could point to Christ: Through Christ, we see the ultimate expression of God's mercy, where grace becomes tangible in human form. In His life, death, and resurrection, He fulfills the covenantal promise of mercy, offering redemption that transforms lives and restores community.

Big Idea: God's mercy is an invitation to transformation, offering us grace and fostering a culture of forgiveness that can change lives and community dynamics.

Recommended Study: As you refine this sermon, examine how the attributes of God listed in Exodus 34:6-7 correlate with the themes of redemption in Ephesians 2. Consult Logos to explore commentaries that discuss the Greek nuances in Ephesians, focusing on how Paul’s audience understood grace and mercy in a Roman context. Consider how Psalm 103 functions as a hymn of praise and how its themes might reinforce or contrast with the Pauline perspective.

1. Self-Revelation Through Mercy

Exodus 34:6–7

You could explore how God's self-revelation in Exodus 34:6–7 sets the stage for understanding His enduring mercy. These verses highlight the character of God as compassionate, gracious, and forgiving, establishing a covenantal foundation. Such mercy invites us to embrace transformation despite our failures. Emphasize how God’s generosity fosters a culture of grace, enabling us to face personal struggles with hope, assured of His readiness to forgive. Connect God's attributes to His covenantal promise in Christ, showing that His mercy is for every generation, calling us to forgiveness and reconciliation.

2. Praise Through Mercy's Benefits

Psalm 103:1-22

Perhaps explore Psalm 103 as a hymn of praise that reaffirms God’s mercy and its personal implications. This passage calls us to remember all His benefits, highlighting His forgiveness and healing. Delve into how these verses invite believers to praise God for His incomprehensible mercy that removes sins and heals our diseases, encouraging heartfelt worship. Connect the psalmist’s experience of mercy with the community’s collective story, showing that God's mercy engenders reciprocal relationships. Emphasize how this knowledge empowers us to forgive and cultivate community transformation.

3. Transformation Through Divine Mercy

Ephesians 2:1-10

Maybe examine Ephesians 2:1-10, where Paul illustrates the transformative impact of God's mercy through grace. These verses detail the movement from death to life, highlighting undeserved kindness. Emphasize how this passage emphasizes God's initiative in mercy, culminating in Christ’s redemptive work. Discuss how believers’ transformation serves as a testament to His mercy, inspiring others to seek the same grace. Stress how understanding mercy as foundational to our faith challenges and equips us to live out forgiveness daily, reshaping us into Christ-like communities that reflect His love.

Endless Mercy: The Heart of God Revealed

Bible Passage: Exodus 34:6–7, Psalm 103, Ephesians 2:1–10

Summary: These passages present a comprehensive view of God’s mercy as an essential aspect of His covenantal relationship with humanity. They highlight the contrast between human sinfulness and divine grace, and the resulting call to live lives reflective of that mercy, emphasizing God’s desire for reconciliation and transformation in our lives.

Application: This message encourages believers to embrace God's mercy in their own lives and to extend that mercy to those around them. It helps individuals to release bitterness and resentment, fostering healthier relationships and creating a community that mirrors God's kindness and compassion.

Teaching: The sermon illustrates that God’s mercy is foundational for understanding salvation. It teaches that believers are not just recipients of grace, but also called to embody that mercy, leading to a transformative life that reflects Christ’s love in all interactions with others.

How this passage could point to Christ: In these texts, Christ embodies the mercy that is described, providing the ultimate means of reconciliation with God through His sacrifice. His actions fulfill the promises of mercy found in the Old Testament, showcasing the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.

Big Idea: Embracing God’s mercy transforms our identity, compelling us to act justly and love mercy as we reflect His character to a broken world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, delve deep into Exodus 34:6-7 to understand the theological implications of God's name and character. Use Logos to research cross-references that illuminate how both Psalms and Ephesians articulate the theme of mercy in different contexts, particularly in light of Hebraic and Hellenistic influences on early Christian thought. Consider studying biblical texts that discuss the practical aspects of living out mercy in daily life and community.

1. Mercy Declared: God's Self-Revelation

Exodus 34:6–7

Maybe start by exploring the revelation of God’s character in His declaration to Moses. This passage shows that God's mercy is part of his self-expression, emphasizing that even in justice, God prioritizes compassion and forgiveness. Understanding this reveals a profound aspect of God's heart and offers a foundation for how we view God’s interaction with humanity. You could suggest that recognizing God’s mercy calls us to respond by showing mercy to others, initiating healing in areas of personal bitterness and communal strife.

2. Mercy Remembered: Blessings Counted

Psalm 103:1-18

You could highlight that Psalm 103 celebrates God's mercy throughout history, focusing on His patient and enduring mercy. The psalmist encourages followers to bless God for His benefits, which include forgiveness and healing. By reflecting on these verses, the audience may see parallels in their own lives where God's mercy has prevailed. Additionally, you might invite believers to celebrate and proclaim God’s merciful actions, creating an attitude of gratitude that bears witness to others.

3. Mercy Transforms: New Life Given

Ephesians 2:1–10

Perhaps conclude by examining how Paul describes our transformation through God's mercy in Christ. Here, the mercy once revealed to Moses and celebrated by the psalmist is realized through Christ’s redemptive work, bringing life to the spiritually dead. Highlight how this transformation compels Christians to live as God’s workmanship. You could suggest that this merciful transformation is why Christians should strive to act justly and love mercy, adding that their new identity in Christ glorifies God.

Quotes:

300 Quotations for Preachers from the Modern Church The Greatest Wonder of All Is Mercy

The omniscience of God is a wonder. The omnipotence of God is a wonder. God’s spotless holiness is a wonder. None of these things can we understand. But the greatest wonder of all is the mercy of God.

ANDREW MURRAY*

300 Quotations for Preachers from the Reformation The Mercy of God the Only Haven of Safety

The only haven of safety is in the mercy of God, as manifested in Christ, in whom every part of our salvation is complete. As all mankind are, in the sight of God, lost sinners, we hold that Christ is their only righteousness, since, by his obedience, he has wiped off our transgressions; by his sacrifice, appeased the divine anger; by his blood, washed away our stains; by his cross, borne our curse; and by his death, made satisfaction for us. We maintain that in this way man is reconciled in Christ to God the Father, by no merit of his own, by no value of works, but by gratuitous mercy.

JOHN CALVIN

300 Quotations for Preachers from the Reformation Justification Comes by the Mercy of God

Our justification comes freely by the mere mercy of God, and of so great and free mercy, that whereas all the world was not able of themselves to pay any part towards their ransom, it pleased our heavenly Father of his infinite mercy, without any our desert or deserving, to prepare for us the most precious jewels of Christ’s body and blood, whereby our ransom might be fully paid, the law fulfilled, and his justice fully satisfied.

THOMAS CRANMER

300 Sermon Illustrations from Charles Spurgeon Children Know Their Father’s Love Is Unchangeable (Romans 8:38–39; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; James 1:17)

Suppose someone were to tell my children that the continuance of my love to them will depend entirely on their good behavior. My children would repel the suggestion with indignation. They would answer, “We know better; you speak falsely. Our father will always love us.”

Even so the Lord’s children know that their Father’s love is immutable. For our transgressions, our heavenly Father will visit us with the rod, but never with the sword.

CH Spurgeon

Mercy, demonstration of God’s

Synopsis

God demonstrates his mercy in his various dealings with his people.

God as a parent

Ps 103:13–14; Eph 1:4–6

Psalm 103:13–14 (LEB) — 13 As a father pities his children, so Yahweh pities those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust.

Ephesians 1:4–6 (LEB) — 4 just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption through Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of the glory of his grace that he bestowed on us in the beloved,

See also Je 31:20; 2 Co 1:3; Is 49:15; Ho 11:1–4; Mal 3:17; Is 66:13; Is 63:7–8

Jeremiah 31:20 (LEB) — 20 Is Ephraim my dear son, or the child of my delight? For as often as I have earnestly spoken against him, I still remember him. Therefore my bowels are turbulent for him, surely I will have compassion on him,” declares Yahweh.

2 Corinthians 1:3 (LEB) — 3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

Isaiah 49:15 (LEB) — 15 Can a woman forget her suckling, refrain from having compassion on the child of her womb? Indeed, these may forget, but I, I will not forget you!

Hosea 11:1–4 (LEB) — 1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 When I called them, they went from my face. They sacrificed to the Baals, and they sacrificed to idols. 3 And I myself taught Ephraim to walk; I took them in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I drew them with human ties, with the bands of love. I was to them like one who lifted up a yoke on their jaws, though I bent down to them and let them eat.

Malachi 3:17 (LEB) — 17 “They will be mine,” says Yahweh of hosts, “on the day that I am acting, my treasured possession. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.

Isaiah 66:13 (LEB) — 13 As a man whose mother comforts him, so I myself will comfort you, and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 63:7–8 (LEB) — 7 I will mention the loyal love of Yahweh, the praises of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has done for us, and the greatness of goodness to the house of Israel that he has done to them according to his mercy and the abundance of his loyal love. 8 And he said, “Surely my people are children; they will not break faith.” And he became a Savior to them.

God’s mercy and compassion to those in distress

Is 49:13

Isaiah 49:13 (LEB) — 13 Sing for joy, heavens, and rejoice, earth! Mountains must break forth in rejoicing! For Yahweh has comforted his people, and he will take pity on his afflicted ones.

See also Is 63:9; Heb 4:16; Jon 2:2; Ex 2:23–24; Ps 91:14–16; Ps 111:2–9; Ps 113:7–9; Ps 142:1–3; 2 Co 4:1

Isaiah 63:9 (LEB) — 9 In all their distress, there was no distress, and the messenger of his presence saved them, in his love and compassion he himself redeemed them, and he lifted them up, and he supported them all the days of old.

Hebrews 4:16 (LEB) — 16 Therefore let us approach with confidence to the throne of grace, in order that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jonah 2:2 (LEB) — 2 and said, “I called from my distress to Yahweh, and he answered me; from the belly of Sheol I cried for help— you heard my voice.

Exodus 2:23–24 (LEB) — 23 And then during those many days, the king of Egypt died, and the Israelites groaned because of the work, and they cried out, and their cry for help because of the work went up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob,

Psalm 91:14–16 (LEB) — 14 Because he loves me, therefore I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. 15 He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

Psalm 111:2–9 (LEB) — 2 The works of Yahweh are great, studied by all who delight in them. 3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made his wonders to be remembered; Yahweh is gracious and compassionate. 5 He gives food to those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has declared the power of his works for his people, by giving to them the inheritance of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; all his precepts are reliable. 8 They are sustained forever and ever, done with faithfulness and uprightness. 9 He has sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever; holy and fearful is his name.

Psalm 113:7–9 (LEB) — 7 He raises the helpless from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, 8 to seat them with princes, with the princes of his people. 9 He causes the barren woman of the house to dwell as the happy mother of children. Praise Yah!

Psalm 142:1–3 (LEB) — 1 I cry out with my voice to Yahweh; I implore favor with my voice to Yahweh. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; I declare my trouble before him. 3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way. On the path where I walk, they have hidden a trap for me;

2 Corinthians 4:1 (LEB) — 1 Because of this, since we have this ministry, just as we have been shown mercy, we do not lose heart,

In judgment, God’s mercy is just and true

Dt 32:36

Deuteronomy 32:36 (LEB) — 36 For Yahweh will judge on behalf of his people, and concerning his servants; he will change his mind when he sees that their power has disappeared, and there is no one left, confined or free.

See also Is 54:7–8; Hab 3:2; Is 30:18; Is 60:10; Re 19:11; Is 11:3–5; Ps 143:1

Isaiah 54:7–8 (LEB) — 7 I abandoned you for a short moment, but I will gather you with great compassion. 8 I hid my face from you for a moment, in the flowing of anger, but I will have compassion on you with everlasting faithfulness” says your redeemer, Yahweh.

Habakkuk 3:2 (LEB) — 2 O Yahweh, I have heard the report of you; O Yahweh, I stand in awe of your works. In the midst of the years, revive it! In the midst of the years, make it known! In wrath, may you remember to show compassion.

Isaiah 30:18 (LEB) — 18 Therefore Yahweh waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he will rise up to show you mercy, for Yahweh is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Isaiah 60:10 (LEB) — 10 And foreigners shall build your walls, and their kings shall serve you, for in my anger I struck you, but in my favor I have taken pity on you.

Revelation 19:11 (LEB) — 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and the one seated on it was called “Faithful” and “True,” and with justice he judges and makes war.

Isaiah 11:3–5 (LEB) — 3 And his breath is in the fear of Yahweh. And he shall judge not by his eyesight, and he shall rebuke not by what he hears with his ears. 4 But he shall judge the poor with righteousness, and he shall decide for the needy of the earth with rectitude. And he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and he shall kill the wicked person with the breath of his lips. 5 And righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

Psalm 143:1 (LEB) — 1 O Yahweh, hear my prayer; listen to my supplications. In your faithfulness answer me, and in your righteousness.

God may choose to show no mercy

Ps 59:5

Psalm 59:5 (LEB) — 5 And you, Yahweh, God of hosts, are the God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations. Do not be gracious to any who treacherously plot evil. Selah

See also Jas 2:13; Je 21:7; Jos 11:20

James 2:13 (LEB) — 13 For judgment is merciless to the one who has not practiced mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Jeremiah 21:7 (LEB) — 7 And afterward,” declares Yahweh, “I will give Zedekiah, the king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and those who remain in this city from the plague, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their lives, and he will strike them with the edge of the sword. He will not take pity on them, and he will not have compassion, nor will he show compassion.” ’

Joshua 11:20 (LEB) — 20 For it was Yahweh that hardened their hearts, to meet Israel in war in order to utterly destroy them without mercy, that they would destroy them just as Yahweh commanded Moses.

God’s mercy shown in his actions

The act of salvation

Eph 2:4–5

Ephesians 2:4–5 (LEB) — 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 and we being dead in trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),

See also Ps 13:5; Ex 15:13; Jdg 2:18 In the OT, salvation was seen in physical, as much as in spiritual, terms; Ps 28:6–8; Ps 31:21–22

Psalm 13:5 (LEB) — 5 But as for me, I have trusted in your steadfast love. My heart will rejoice in your deliverance.

Exodus 15:13 (LEB) — 13 In your loyal love you led the people whom you redeemed; in your strength you guided them to the abode of your holiness.

Judges 2:18 (LEB) — 18 And when Yahweh raised leaders for them, Yahweh was with the leader, and he delivered them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the leader, for Yahweh was moved by their groaning because of their persecutors and oppressors.

Psalm 28:6–8 (LEB) — 6 Blessed is Yahweh, because he has heard the voice of my supplications. 7 Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts him and I am helped. So my heart rejoices, and with my song I will give thanks to him. 8 Yahweh is their strength, and he is the refuge for the salvation of his anointed one.

Psalm 31:21–22 (LEB) — 21 Blessed is Yahweh, because he has worked marvelously his loyal love to me in a besieged city. 22 As for me, I said in my alarm, “I am cut off from before your eyes.” However you heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to you for help.

David appeals to God’s mercy:

Ps 40:10–11; Ps 57:1; Ps 69:16; Ps 86:15–16

Psalm 40:10–11 (LEB) — 10 Your righteousness I have not hidden in the midst of my heart. I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not concealed your loyal love or your faithfulness from the great congregation. 11 As for you, O Yahweh, do not withhold your mercies from me. Let your loyal love and your faithfulness continually preserve me.

Psalm 57:1 (LEB) — 1 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, because in you my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by.

Psalm 69:16 (LEB) — 16 Answer me, O Yahweh, because your loyal love is good; according to your abundant mercies, turn to me,

Psalm 86:15–16 (LEB) — 15 But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me. Give your strength to your servant, and grant victory to the son of your maidservant.

Ps 98:2–3; Ps 116:4–6; Ne 9:27; 1 Pe 1:3; 1 Pe 2:10; 2 Pe 3:15

Psalm 98:2–3 (LEB) — 2 Yahweh has made known his salvation; to the eyes of the nations he has revealed his righteousness. 3 He has remembered his loyal love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Psalm 116:4–6 (LEB) — 4 Then I called on the name of Yahweh: “O Yahweh, please save my life!” 5 Gracious is Yahweh and righteous, and our God is merciful. 6 Yahweh watches over the simple. I was brought low, but he gave me victory.

Nehemiah 9:27 (LEB) — 27 Therefore you gave them into the hand of their enemy, and they brought trouble to them. Then in the time of their trouble they cried out to you, and you heard from the heavens, and according to your great compassions, you gave them saviors, and you saved them from the hand of their enemies.

1 Peter 1:3 (LEB) — 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 2:10 (LEB) — 10 who once were not a people, but now are the people of God, the ones who were not shown mercy, but now are shown mercy.

2 Peter 3:15 (LEB) — 15 And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our dear brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom that was given to him,

His forgiveness

Ps 51:1–2

Psalm 51:1–2 (LEB) — 1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to your loyal love. According to your abundant mercies, blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and from my sin cleanse me.

See also Is 55:7; 1 Jn 1:9; Mic 7:18–19; 1 Ti 1:15–16; Ps 25:6–7; Nu 14:18–19; Ps 79:8; Ps 130:1–4; Ho 14:1–4

Isaiah 55:7 (LEB) — 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the man of sin his thoughts. And let him return to Yahweh, that he may take pity on him, and to our God, for he will forgive manifold.

1 John 1:9 (LEB) — 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, so that he will forgive us our sins and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Micah 7:18–19 (LEB) — 18 Who is a God like you, forgiving sin and passing over rebellion for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, for he delights in loyal love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will trample our iniquities. And you will hurl all their sins in the depths of the sea.

1 Timothy 1:15–16 (LEB) — 15 The saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But because of this I was shown mercy, in order that in me foremost, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his total patience, for an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.

Psalm 25:6–7 (LEB) — 6 Remember your compassion, O Yahweh, and your acts of loyal love, because they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions. According to your loyal love remember me if you will, for the sake of your goodness, O Yahweh.

Numbers 14:18–19 (LEB) — 18 ‘Yahweh is slow to anger and great of loyal love, forgiving sin and rebellion; but surely he leaves nothing unpunished, visiting the sin of the fathers on the sons to the third and fourth generations.’ 19 Please forgive the sin of this people according to the greatness of your loyal love, just as you forgave this people, from Egypt until now.”

Psalm 79:8 (LEB) — 8 Do not remember against us former iniquities; let your mercies meet us quickly because we are brought very low.

Psalm 130:1–4 (LEB) — 1 Out of the depths I call to you, O Yahweh. 2 “O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If you, O Yah, should keep track of iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, so that you may be feared.”

Hosea 14:1–4 (LEB) — 1 Return to Yahweh your God, O Israel, for you have stumbled because of your sin. 2 Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Say to him, “Take away all guilt; accept good, and we will offer the fruit of our lips. 3 Assyria will not save us; we will not ride on horses, and we will say no more, “Our God,” to the work of our hands because in you the fatherless child finds mercy. 4 I will heal their disloyalty; I will love them freely because my anger has turned back from them.

His blessing

Dt 13:17–18 Moses concerning idolatry.

Deuteronomy 13:17–18 (LEB) — 17 And let not something cling to your hand from the things devoted to destruction, so that Yahweh may turn back from his burning anger, and he may show compassion to you and he may continue to show compassion and so multiply you just as he swore to your ancestors, 18 if you listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep all of his commandments that I am commanding to you today so as to do the right thing in the eyes of Yahweh your God.”

See also Dt 7:12–13; Dt 30:3

Deuteronomy 7:12–13 (LEB) — 12 “And then because you listen to these regulations and you diligently keep and you do them, then Yahweh your God will maintain his covenant and his loyal love that he swore to your ancestors. 13 And he will love you, and he will bless you, and he will multiply you, and he will bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your soil, your grain, your wine, and your olive oil, and newborn calves of your cattle, and the newborn lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your ancestors to give you.

300 Sermon Illustrations from Charles Spurgeon Children Know Their Father’s Love Is Unchangeable (Romans 8:38–39; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; James 1:17)

300 Sermon Illustrations from Charles Spurgeon Children Know Their Father’s Love Is Unchangeable (Romans 8:38–39; 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; James 1:17)

Mercy, nature of God’s

Synopsis

A central aspect of God’s character, expressed in his covenant relationships with undeserving people.

God is merciful

Da 9:9; Eph 2:4

Daniel 9:9 (LEB) — 9 Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord, our God, for we have rebelled against him,

Ephesians 2:4 (LEB) — 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us,

See also Jas 5:11; 2 Sa 24:14; Je 3:12; Ne 9:31; 1 Pe 1:3; Ps 5:7; 2 Jn 3; 1 Ti 1:2; Lk 1:78; Ps 25:6; Jud 2

James 5:11 (LEB) — 11 Behold, we consider blessed those who have endured. You have heard about the patient endurance of Job, and you saw the outcome from the Lord, that the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

2 Samuel 24:14 (LEB) — 14 Then David said to Gad, “I am greatly distressed. Please let us fall into the hand of Yahweh, because he is great in his compassion; but into the hand of man don’t let me fall.”

Jeremiah 3:12 (LEB) — 12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, apostate Israel,’ declares Yahweh. ‘I will not cause my anger to fall on you. For I am loyal,’ declares Yahweh. ‘I will not be angry forever.

Nehemiah 9:31 (LEB) — 31 But in your great compassions you did not put an end to them, and you did not abandon them. For you are a gracious and compassionate God.

1 Peter 1:3 (LEB) — 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Psalm 5:7 (LEB) — 7 But as for me, through the abundance of your steadfast love I will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you.

2 John 3 (LEB) — 3 Grace, mercy, peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father in truth and love.

1 Timothy 1:2 (LEB) — 2 to Timothy, my true child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luke 1:78 (LEB) — 78 because of the merciful compassion of our God by which the dawn will visit to help us from on high,

Psalm 25:6 (LEB) — 6 Remember your compassion, O Yahweh, and your acts of loyal love, because they are from of old.

Jude 2 (LEB) — 2 May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.

God’s mercy is expressed in his faithfulness to his covenant with his people

Mic 7:18–20

Micah 7:18–20 (LEB) — 18 Who is a God like you, forgiving sin and passing over rebellion for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, for he delights in loyal love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; he will trample our iniquities. And you will hurl all their sins in the depths of the sea. 20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob, and loyal love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our ancestors from the days of old.

See also Dt 7:9; Ne 1:5; Ne 9:30–31; Is 63:9; 1 Ki 8:23–24; Lk 1:69–75; Lk 1:54–55; Dt 4:31; Ps 143:1

Deuteronomy 7:9 (LEB) — 9 So know that Yahweh your God, he is God, the trustworthy God, maintaining his covenant and his loyal love with those who love him and with those who keep his commandments to a thousand generations,

Nehemiah 1:5 (LEB) — 5 I said, “O Yahweh God of the heavens, the great and awesome one who keeps the covenant and loyal love for the ones who love him and for those who keep his commands.

Nehemiah 9:30–31 (LEB) — 30 You were patient toward them for many years, and you have warned them by your spirit through the hand of your prophets, but they did not listen. So you gave them into the hand of the nations of the lands. 31 But in your great compassions you did not put an end to them, and you did not abandon them. For you are a gracious and compassionate God.

Isaiah 63:9 (LEB) — 9 In all their distress, there was no distress, and the messenger of his presence saved them, in his love and compassion he himself redeemed them, and he lifted them up, and he supported them all the days of old.

1 Kings 8:23–24 (LEB) — 23 and he said, “O Yahweh, God of Israel, there is no god like you in the heavens above or on the earth beneath, keeping the covenant and the loyal love for your servants who are walking before you with all their heart. 24 You have kept for your servant David my father what you promised to him, and you have spoken with your mouth, and with your hand you have fulfilled it this very day.

Luke 1:69–75 (LEB) — 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 just as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from earliest times— 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all those who hate us, 72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath that he swore to Abraham our father, to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, could serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Luke 1:54–55 (LEB) — 54 He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, 55 just as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Deuteronomy 4:31 (LEB) — 31 For Yahweh your God is a compassionate God; he will not abandon you, and he will not destroy you, and he will not forget the covenant of your ancestors that he swore to them.

Psalm 143:1 (LEB) — 1 O Yahweh, hear my prayer; listen to my supplications. In your faithfulness answer me, and in your righteousness.

God’s faithfulness and mercy are never-ending

Ps 103:17

Psalm 103:17 (LEB) — 17 But the loyal love of Yahweh is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to their children’s children,

See also Ps 25:6; Ps 106:1; Ps 119:132

Psalm 25:6 (LEB) — 6 Remember your compassion, O Yahweh, and your acts of loyal love, because they are from of old.

Psalm 106:1 (LEB) — 1 Praise Yah. Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loyal love is forever.

Psalm 119:132 (LEB) — 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is proper for those who love your name.

God’s mercy and grace are seen in Jesus Christ

Jn 1:14

John 1:14 (LEB) — 14 And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.

See also Ro 5:15; Eph 1:7; Heb 4:16; Jud 21; Ro 3:22–24

Romans 5:15 (LEB) — 15 But the gift is not like the trespass, for if by the trespass of the one, the many died, by much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, multiply to the many.

Ephesians 1:7 (LEB) — 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace,

Hebrews 4:16 (LEB) — 16 Therefore let us approach with confidence to the throne of grace, in order that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jude 21 (LEB) — 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

Romans 3:22–24 (LEB) — 22 that is, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by his grace, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus,

God’s mercy is not confined to the Jewish nation

Ro 3:29–30

Romans 3:29–30 (LEB) — 29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, also of the Gentiles, 30 since God is one, who will justify those who are circumcised by faith and those who are uncircumcised through faith.

See also Ga 3:14; Jon 4:2; Col 1:27; Is 49:6; Ro 10:12; Ro 11:28–32; Ro 15:8–12; Eph 3:6–8

Galatians 3:14 (LEB) — 14 in order that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Jonah 4:2 (LEB) — 2 And he prayed to Yahweh and said, “O Yahweh, was this not what I said while I was in my homeland? Therefore I originally fled to Tarshish, because I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and having great steadfast love, and one who relents concerning calamity.

Colossians 1:27 (LEB) — 27 to whom God wanted to make known what is the glorious wealth of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,

Isaiah 49:6 (LEB) — 6 And he says, “It is trivial for you to be a servant for me, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel. I will give you as a light to the nations, to be my salvation to the end of the earth.”

Romans 10:12 (LEB) — 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who is rich to all who call upon him.

Romans 11:28–32 (LEB) — 28 With respect to the gospel, they are enemies for your sake, but with respect to election, they are dearly loved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you formerly were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of the disobedience of these, 31 so also these have now been disobedient for your mercy, in order that they also may now be shown mercy. 32 For God confined them all in disobedience, in order that he could have mercy on them all.

Romans 15:8–12 (LEB) — 8 For I say, Christ has become a servant of the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, just as it is written, “Because of this, I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praise to your name.” 10 And again it says, “Rejoice, Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all the Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles will put their hope.”

Ephesians 3:6–8 (LEB) — 6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I became a servant, according to the gift of God’s grace given to me, according to the working of his power. 8 To me, the least of all the saints, was given this grace: to proclaim the good news of the fathomless riches of Christ to the Gentiles,

God chooses when and where to exercise his mercy

Ro 9:15–16

Romans 9:15–16 (LEB) — 15 For to Moses he says, “I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion.” 16 Consequently therefore, it does not depend on the one who wills or on the one who runs, but on God who shows mercy.

See also Ex 33:19; Jn 15:16; Ps 33:12; Dt 7:7–8; 1 Co 1:27–29

Exodus 33:19 (LEB) — 19 And he said, “I myself will cause all my goodness to pass over before you, and I will proclaim the name of Yahweh before you, and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show compassion to whom I will show compassion.”

John 15:16 (LEB) — 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and your fruit should remain, in order that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

Psalm 33:12 (LEB) — 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people he has chosen for his inheritance.

Deuteronomy 7:7–8 (LEB) — 7 “Yahweh loved you and chose you not because of your great number exceeding all other peoples, for you are fewer than all of the peoples, 8 but because of the love of Yahweh for you and because of his keeping of the sworn oath that he swore to your ancestors, Yahweh brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (LEB) — 27 But the foolish things of the world God chose in order that he might put to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world God chose in order that he might put to shame the strong, 28 and the insignificant of the world, and the despised, God chose, the things that are not, in order that he might abolish the things that are, 29 so that all flesh may not boast before God.

God’s responds in mercy to those who call to him

Ps 6:9 There are many appeals to God’s mercy in the book of Psalms.

Psalm 6:9 (LEB) — 9 Yahweh has heard my plea; Yahweh has accepted my prayer.

See also Da 9:18; 1 Ki 8:28; 2 Ch 6:19; Job 9:15

Daniel 9:18 (LEB) — 18 Incline your ear, my God, and listen; open your eyes and look at our desolation and the city that is called by your name, for we are not presenting our pleas for mercy before you because of our righteousness, but rather because of your great compassion.

1 Kings 8:28 (LEB) — 28 You must regard the prayer of your servant and his plea! O Yahweh my God, listen to the pleading and to the prayer that your servant is praying before you this day,

2 Chronicles 6:19 (LEB) — 19 But turn to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Yahweh my God, to hearken to the pleading and to the prayer that your servant is praying before you,

Job 9:15 (LEB) — 15 whom I cannot answer, even though I am righteous? From my judge I must implore grace.