God…is rich in mercy
William MacDonald teaches that God's abundant mercy, distinct from grace, calls believers to live sacrificially and show mercy to others as a reflection of His compassion.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the rich mercy of God as described in Scripture, emphasizing its abundant and compassionate nature. He distinguishes mercy from grace and challenges believers to respond by living sacrificially and showing mercy to others. Through biblical examples and practical applications, MacDonald encourages a heart tuned to praise for God's enduring compassion.
Text
“God…is rich in mercy.” (Eph. 2:4)
The mercy of God is His pity, lovingkindness and compassion on those who are guilty, failing, distressed or needy. The Scriptures emphasize that God is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:4) and plenteous in mercy (Psa. 86:5). His mercy is abundant (1 Pet. 1:3); it is great unto the heavens (Psa. 57:10). “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him” (Psa. 103:11). God is spoken of as “the Father of mercies” (2 Cor. 1:3), One who is “very pitiful and of tender mercy” (Jas. 5:11). He is impartial in bestowing mercy: “for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mt. 5:45). Men are not saved by works of righteousness (Tit. 3:5) but by His sovereign mercy (Ex. 33:19; Rom. 9:15). His mercy endures forever to those who fear Him (Psa. 136:1; Lu. 1:50), but for the impenitent it is for this life only.
There is a difference between grace and mercy. Grace means that God showers me with blessings which I do not deserve. Mercy means that He does not give me the punishment that I do deserve.
Every doctrine of the Scripture has duty attached. The mercies of God require, first of all, that we should present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God (Rom. 12:1). It is the most reasonable, rational, sane, sensible thing we can do.
Then, too, God would have us to be merciful to one another. A special reward is promised to the merciful: “they shall obtain mercy” (Mt. 5:7). The Lord would rather have mercy than sacrifice (Mt. 9:13), that is, great acts of sacrifice are unacceptable if they are divorced from personal godliness.
The good Samaritan is the one who shows mercy to his neighbor. We show mercy when we feed the hungry, clothe the poor, nurse the sick, visit the widows and orphans, and weep with those who weep.
We are merciful when we refuse the opportunity to take vengeance on someone who has wronged us, or when we show compassion on those who have failed.
Remembering what we are, we should pray for mercy for ourselves (Heb. 4:16) and for others (Gal. 6:16; 1 Tim. 1:2).
Finally the mercies of God should tune our hearts to sing His praise.
When all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view I’m lost,
In wonder, love, and praise.
Joseph Addison
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Nature of God's Mercy
- God's mercy is abundant and compassionate
- Mercy differs from grace in that it withholds deserved punishment
- God is impartial in showing mercy to all
-
II. The Call to Live Mercifully
- Believers must offer themselves as living sacrifices
- Mercy toward others is commanded and rewarded
- Mercy is shown through acts of kindness and forgiveness
-
III. Practical Expressions of Mercy
- Helping the needy and comforting the afflicted
- Forgiving those who wrong us
- Praying for mercy for ourselves and others
-
IV. The Response of Praise
- Mercy should inspire heartfelt worship
- Recognizing God's mercies leads to wonder and love
- Praise is the fitting response to God's compassion
Key Quotes
“The mercy of God is His pity, lovingkindness and compassion on those who are guilty, failing, distressed or needy.” — William MacDonald
“There is a difference between grace and mercy. Grace means that God showers me with blessings which I do not deserve. Mercy means that He does not give me the punishment that I do deserve.” — William MacDonald
“The mercies of God require, first of all, that we should present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Offer yourself as a living sacrifice in response to God's mercy.
- Show mercy to others through acts of kindness and forgiveness.
- Pray regularly for mercy for yourself and those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between grace and mercy?
Grace is God giving blessings we do not deserve, while mercy is God withholding the punishment we do deserve.
Why is mercy important in the Christian life?
Mercy reflects God's character and calls believers to live sacrificially and compassionately toward others.
How can believers show mercy practically?
By helping the needy, forgiving others, and praying for mercy for themselves and others.
Is God's mercy available to everyone?
God shows mercy impartially, but His enduring mercy is for those who fear Him.
What is the proper response to God's mercy?
Believers should respond with praise, worship, and a life dedicated to holiness and mercy.