THE MERCY OF GOD
(Psalm 116:5)

INTRODUCTION:
1. The parable of the publican and Pharisee. (Luke 18:10-14)
a. The Pharisee boasted upon himself and felt as if he needed no mercy.
b. The publican humbly recognized his sinful condition and asked God to merciful to him.
c. The Lord said the publican sinner went away justified rather than the Pharisee.
2. You and I need to be like that publican.
a. We need to recognized our sinful condition.
b. We need to humbly plead for the mercy of God.

DISCUSSION:
I. GOD IS MERCIFUL.
A. Exodus 34:5-7 - Merciful, gracious, longsuffering.
B. Nehemiah 9:13 - Ready to pardon, gracious, and merciful, slow to anger of great kindness.
II. GOD IS MERCIFUL TO THE MERCIFUL.
A. God was merciful to the merciful in the O.T. (2 Sam. 22:26; Psa. 18:25)
B. The Lord taught in the sermon on the mountain that the merciful shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
III. GOD IS MERCIFUL TO THE REPENTENT.
A. Over and over again the Jews were told by the prophets that should they repent God would show mercy on them. (Deut. 4:30,31; 2 Chron. 30:9; Jer. 3:12)
B. God is merciful to those who repent today. (Acts 17:30; Hebrews 8:12)

CONCLUSION:
1. Be thankful for the mercy of God.
2. Be merciful to others so that you might receive mercy from God.
3. Repent of your sins and become a New Testament Christian to receive the mercy of God. (Acts 2:38)