Blessed are they that mourn

The world teaches “Happy is the man” that has self esteem, lots of ego, and boast in his self achievements. The primary philosophy seems to be “DO whatever must be done to promote self interest”. But Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” – that is fully satisfied and happy is the one who is humble, abased and lowly in the sight of God. Happy is the one who is void of pride and not puffed up because of self esteem in his own righteousness. God hates pride and God resist the proud. The first Beatitude teaches the exact opposite of what the world teaches – and so does the second – “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”. And we must quickly point out that none will MOURN (i.e. have repentance toward God) unless they are first humble and void of fleshly pride.

I. The word MOURN in our text means to have Sorrow, to Grieve and to Lament because of SIN with a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”. See Psalms 34:18, 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15, 66:2 and James 4:8-10.

A. The Mourning of our text is NOT to be just an Outward Appearance of Sorrow “To Be Seen of Men” – But a true “Repentance toward God” - see Acts 20:21

1. The Pharisees did everything for show - see Matt 6:5, 23:5

2. Historians tell us Mourners could be hired for funerals – Cp New Orleans

3. Mourners Benches at preplanned Revivals are often for show only.

Illus. Bill Clinton was caught on camera at the funeral of Ron Brown going from Joking to Tears once he saw he was on TV.

4. Man can fake anything – The heart is deceitful above all things. Jere 17:9

B. Godly Sorrow Is Genuine - Ps 34:18-19 see II Cor. 7:9-10

1. Being Truly Content (Happy) while Mourning seems to be a Paradox – But it is prescribed by the Lord “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” - see Isa. 61:1-3, 66:1-2

C. God’s children Mourn (Grieve) Because of Sin – IN Us and BY Us !

1. David Mourned Because of Sin - see Psalms 51:1-4, 16-17

2. Paul Mourned Because of Sin - see Romans 7:14-24

D. Mourning over SIN is uncommon to the ways of the world.

1. The World says Be Happy, Be Entertained, If It Feels Good – Do It

2. The World Sorrows over Financial Loss, Animal Loss, Natural Disasters, Loss of Pleasure (Holidays), Disturbed Lifestyle

3. BUT the world does NOT MOURN OVER SIN & UNGLODLINESS !!

E. God’s people are NOT To Be Conformed TO The World - see Rom 12:1-2

1. They are IN the World BUT Not OF The World - see John 17:15-17

2. They are NOT To Love Things of The World - see I John 2:15-17

3. They are NOT To Be Friends of The World – see James 4:4-10

II. Consider the Non-Remorseful Character of Apostate Religions

See II Tim. 3:1-5 - “Having a form of godliness”

A. Most Religious Organizations Today Strive to Provide Entertainment

1. I am Not Condemning the Humor - Cp Elijah see I Kings 18:25-27

2. God Laughs (Ps. 37:13) – But Christ Never Told Jokes !

Illus. When I was in Bible College – we were taught in Homiletics’ class there was a proper time to make the congregation “laugh”. Many TV ministers resort to Foolish Jesting.

B. The Reason for This – There has been a Departure from the Doctrine of Depravity - SIN

1. IF we Set Aside the Seriousness of SIN One Can Jest About Sin

2. They Make Jokes About Christ, Grace, Scriptures, Hell, etc.

C. SIN Caused Christ Death – see Matt 1:21 see Rom 5:8

1. We are to Mourn over the SIN that Easily Besets Us - see Heb. 12:1-2

2. Too often we Give In To It – Legalize It !!

III. There are Two Kinds of Sorrow - Godly and Worldly - see II Cor. 5:8-10

A. Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance Unto (Timely) Salvation

1. Sorrow (Conviction) precedes Repentance – see Acts 2:37-38

2. True Repentance comes from God - see II Tim. 2:24-26

B. Worldly Sorrow Worketh Death - Timely Death from the Blessings,

Presence, Peace & Comfort of God. - see Pro. 14:12 see Matt 7:13

1. Worldly Sorrow is “Sorry I Got Caught” – “Sorry I Suffer the Punished”

2. Worldly Sorrow Results in NO Change in Heart or Mind – No Mourning

Illus. Pharaoh was sorry about the plagues God sent upon Egypt – and said, “I have sinned – I will let you go” – But he did not repent. See Exodus 9:27 and 10:16

Illus. Simon the Sorcerer was sorry he could not buy the Holy Ghost with money – BUT he was not sorrowful enough to pray to God for forgiveness - see Acts 8:18-24

C. But Godly Sorrow worketh Repentance – Mourning – Grief.

1. Compare the sorrow of the Prodigal Son - see Luke 15:17-20a v. 20b-24

“Blessed are they that mourn – for they shall be comforted”

IV. Godly Sorrow Does Not Cause One to Mourn Over:

A. The Loss of Material substance - see Mat 6:19-21 and 6: 31-34

B. The Things of This World - see I John 2:15 see John 17:14-16

C. Being Hated, Reviled & Persecuted - see Matt. 5:10-12

1. Worldly Sorrow causes “Pity Parties” - “Everybody is always picking on me”

V. Godly Sorrow Will Cause one to Mourn (Sorrow) Over:

A. The Condition of another child of God - see John 11:32-36

1. Paul Sorrowed over Epaphroditus - see Phil. 2:25-27

2. We are Not To Mourn Over The Death of a Saint - see Ps. 116:15

3. We are Not to Sorrow AS Those Who Have No Hope - see I Thess 4:13

B. The Condition of God’s People (Generally) – see Neh. 1:2-6

1. Paul Sorrowed For Israel - see Rom. 9:1-2 see 10:1-4

C. The Condition of the Church - see Rev. 3:14-22

D. Our Personal Condition - see I John 1:8-9

VI. Godly Sorrow (Grief, Mourning) Results in God’s Comfort to Sinners -- For They Shall Be Comforted - see Isaiah 40:1-2 see Matt 11:28-30

1. SHALL be COMFORTED – not Might be but SHALL BE Comforted:

A. IN the Knowledge that our Sins are Paid For – see Psalms 103:10-12

B. IN the God of All Comfort and Peace - see Rev. 21:3-4

C. IN The Hope of The Resurrection - see I Thess. 4:14-18

“Blessed are they that mourn – for they shall be comforted