Main Idea: our darkest valleys reveal our deep desperation for God

Review:

• Jesus’ first sermon flipped their view of the Kingdom upside down
• A Paradox is a “seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be true.” Oxford Dictionary

Isaiah 55:8–9 NIV “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Matthew 5:4 NIV

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

• “Blessed” in the Greek is μακάριος (makarios) – meaning “prosperous” or “fortunate”
• “Mourn” in the Greek is πενθέω (pentheo) – meaning “Grieve over death, loss, relationship…to the point where it takes possession over a person and cannot be hidden”

Ecclesiastes 7:2–4 NLT

“Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies— so the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.”

Why do we Mourn?

1. Sin we commit – turning away from God (guilt or conviction)
2. Other’s sin that impacts us – directly or indirectly
3. Living in a broken world that is not as it should be

How can mourning be “Blessed?”

• Mourning over sin causes me to turn to God in salvation and sanctification

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

1 John 1:9 ESV

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness.”

• Mourning the brokenness of the world, draws me near to God:

Psalms 57:1-3 NIV

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.”

• Mourning reminds me that through the Peaks and Pits of my human life, God is over it all

Isaiah 55:8–9 NIV

How does God Comfort?

Matthew 5:4 NIV “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Psalms 23:1–6 NLT

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

1. God intimately cares for you
2. He guides our paths
3. He is close beside us in the good times, and darkest moments
4. As a Believer I will live in the house of the Lord forever

James 4:8–10 ESV

​​“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Psalms 30:11 NIV

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,”

John 16:33 NLT

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13 NIV

“…do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: What is your favorite comfort food?

Main Point:  The world experiences hopelessness in their mourning over sin and death. Jesus takes our hopelessness and flips on its head because as Christ-followers we are grieved over our sin but not ruled by it. Jesus wants his followers to understand that those who experience mourning or despair or affliction, are not hopeless. We look to Jesus who comforts those who mourn.

Main Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Head Questions

• What would you say is the difference between how the world mourns over sin and death versus how a Christ-follower mourns over those things?
• How have you found comfort in God? (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Heart Questions

• True joy in Christ is not possible if we have mourned over our sin. Why is this? (Romans 7:18-25)
• Is it difficult for you to move past your own sin, even when you know that God has already forgiven you? Why do you think that is?

Hands Questions

• What does mourning look like for you?
• What comforts you when you are grieved by something?
• Take some time this week to consider: What sin in your life do you need to mourn over?

Additional Scripture: Revelation 21:4, James 4:7-10