1. Matthew 5:4

2.  “I can hardly bear [my grief] sometimes. My most recent wave of grief came last year before her sixteenth birthday. As the day approached, I found myself brooding over all the things that she would never be able to do. What did I do? What I've learned to do again & again: I did what I believe is the only thing to do to conquer grief, and that is to embrace it... I cried & cried & cried, and faced the truth of my grief head on.”

3.  “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting” (Eccl 7:2, ESV).

4.  There are times when mourning is far more appropriate than feasting.

5.  “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting” (Eccl 7:2, ESV).  There are times when mourning is far more appropriate than feasting. ◦ There is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl 3:4, ESV).

6.  “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting” (Eccl 7:2, ESV).  There are times when mourning is far more appropriate than feasting. ◦ There is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl 3:4, ESV). ◦ “I walked a mile with Pleasure, / She chattered all the way, / But left me none the wiser / For all she had to say. / I walked a mile with Sorrow, / And ne'er a word said she, / But, oh, the things I learned from her / When Sorrow walked with me!”

8.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4, ESV).

9. ◦ The Greek term designated mourning of the most acute kind.

10.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4, ESV). ◦ The Greek term designated mourning of the most acute kind.  In classical Greek, the term means “to bewail, to lament, to mourn for.”

11.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4, ESV). ◦ The Greek term designated mourning of the most acute kind.  In classical Greek, the term means “to bewail, to lament, to mourn for.”  The term is most commonly used to refer to mourning for the dead.

12.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4, ESV). ◦ The Greek term designated mourning of the most acute kind.  In classical Greek, the term means “to bewail, to lament, to mourn for.”  The term is most commonly used to refer to mourning for the dead.  Greek Old Testament: Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days” (Gn 37:34, ESV).

13.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4, ESV). ◦ The Greek term designated mourning of the most acute kind.  In classical Greek, the term means “to bewail, to lament, to mourn for.”  The term is most commonly used to refer to mourning for the dead.  Greek Old Testament: Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days” (Gn 37:34, ESV).  The point is that this sorrow is intense & poignant.

14.  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Mt 5:4, ESV). ◦ The Greek term designated mourning of the most acute kind.  In classical Greek, the term means “to bewail, to lament, to mourn for.”  The term is most commonly used to refer to mourning for the dead.  Greek Old Testament: Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days” (Gn 37:34, ESV).  The point is that this sorrow is intense & poignant.

16.  Not all mourners are blessed.

17. ◦ The pessimists who constantly whine & murmur aren’t blessed.

18.  Not all mourners are blessed. ◦ The pessimists who constantly whine & murmur aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn because of injured pride aren’t blessed.

19.  Not all mourners are blessed. ◦ The pessimists who constantly whine & murmur aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn because of injured pride aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn over financial loss & frustrated ambition aren’t blessed.

20.  Not all mourners are blessed. ◦ The pessimists who constantly whine & murmur aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn because of injured pride aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn over financial loss & frustrated ambition aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn over the consequences of their sins aren’t blessed.

21.  Not all mourners are blessed. ◦ The pessimists who constantly whine & murmur aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn because of injured pride aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn over financial loss & frustrated ambition aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn over the consequences of their sins aren’t blessed.  Judas was like this.

22.  Not all mourners are blessed. ◦ The pessimists who constantly whine & murmur aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn because of injured pride aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn over financial loss & frustrated ambition aren’t blessed. ◦ Those who mourn over the consequences of their sins aren’t blessed.  Judas was like this.  “Worldly grief produces death” (2 Cor 7:10b, ESV).

24.  Those who mourn over the sins of others will be blessed.

25. ◦ “When [Jesus] drew near and saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem], he wept over it” (Lk 19:41, ESV).

26.  Those who mourn over the sins of others will be blessed. ◦ “When [Jesus] drew near and saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem], he wept over it” (Lk 19:41, ESV). ◦ God surely mourns over those caught in sin.

27.  Those who mourn over the sins of others will be blessed. ◦ “When [Jesus] drew near and saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem], he wept over it” (Lk 19:41, ESV). ◦ God surely mourns over those caught in sin.  “The LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart” (Gn 6:6, ESV).

28.  Those who mourn over the sins of others will be blessed. ◦ “When [Jesus] drew near and saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem], he wept over it” (Lk 19:41, ESV). ◦ God surely mourns over those caught in sin.  “The LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart” (Gn 6:6, ESV).  God desires that everyone be saved.

29.  Those who mourn over the sins of others will be blessed. ◦ “When [Jesus] drew near and saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem], he wept over it” (Lk 19:41, ESV). ◦ God surely mourns over those caught in sin.  “The LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart” (Gn 6:6, ESV).  God desires that everyone be saved.  God “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pt 3:9, ESV).

30.  Those who mourn over the sins of others will be blessed. ◦ “When [Jesus] drew near and saw the city [i.e., Jerusalem], he wept over it” (Lk 19:41, ESV). ◦ God surely mourns over those caught in sin.  “The LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart” (Gn 6:6, ESV).  God desires that everyone be saved.  God “is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pt 3:9, ESV).  It breaks God’s heart that not all are saved.

31.  Those who mourn over their own sins are blessed.

32. ◦ Mourning over one’s sins leads to repentance.

33.  Those who mourn over their own sins are blessed. ◦ Mourning over one’s sins leads to repentance—“Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (2 Cor 7:10, ESV).

34.  Those who mourn over their own sins are blessed. ◦ Mourning over one’s sins leads to repentance—“Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (2 Cor 7:10, ESV). ◦ Scripture contains examples of those grieved over their own sins.

35.  Those who mourn over their own sins are blessed. ◦ Mourning over one’s sins leads to repentance—“Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (2 Cor 7:10, ESV). ◦ Scripture contains examples of those grieved over their own sins.  The Prodigal Son.

36.  “And he said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants”’” (Lk 15:11-19, ESV).

37.  Those who mourn over their own sins are blessed. ◦ Mourning over one’s sins leads to repentance—“Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (2 Cor 7:10, ESV). ◦ Scripture contains examples of those grieved over their own sins.  The Prodigal Son.  Peter grieved when he denied the Lord.

38.  Those who mourn over their own sins are blessed. ◦ Mourning over one’s sins leads to repentance—“Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (2 Cor 7:10, ESV). ◦ Scripture contains examples of those grieved over their own sins.  The Prodigal Son.  Peter grieved when he denied the Lord. When Peter realized he had denied the Lord, he "went out and wept bitterly" (Lk 22:62, ESV).

39.  We have every reason to mourn over our sins.

40. ◦ Our sins caused the death of Jesus.

41.  We have every reason to mourn over our sins. ◦ Our sins caused the death of Jesus.  Jesus “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn 2:1, ESV).

42.  We have every reason to mourn over our sins. ◦ Our sins caused the death of Jesus.  Jesus “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn 2:1, ESV).  “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rm 5:8, ESV).

43.  We have every reason to mourn over our sins. ◦ Our sins caused the death of Jesus.  Jesus “is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn 2:1, ESV).  “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rm 5:8, ESV). ◦ Had we never sinned Jesus would never have had to go to Golgotha!

46.  The promised comfort comes from God.

47. ◦ God is the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1:3).

48.  The promised comfort comes from God. ◦ God is the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1:3). ◦ Part of Jesus' mission in coming to earth was “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is 61:1, ESV).

49.  The promised comfort comes from God. ◦ God is the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1:3). ◦ Part of Jesus' mission in coming to earth was “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is 61:1, ESV). ◦ God is near to those who have a broken heart (Ps 34:18).

51.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.

52. ◦ The grief we feel over our sins brings us into closer union with Christ.

53.  He comforts with a strengthening of character. ◦ The grief we feel over our sins brings us into closer union with Christ. ◦ Feeling grief over the things that grief Christ can only bring us into closer union with him.

54.  He comforts with a strengthening of character. ◦ The grief we feel over our sins brings us into closer union with Christ. ◦ Feeling grief over the things that grief Christ can only bring us into closer union with him. ◦ Paul wanted to have fellowship in the sufferings of Christ (Phil 3:10).

55.  He comforts with a strengthening of character. ◦ The grief we feel over our sins brings us into closer union with Christ. ◦ Feeling grief over the things that grief Christ can only bring us into closer union with him. ◦ Paul wanted to have fellowship in the sufferings of Christ (Phil 3:10); as we grieve over our sins, we have a part of that fellowship.

56.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.

57.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians; Christians are to weep with those who weep (Rm 12:15).

58.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.

59.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness. ◦ Genuine sorrow over sin leads us to repentance (2 Cor 7:10).

60.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness. ◦ Genuine sorrow over sin leads us to repentance (2 Cor 7:10). ◦ There is no greater joy than knowing our sins are forgiven!

61.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness. ◦ Genuine sorrow over sin leads us to repentance (2 Cor 7:10). ◦ There is no greater joy than knowing our sins are forgiven!  “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:20, ESV).

62.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness. ◦ Genuine sorrow over sin leads us to repentance (2 Cor 7:10). ◦ There is no greater joy than knowing our sins are forgiven!  “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Lk 10:20, ESV).  “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Ps 32:1, ESV).

63.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.  He comforts us with heaven.

64.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.  He comforts us with heaven. ◦ Only in heaven will the Christian be comforted in the fullest sense.

65.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.  He comforts us with heaven. ◦ Only in heaven will the Christian be comforted in the fullest sense. ◦ Heaven is a place of comfort.

66.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.  He comforts us with heaven. ◦ Only in heaven will the Christian be comforted in the fullest sense. ◦ Heaven is a place of comfort.  “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (Ps 126:5, ESV).

67.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.  He comforts us with heaven. ◦ Only in heaven will the Christian be comforted in the fullest sense. ◦ Heaven is a place of comfort.  Ps 126:5.  “I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow” (Jer 31:13, ESV).

68.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.  He comforts us with heaven. ◦ Only in heaven will the Christian be comforted in the fullest sense. ◦ Heaven is a place of comfort.  Ps 126:5.  Jer 31:13.  “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rv 7:17, ESV).

69.  He comforts with a strengthening of character.  He comforts with the comfort of fellow Christians.  He comforts with divine forgiveness.  He comforts us with heaven. ◦ Only in heaven will the Christian be comforted in the fullest sense. ◦ Heaven is a place of comfort.  Ps 126:5.  Jer 31:13.  Rv 7:17.  "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Rv 21:4, ESV).

71. Has God comforted you?