Application Guide: “Blessed are those who mourn…”

September 19, 2004: Kimber Kauffman, Senior Pastor of College Park, continued his series on Matthew by speaking on the second Beatitude (Matt 5:4). From other Scripture passages, he provided a picture of what mourning looks like, what we ought to mourn over, and what God thinks about the brokenhearted.

1. The two basic things we ought to mourn over are sin and the trials of life (which is essentially the result of sin):
1. Are their sins in your life which you have been apathetic? Spend time confessing these sins to God, asking Him for strength to have victory over sin, and to reveal to you any sin in your life that you are currently blind to seeing.
2. What kind of evidence is there in your life that you care about the sins of College Park Church? How are you praying for the spiritual state of our church, as a whole, knowing that we are to be ambassadors for Christ to a lost world and that in the church, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Cor 12:26)?
3. What trials are you or your friends/relatives facing right now that need mourning? How are you coming alongside those who need this encouragement?

2. Kimber noted that the Greek word for “comforted” in this passage is “paraclete”, the same word used for the Holy Spirit. It means “to come alongside”.
1. What is most important to have when we encourage someone – the biblical wisdom we have? The right words to say? Our physical presence? In other words, what do people need most from us when they are struggling – and how should this change the way you relate to people this week?

3. What’s the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? (2 Cor. 7:9-13) Kimber noted three things:
1. It is full of faith (Heb 11:6) – Do you really believe that God cares about your problems – no matter how big or small? Do you really believe that God answers prayer? That he will meet you right where you are in life?
2. It calls us to give our burdens to Jesus (1 Pet 5:7-9). What type of anxious thoughts, worries, or trials do you need to offer up to Him today? How is Satan right now, like a roaring lion, trying to use these struggles in your life to discourage you and push you further down into the depths of despair?
3. It requires honesty (Ps. 62:8) – What does it mean to “pour out your heart” to God? Kimber noted that part of grieving allows us to argue with God in prayer? Are there passages in the Psalms that support this (cf. Ps. 22; 64; 74; 142)? How were David’s “arguments” always resolved? Do you believe and act as if God is big enough to deal with all of your questions and struggles?
4. How are these three things – faith, dependence, & honesty – evident in your walk with God today? Which of the three do you need the most work on, and how can you better implement them into your life?

4. Consider Kimber’s statement, “Those who know God’s love best have gone down into the deepest depths of sin & sorrow.” What does one learn about God by going through trial? Consider the following passages: Ps. 34:18; 147:3; Isa. 42:3; 61:1. What confidence and encouragement can we have about being brokenhearted before God?