Seeing Everything Depends on God’s Mercy VS Not Seeing Everything Depends on God’s Mercy

 

Seeing Everything Depends on God’s Mercy VS Not Seeing Everything Depends on God’s Mercy

Romans 9:15 “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 

Aspect	Seeing Everything Depends on  God’s Mercy	Not Seeing Everything Depends on God’s Mercy
Meaning	To see that everything that happens to us is entirely out of God’s mercy — not of intention, effort, zeal, or ability. This is a fact, not a feeling.	To fail to recognize God’s mercy and instead attribute things to oneself, effort, luck, circumstances, or personal ability.
Reason	God opens our eyes (Eph 2:4; Matt 9:13) to see that He has mercy on whom He wills (Rom 9:15–18).	The mind, emotion, and will are too strong; the outer man is unbroken; natural life blinds the inner man.
Purpose	To produce humility, emptiness, submission, trust, thanksgiving, worship, tenderness, and compassion; to make us vessels of mercy prepared for glory (Rom 9:23).	To result in pride, self-exaltation, rebellion, complaint, hardness, coldness, and resistance toward God and others.
Explanation	Everything depends on the mercy of “the One who shows mercy,” not on the one who wills or runs (Rom 9:16). All spiritual adjustment depends on God’s mercy.	Emphasis is placed on human ability, zeal, or performance; circumstances are viewed as accidental or self-controlled, leading to extremes (“too much” or “not enough”).
Examples	Watchman Nee’s testimony: Had he gone to the U.S. two months earlier, he would not have met Miss Yu and would not have been saved. Israel’s whole history displays God’s mercy (Rom 9).	People labor many years yet remain lost; strong mind/emotion/will leading to confusion, striving, complaint, dissatisfaction, and spiritual stagnation.
Application	In all things look to God’s mercy, not to feelings. Allow the Spirit to adjust what is “too much” or “not enough.” Practice softness, obedience, and gratitude.	Depend on personal judgment and natural strength; fall into comparison, rushing, frustration, hardness, and self-driven zeal without the Spirit’s leading.
Burden	That every believer would at least once see clearly the fact: “Everything depends on God’s mercy.” This vision governs the Christian life and church life.	To expose the three strong elements of man—mind, emotion, will—which must be broken; otherwise one can never enter into the reality of mercy.
Prophesying Direction	Declare: “We stand, we remain, we follow the Lord today only because of mercy. All things are arranged by Him just right.”	Expose: Human zeal, intention, and running cannot accomplish God’s purpose (Rom 9:16).
Conclusion	“Everything is of God’s mercy.” Only mercy can adjust, renew, preserve, and bring us into glory (Rom 9:23).	Without seeing mercy, spiritual life cannot be rightly adjusted; even zeal becomes fleshly and ends in hardness and dryness.
Detailed Scriptures	Romans 9:18, 23 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and He hardens whom He wills. 23 And in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He had beforehand prepared unto glory. Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved. Matthew 9:13 “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

 

Summary of Core Points:

1.      God’s mercy is a divine fact, not a feeling.

2.      All spiritual progress depends not on man’s will or effort but on God’s sovereign mercy.

3.      Seeing mercy produces humility, softness, and trust; not seeing mercy produces pride and hardness.

4.      God uses mercy to break the natural strength of mind, emotion, and will.

5.      Those who are vessels of mercy are prepared for glory, not by their doing but by God’s arrangement.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, Part 4: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and will receive mercy.

The Secret of Prayer: “Enter vs. Close” and “Tell vs. Answer”

 

The Secret of Prayer: “Enter vs. Close” and “Tell vs. Answer”

Matthew 6:6 “But you, when you pray, enter into your private room, and shut your door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

Aspect	The Secret of Prayer: “Enter vs. Close” and “Tell vs. Answer”
Meaning	“Enter” signifies stepping into a realm of personal fellowship with God, away from human eyes.  “Close” signifies shutting off all outward distractions and the natural display of the flesh. “Tell” (prayer) is man’s communication toward the Father; “Answer” is the Father’s inward response and life-supply.
Reason	The Lord taught His disciples that true prayer is not for display before men but for communion with the Father in secret. Such prayer deals with the self and the flesh, producing genuine growth in divine life.
Distinction	“Enter” is an active turning toward God; “Close” is a defensive separation from the world and the self. “Tell” is human expression; “Answer” is divine response. “Enter & Close” concern the direction of prayer;  “Tell & Answer” concern the relationship in prayer.
Explanation	The reality of prayer lies not in form or location but in secrecy. The Father “who sees in secret” values the inner reality more than outward expression. Hypocritical prayer exposes the flesh; secret prayer nurtures divine life and reflects God’s hidden nature.
Purpose	To make prayer a matter of life-union, not religious performance; to deny the self and the flesh so that believers may grow in divine maturity. The goal is not an external reward but inward life-growth.
Example	Jesus often withdrew to pray alone—Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12 while the Pharisees prayed publicly for attention—Matthew 6:5.
Application	Practice entering the “inner chamber” of your spirit and closing the door to natural thoughts and human observation. Pray to the Father in secret, confident that He who sees in secret will “answer” with life and supply.
Interrelation	“Enter” and “Close” are complementary—without closing, entering is exposed; without entering, closing becomes isolation. “Tell” draws forth “Answer.” “Enter & Close” prepare for “Tell & Answer”; “Tell & Answer” fulfill “Enter & Close.”
Burden	God desires a people who commune with Him in secret, growing in life rather than displaying religious acts. True spiritual growth occurs when the self is denied and the flesh subdued through hidden prayer.
Prophetic Exhortation	The reality of prayer is entering into the spirit as the inner room, closing the door of the natural life, and speaking to the Father in the Spirit. Hypocrisy must be rejected; the Kingdom people live by hidden prayer and unseen righteousness.
Conclusion	The secret of prayer lies not in outward sound but inward fellowship. Entering and closing the door brings us into the Father’s presence; His seeing and answering in secret result in life-growth, the killing of the self, and victory over the flesh.
Related Scriptures	Matthew 6:5–6 – Do not pray to be seen by men, but in secret. Mark 1:35 – “In the morning, while it was still dark, He went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.” Luke 6:12 – “He went out to the mountain to pray, and spent the whole night in prayer to God.” Psalm 91:1 – “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Colossians 3:3 – “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Matthew 6:18 – “Your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”

 

🕊️ Core Spiritual Insights

1.      “Enter” means entering the spirit—God’s presence; “Close” means shutting off the self and the flesh.

2.      The Father’s “seeing” is truer than man’s seeing; His “reward” is His inner answering with life.

3.      True prayer results not in outward blessing but in life growth and self-denial.

4.      Hidden prayer is the nature of the Kingdom people—rich inwardly, unseen outwardly.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training: General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7 - Extremely Important Aspects - Week 5: The Kingdom's People Have Personal Prayer Experiences, Contacting Their Heavenly Father in Secret, and Experiencing the Secret Enjoyment of the Father.

The Effect of the Saints Seeing and Knowing God’s Sovereign Mercy

 

The Effect of the Saints Seeing and Knowing God’s Sovereign Mercy

Romans 9:15–16, 18, 20–23 — “For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy… in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand unto glory.”
Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us therefore come forward with boldness to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace for timely help.” 

Aspect	The Effect of the Saints Seeing and Knowing God’s Sovereign Mercy
Meaning	To know God’s sovereign mercy means to see that all our spiritual experiences—salvation, calling, service, and daily situations—are fully out of God’s sovereignty and mercy, not of human will or effort (Rom. 9:15–16). This vision humbles the believers and fills them with gratitude and reverence before God.
Reason	Man, having fallen, is unable to save or choose God by himself. Without God’s sovereign mercy, no one could turn to Him or serve Him. God, according to His own will and authority, shows mercy to whom He wills, making them vessels of honor for His glory (Rom. 9:18, 23; Eph. 2:4–5).
Purpose	That the riches of God’s glory might be manifested through His chosen ones, who become vessels to contain Him and express Him (Rom. 9:23–24). God’s mercy serves His eternal economy, enabling His purpose to be fulfilled (Eph. 3:21).
Explanation	“Sovereign mercy” means that the giving of mercy depends entirely on God’s authority, not on man’s decision or effort (Rom. 9:15–16). Therefore, our ability to seek God, love Him, serve Him, and bear responsibility is the result of His mercy (Jer. 29:13; Deut. 4:29).
Examples	1. Moses was shown mercy and called by God (Exo. 33:19; Rom. 9:15). 2. Paul, once a persecutor, became an apostle through mercy (1 Tim. 1:13–16). 3. Believers today, being brought into the church life and service, are living proofs of God’s sovereign mercy (Rom. 9:23).
Application	1. Realize that all spiritual blessings and service come from God’s mercy, not from human merit. 2. In all circumstances, learn to thank God for His sovereignty and mercy. 3. Serve with humility, gratitude, and faith, seeking Him earnestly (Isa. 55:6).
Effect	1. Believers are filled with worship and thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s sovereignty. 2. They turn from self-dependence to trust, from self-will to submission. 3. The church becomes a vessel full of glory, manifesting the riches of God’s mercy (Rom. 9:23). 4. Saints willingly bear spiritual responsibilities, living as testimonies of His mercy.
Burden	Believers must deeply realize that their salvation, love for the Lord, and service in His recovery are all out of His sovereign mercy. The more we see this, the more humble, thankful, and faithful we become to bear the burden of God’s economy.
Prophetic Utterance Guide	1. “Lord, thank You that I am in Your recovery today—it is all because of Your sovereign mercy.” 2. “Lord, open my eyes to trust in Your mercy, not in my own strength.” 3. “Lord, make me a vessel of mercy, full of Your glory and expression.”
Detailed Scriptures	Ephesians 1:4 — “Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” Ephesians 2:4–5 — “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in offenses, made us alive together with Christ.” Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Deuteronomy 4:29 — “But from there you will seek Jehovah your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Isaiah 55:6 — “Seek Jehovah while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.”

 

Conclusion: 

God’s mercy is the expression of His sovereignty. It makes us chosen, loved, called, and useful vessels to contain and express Him. Those who truly see this will live in worship, gratitude, and obedience, cooperating with God for the fulfillment of His New Testament economy.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, Part 4: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and will receive mercy.

Acts of Mercy and Love Toward Others VS Christ’s Judgment

 

Acts of Mercy and Love Toward Others VS Christ’s Judgment

James 2:12 Since you are to be judged according to the law of liberty, speak and act in accordance with it.

James 2:13 For the merciless will also face a merciless judgment, for mercy triumphs over judgment.

Romans 14:10 Why do you judge your brother? Why do you despise your brother? We will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we all must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what he deserves for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 

Aspect	Acts of Mercy and Love Toward Others	Christ’s Judgment
Meaning	Acts of mercy and love are the outward expression and evidence of living faith  (James 2:14–17).	Christ’s judgment refers to the evaluation at the judgment seat of Christ, where believers are examined according to the law of liberty (James 2:12; Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Reason	Because we have received mercy and forgiveness in Christ, we must show mercy to others (Matthew 18:33; Luke 6:36).	Because Christ is the righteous Judge who will render to each according to his deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 1:17). Those who show no mercy will receive none.
Distinction	Mercy and love are the fruits of faith, lived out in this age.	Judgment is the future result and revelation of God’s righteousness at Christ’s return.
Explanation	Mercy is the first step toward love (James 2:13). Those who show mercy today will receive mercy from Christ at His judgment seat.	The judgment of Christ concerns reward or discipline, not eternal salvation or perdition. It is based on the law of liberty under the New Covenant, not the Mosaic Law (James 2:12–13).
Purpose	To prove our faith is living and to save our soul — that is, to be delivered from merciless judgment before Christ’s seat  (James 1:21; 2:14).	To manifest Christ’s righteousness in rewarding or disciplining His people (1 Corinthians 3:13–15).
Examples	Showing compassion and providing for a needy brother or sister (James 2:15–16; Luke 10:33–37; Matthew 25:35–40).	Showing partiality to the rich and despising the poor (James 2:3, 9–11) — such believers will face Christ’s disciplinary judgment.
Application	Practice love and mercy in daily life — not only in words but in deeds (James 2:16; 1 John 3:17–18).	Live soberly and watchfully, knowing that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Interrelation	Acts of mercy prepare us for judgment; mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).	Judgment reveals the measure of our mercy; those who have shown mercy will receive mercy (Matthew 5:7; James 2:13).
Burden	The church must not show favoritism; instead, love and receive the poor and weak with mercy, fulfilling the love of Christ.	Remind believers that they must give account at Christ’s judgment seat — therefore, live now in mercy and love.
Prophetic Guidance	When prophesying, emphasize that faith without works of love and mercy is dead; exhort saints to express living faith through merciful deeds.	Declare that mercy triumphs over judgment — may the Lord show us mercy in that day because we have shown mercy to others.
Conclusion	Acts of mercy and love are the proof of living faith and the way to be saved from merciless judgment at Christ’s seat.	The judgment seat of Christ will reveal the value of mercy; only mercy and love can triumph in that judgment.
Detailed Scriptures	James 2:1–18 — Faith and works. James 2:12–13 — Judgment according to the law of liberty; mercy triumphs over judgment. Matthew 25:35–40 — “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Luke 6:36–38 — “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 — “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” 1 John 3:17–18 — Loving in deed and truth proves genuine faith.

 

🔹 Key Summary

• Mercy and love are the visible fruits of living faith.
• The unmerciful will face merciless judgment before Christ’s seat.
• Mercy is the starting point of love and the power that triumphs over judgment.
• To show mercy now is to receive mercy then.
• The judgment concerns reward or discipline, not eternal condemnation.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, Part 4: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and will receive mercy.