During a Bible study on "The Inherit of Mourning, Meek Believers in Christ," Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, presented seven reasons why believers should engage in mourning. Here are the main points he addressed:
1. Personal Sin
Believers should mourn when they come to terms with the seriousness of their own sins. Such acknowledgment leads to true repentance, which results in forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
2. The People's Sin
Mourning is essential when individuals, particularly those whom believers have tried to guide, persist in sin after hearing the gospel. He referenced Jeremiah 13:17, illustrating the sorrow experienced by leaders when their congregations stray.
3. The Princes' Sin
The mourning is warranted for leaders who prioritize their own reputation over holiness. Kumuyi highlighted King Saul’s pursuit of honor despite his sinful lifestyle, warning that leaders who misalign with God’s will bring sorrow to faithful believers.
4. Perpetual Sinning
When someone repeatedly succumbs to the same sin, even after efforts to improve, mourning is called for. Without earnest mourning and genuine repentance, individuals remain ensnared in a cycle of sin.
5. Predicted Suffering
It is necessary to mourn when future suffering is foreseen, as illustrated by King Ahab in 1 Kings 21. Kumuyi pointed out that temporary remorse is inadequate in the face of impending consequences.
6. Prolonged Sickness
Believers should mourn when prayers and fasting fail to bring healing, despite God’s assurances. He referenced Psalm 88:9, where the psalmist expresses sorrow due to ongoing suffering, emphasizing that mourning is fitting during persistent affliction.
7. Perpetual Sentence
Finally, mourning becomes crucial when God’s judgment appears unavoidable, as in the case of Babylon described in Revelation 18. Kumuyi stressed that believers should mourn for the world’s condition and the upcoming judgment.
In summary, Pastor Kumuyi encouraged believers to mourn sincerely for their own sins, the sins of others, the failures of leaders, and the ongoing suffering and judgment present in the world, suggesting that such mourning can lead to profound transformation and greater alignment with God's intentions.