Embracing Helplessness: The True Source of Help
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we celebrate Father's Day with joy and gratitude, especially for new fathers like Caleb. We continue our series, "Urban Legends," focusing on the myths we create around God's Word. Today, we tackle the saying, "God helps those who help themselves," a phrase often used to justify not helping others. This mentality can lead us to disobedience and a lack of compassion, contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
The core message is that every passage in the Word of God is eternal and literal truth, sharing the same DNA as Jesus Christ. The Bible is the embodiment of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Therefore, we must base our lives on this truth and not on societal myths.
We explored the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2, where Jesus first forgave the man's sins before healing him physically. This illustrates that spiritual healing is a priority over physical healing. Jesus' actions show that He helps those who are helpless, and He expects us to do the same. We must discern through the Holy Spirit who to help and how to help, avoiding toxic charity that could harm rather than aid.
We are all helpless in some way, struggling with specific disciplines in our lives. Recognizing our helplessness is the first step toward receiving God's help. Jesus is the supreme healer, capable of complete healing, both spiritually and physically. Our faith is crucial in receiving His help. We must prioritize spiritual healing, as it leads to physical healing and overall well-being.
On this Father's Day, I challenge all fathers to embrace their helplessness and seek God's help. It's okay to be vulnerable and broken before God. This vulnerability allows God to work in us and through us, making us the godly men, fathers, and leaders He has called us to be. Let us surrender our lives to God, trusting in His supreme authority and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Eternal Truth of God's Word: Every passage in the Bible is eternal and literal truth, sharing the same DNA as Jesus Christ. This means that when we hold the Bible, we are holding the truth and essence of Jesus. This foundational understanding should guide our lives and decisions, ensuring we don't twist or dilute God's Word to fit societal needs. [29:45]
2. The Myth of Self-Help: The saying "God helps those who help themselves" is not biblical. It often serves as an excuse to avoid helping others. True Christian compassion requires us to discern through the Holy Spirit who needs our help and how best to provide it, avoiding toxic charity that could harm rather than aid. [34:21]
3. Recognizing Our Helplessness: We are all helpless in some way, struggling with specific disciplines in our lives. Admitting our helplessness is the first step toward receiving God's help. This humility allows God to work in us and through us, transforming our lives and enabling us to help others effectively. [52:34]
4. Jesus as the Supreme Healer: Jesus is the supreme healer, capable of complete healing, both spiritually and physically. When we seek His help, we should prioritize spiritual healing, as it leads to physical healing and overall well-being. This holistic approach to healing reflects Jesus' ministry and should guide our actions. [01:03:43]
5. Faith as the Prerequisite for Help: Our faith is crucial in receiving God's help. Hebrews 11:6 states that it is impossible to please God without faith. The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 shows that faith, combined with action, activates God's power in our lives. We must trust in God's supreme authority and take steps of faith to experience His help. [01:06:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:29] - Introduction to Urban Legends Series
[29:45] - The Eternal Truth of God's Word
[31:39] - Debunking "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"
[34:21] - The Struggle with Helping Others
[35:49] - Discernment Through the Holy Spirit
[37:30] - Recognizing Our Helplessness
[39:04] - Biblical Examples of Helping the Helpless
[40:40] - Reading from Mark Chapter 2
[43:42] - Prioritizing Spiritual Healing
[45:07] - The Brokenness of the World
[46:36] - Jesus as Our Advocate
[48:13] - Jesus' Ministry of Helping the Helpless
[49:38] - Examples of Jesus Helping the Helpless
[52:34] - Embracing Our Helplessness
[55:14] - The Misconception of Weakness
[58:01] - Vulnerability Before God
[01:00:43] - Paul's Example of Embracing Weakness
[01:03:43] - Jesus as the Supreme Healer
[01:06:55] - Faith as the Prerequisite for Help
[01:08:30] - The Role of Fathers and Grandfathers
[01:10:03] - Prioritizing Spiritual Healing
[01:13:07] - Embracing Vulnerability and Brokenness
[01:20:10] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 2:1-17: The story of the paralytic man and Jesus' healing.
- Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
- 1 John 2:1-2: "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
#### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 2:1-17, what actions did the friends of the paralytic man take to bring him to Jesus? How did Jesus respond to their faith? [40:40]
2. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is necessary to please God? How does this relate to the story of the paralytic man? [01:06:55]
3. In 1 John 2:1-2, what role does Jesus play for those who sin? How does this passage emphasize Jesus' role as a helper for the helpless? [46:36]
4. What societal myth does the sermon address, and how does it contrast with the teachings of Jesus? [31:39]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus prioritized forgiving the paralytic man's sins before healing him physically? What does this tell us about Jesus' view on spiritual versus physical healing? [43:42]
2. How does the concept of "toxic charity" challenge our traditional views on helping others? What criteria should we use to discern when and how to help someone? [35:49]
3. The sermon mentions that recognizing our helplessness is the first step toward receiving God's help. Why is humility important in our relationship with God? [52:34]
4. How does the story of the paralytic man illustrate the importance of faith in receiving God's help? What can we learn from the actions of the man's friends? [40:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt helpless. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? How can you apply this experience to future challenges? [52:34]
2. The sermon challenges fathers to embrace their helplessness and seek God's help. How can you, as a father or a leader, model vulnerability and reliance on God in your family or community? [01:08:30]
3. Think about someone in your life who might be considered "helpless" in some way. How can you discern the best way to help them without falling into the trap of toxic charity? [35:49]
4. Jesus is described as the supreme healer. In what areas of your life do you need His healing, both spiritually and physically? How can you actively seek this healing through faith? [01:03:43]
5. The sermon emphasizes the eternal truth of God's Word. How can you ensure that your decisions and actions are based on this truth rather than societal myths? [29:45]
6. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion and discernment, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you in helping others? What practical steps can you take this week to be more attentive to the needs around you? [34:21]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of faith in activating God's power in our lives. What steps of faith can you take this week to experience God's help in a specific area of your life? [01:06:55]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Truth of God's Word
The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is the living and eternal Word of God. Each passage in the Bible shares the same DNA as Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. This means that when we engage with the Bible, we are engaging with the essence of Jesus Himself. The Bible is our ultimate guide, and its truths are unchanging and eternal. We must be careful not to twist or dilute God's Word to fit societal needs or personal preferences. Instead, we should allow the eternal truth of God's Word to shape our lives and decisions.
[29:45]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your daily decisions are guided by the eternal truth of God's Word rather than societal norms or personal preferences?
Day 2: The Myth of Self-Help
The saying "God helps those who help themselves" is a common phrase, but it is not biblical. This myth often serves as an excuse to avoid helping others, leading to a lack of compassion and disobedience to Jesus' teachings. True Christian compassion requires us to discern through the Holy Spirit who needs our help and how best to provide it. We must avoid toxic charity that could harm rather than aid. Instead, we should seek to help others in a way that truly benefits them, reflecting the love and compassion of Jesus.
[34:21]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs your help today? How can you discern through the Holy Spirit the best way to provide that help?
Day 3: Recognizing Our Helplessness
We are all helpless in some way, struggling with specific disciplines in our lives. Admitting our helplessness is the first step toward receiving God's help. This humility allows God to work in us and through us, transforming our lives and enabling us to help others effectively. Recognizing our helplessness is not a sign of weakness but a step toward spiritual growth and healing. When we acknowledge our need for God, we open ourselves up to His transformative power and grace.
[52:34]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel helpless? How can you invite God into that area to work His power and grace?
Day 4: Jesus as the Supreme Healer
Jesus is the supreme healer, capable of complete healing, both spiritually and physically. When we seek His help, we should prioritize spiritual healing, as it leads to physical healing and overall well-being. This holistic approach to healing reflects Jesus' ministry and should guide our actions. Jesus' healing power is not limited to physical ailments; He also heals our hearts, minds, and souls. By prioritizing spiritual healing, we align ourselves with Jesus' mission and open ourselves up to His transformative power.
[01:03:43]
Psalm 103:2-3 (ESV): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases."
Reflection: In what ways do you need Jesus' healing today? How can you prioritize seeking spiritual healing in your life?
Day 5: Faith as the Prerequisite for Help
Our faith is crucial in receiving God's help. Hebrews 11:6 states that it is impossible to please God without faith. The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 shows that faith, combined with action, activates God's power in our lives. We must trust in God's supreme authority and take steps of faith to experience His help. Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises and power. By stepping out in faith, we open ourselves up to God's miraculous intervention and guidance.
[01:06:55]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to take a step of faith? How can you actively trust in God's promises and power in that area?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Every passage in the word of God is eternal. It is literal truth because it shares the same DNA as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Guys, if there's nothing else you get today, you need to understand that because we live in a world this day and age where everybody wants to defy. Truth." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We can't create in our mindset a rule that is not in the Bible that says God only helps those and expects you as Christians to help those who are willing to help themselves. You see, sometimes our own selfish hearts, especially when we go through the avenue of a biblical urban legend, we will say these things to simply override the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit that's convicting our heart to do what Jesus Christ would do." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have a responsibility as Christians to discern the will of the Father through the working of the Holy Spirit in our life of who we help. If we will just listen, what I've learned is more often than not, God is calling us to help than to just drive away. And everything's going to go against our flesh because we do work hard for the resources that God has blessed us with. But ultimately, God has called us to help because those people are helpless." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus helps those who are helpless. And he expects us to help the helpless by bringing them hope. So there's many times in scripture that Jesus was kind of on his way somewhere. Many times he was on his way to Galilee. He was on his way to Capernaum. He was on his way. And we read those texts, and while he was on the way, while he was under a task going somewhere to do something, many, many, many times Jesus was interrupted to help somebody." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we come to Jesus and our helplessness, we should always prioritize spiritual healing and then the physical healing will come. Did you grasp that? You see all of these people in so many times through scripture we see that Jesus tells them then go and sin no more. This joker was let down through the roof and he was paralyzed but the first thing that Jesus says to him is son your sins are forgiven." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So when you hold the word of God in your hands, you are holding the truth. You are holding the DNA of Jesus Christ. That's what this series is all about. And we've been looking at these little different urban legends, the biblical urban legends that we sort of change around. But today we're going to look at one that I think we've all messed up. And we've all said this. Let me give you your foundational point at the beginning, and then we're going to dive on into this thing. So your serious foundational point is this. Every passage in the word of God is eternal. It is literal truth because it shares the same DNA as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, people are helpless and people are hopeless and people are living in sin and they are living in the result of sin because of the brokenness of sin, because of the original sin when Adam and Eve ate of the tree. But as we walk through the many pages of scripture, what we see is that with these problems, God in his sovereignty provided a way. Let me read another passage to you. First, John, I love this. The apostle of love, says these words, first John two, my dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, this is the good news. We have an advocate. We have a counselor. We have a helper with the father. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the righteous one." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus helps us in our helplessness when we come to terms with and when we embrace the reality of our helplessness. He helps you in your helplessness when you embrace the fact that you are a helpless human being. In other words, you can't help. You can't help yourself. The Apostle Paul talked about it in Romans chapter 7 just this morning. Paul said, I continue to sin. I got this problem. He later defined it as a thorn in the flesh. You remember that? He was eaten up with a problem. You know what Paul could have said? I can't help myself. I do the things I want to do. I don't do the things that I need to do. I'm a jacked up mess. By the way, that was the Apostle Paul." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus helps us in our helplessness when we realize that he is the supreme healer. When you study that word supreme in the Bible, several passages call him as the supreme healer. And when we talk about helping people, Jesus helped them oftentimes through healing. What does it mean to be a supreme healer? Well, that word supreme means he is a complete healer. That's why when, when we say when, when people pass away who are Christians, that God healed them supremely and eternally because he completely healed them. He took everything from this old world. They died and they get a new body when they get into heaven. That's the supremacy of Christ." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Everything that God has accomplished here at Waymark Church has been accomplished because we have taken drastic steps of faith. Faith in our giving, faith in our serving, faith in new budgets and bigger budgets, faith in expanding our staff. God has done so much here. He has blessed us because of our faith. In Hebrews chapter 11, verse six, says it like this. It is impossible to please God without faith. And in our story, when this man, this paralytic was being lowered down, the first reference that we see that says in the scriptures that Jesus was amazed at their, hey, they went the extra mile because they had some works to go along with their faith." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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