Faith in Action: Pursuing Our Mission Together
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of faith and mission in our walk with Jesus, using the story from Luke 5:18-26 as our foundation. We began by partaking in communion, reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His body and blood. This act of remembrance set the stage for our deeper dive into the scripture.
We examined the story of the paralyzed man whose friends, driven by faith and conviction, went to extraordinary lengths to bring him to Jesus. This narrative challenges us to consider our own faith and mission. Are we merely spectators in our spiritual journey, akin to the "12th man" in football, or are we actively participating in God's work?
The friends' determination to overcome obstacles to reach Jesus underscores the importance of having a clear mission and the belief that Jesus is the ultimate solution to all problems. Their actions also highlight the necessity of community in fulfilling our mission. Mission works best in community, as seen when Jesus sent His disciples in pairs and Paul’s journeys with companions.
We are called to be "fishers of men," a defining characteristic of every believer. This mission requires us to have a firm conviction that Jesus is everyone's greatest need and to take risks in faith, even when faced with obstacles. The story also reminds us that Jesus knows our deepest needs, which are often internal rather than external, and He alone can meet them.
Finally, we are challenged to identify and pursue "our one"—the person God has placed in our lives who needs to be brought to Jesus. This pursuit is not for our glory but for God's, as we seek to bring others into a life-changing relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in Action: True faith moves us beyond passive observation into active participation in God's mission. The friends of the paralyzed man demonstrated this by overcoming significant obstacles to bring their friend to Jesus. This kind of faith requires us to take bold steps and trust in God's power to transform lives. [31:54]
2. Mission in Community: Mission works best in community. Just as Jesus sent His disciples in pairs and Paul traveled with companions, we too need a supportive community to encourage and challenge us in our mission. This community helps us stay committed and resilient, especially when the mission gets tough. [38:54]
3. Jesus as the Greatest Need: We must have a firm conviction that Jesus is everyone's greatest need. This belief should drive our actions and compel us to share the gospel, knowing that only Jesus can address the deepest needs of the human heart. [44:41]
4. Overcoming Obstacles: Obstacles in our mission should not be seen as signs to stop but as opportunities to persevere and find new ways to fulfill God's calling. The friends' determination to lower the paralyzed man through the roof exemplifies the need for tenacity and creativity in overcoming barriers. [47:10]
5. Identifying and Pursuing "Our One": Each of us is called to identify and pursue at least one person in our lives who needs to be brought to Jesus. This focused effort, supported by our community, can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs and transformations. [55:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Communion
[3:00] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
[4:30] - Introduction to Luke 5
[5:30] - The 12th Man Analogy
[10:00] - Faith and Mission
[15:00] - The Story of the Paralyzed Man
[20:00] - Do You Have Faith Enough?
[25:00] - The Importance of Community
[30:00] - Jesus as the Greatest Need
[35:00] - Overcoming Obstacles
[40:00] - Identifying "Our One"
[45:00] - The Stakes of Our Mission
[50:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 5:18-26: "And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, 'Man, your sins are forgiven you.' And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, 'Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?' When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, 'Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, "Your sins are forgiven you," or to say, "Rise and walk"? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins'—he said to the man who was paralyzed—'I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.' And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, 'We have seen extraordinary things today.'"
2. Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
3. Matthew 4:19: "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What actions did the friends of the paralyzed man take to bring him to Jesus? ([31:54])
2. How did Jesus respond to the faith of the paralyzed man and his friends? ([31:54])
3. What was the reaction of the scribes and Pharisees to Jesus' declaration of forgiveness? ([48:55])
4. According to Luke 19:10, what was Jesus' mission on earth?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the determination of the paralyzed man's friends teach us about the nature of true faith? ([31:54])
2. How does the story of the paralyzed man illustrate the importance of community in fulfilling God's mission? ([38:54])
3. Why is it significant that Jesus addressed the man's sins before healing his physical condition? ([50:28])
4. How does the concept of being "fishers of men" relate to our personal mission as followers of Jesus? ([37:07])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced an obstacle in your spiritual journey. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the friends' determination in Luke 5:18-26? ([47:10])
2. Do you have a supportive community that encourages you in your faith and mission? If not, what steps can you take to build such a community? ([40:25])
3. Identify one person in your life who needs to be brought to Jesus. What specific actions can you take this week to introduce them to Him? ([55:09])
4. How can you cultivate a firm conviction that Jesus is everyone's greatest need in your daily life? ([44:41])
5. Think about the last time you took a risk for your faith. What was the outcome, and how can you be more courageous in your faith moving forward? ([45:51])
6. How can you move from being a "12th man" in your spiritual journey to an active participant in God's mission? ([30:18])
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your mission aligns with Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost? ([37:07])
Devotional
### Day 1: Faith in Action
True faith moves us beyond passive observation into active participation in God's mission. The friends of the paralyzed man demonstrated this by overcoming significant obstacles to bring their friend to Jesus. This kind of faith requires us to take bold steps and trust in God's power to transform lives. Their determination and creativity in finding a way to Jesus, despite the crowd, exemplify the essence of faith in action. They did not let the physical barriers deter them; instead, they found a way to fulfill their mission, showing that true faith is persistent and resourceful.
In our own lives, we are often faced with challenges that test our faith. These moments are opportunities to demonstrate our trust in God by taking bold steps and actively participating in His work. Whether it's sharing the gospel with a friend, volunteering in a ministry, or simply living out our faith in everyday actions, we are called to move beyond being mere spectators. Our faith should compel us to act, trusting that God will work through us to accomplish His purposes. [31:54]
Luke 8:25 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Where is your faith?' And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, 'Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been a passive observer in your faith. What bold step can you take today to actively participate in God's mission?
### Day 2: Mission in Community
Mission works best in community. Just as Jesus sent His disciples in pairs and Paul traveled with companions, we too need a supportive community to encourage and challenge us in our mission. This community helps us stay committed and resilient, especially when the mission gets tough. The story of the paralyzed man being brought to Jesus by his friends highlights the power of community in fulfilling God's work. Their collective effort and shared faith made it possible to overcome the obstacles they faced.
In our spiritual journey, having a community of believers around us is crucial. They provide support, accountability, and encouragement, helping us to stay focused on our mission. When we face difficulties, our community can offer different perspectives and solutions, making it easier to persevere. Being part of a community also allows us to share our burdens and joys, making the journey more fulfilling and less isolating. [38:54]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Reflect on your current community. How can you actively contribute to and draw strength from your community in fulfilling your mission?
### Day 3: Jesus as the Greatest Need
We must have a firm conviction that Jesus is everyone's greatest need. This belief should drive our actions and compel us to share the gospel, knowing that only Jesus can address the deepest needs of the human heart. The friends of the paralyzed man believed that Jesus was the ultimate solution to their friend's condition, both physically and spiritually. Their actions were driven by the conviction that Jesus could provide what no one else could.
In our lives, recognizing Jesus as the greatest need means prioritizing our relationship with Him and sharing His love with others. It means understanding that the solutions to our deepest problems are not found in worldly things but in Christ alone. This conviction should motivate us to live out our faith boldly and to share the gospel with those around us, knowing that Jesus is the answer to their deepest needs. [44:41]
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: Consider someone in your life who is struggling. How can you share with them the truth that Jesus is their greatest need today?
### Day 4: Overcoming Obstacles
Obstacles in our mission should not be seen as signs to stop but as opportunities to persevere and find new ways to fulfill God's calling. The friends' determination to lower the paralyzed man through the roof exemplifies the need for tenacity and creativity in overcoming barriers. They did not let the crowd or the physical barriers stop them from reaching Jesus; instead, they found a way to overcome these obstacles.
In our spiritual journey, we will inevitably face challenges and obstacles. These moments are opportunities to demonstrate our faith and commitment to God's mission. Instead of being discouraged, we should see these obstacles as chances to grow and to find new ways to fulfill our calling. With God's help, we can overcome any barrier and continue to pursue His purposes for our lives. [47:10]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Identify a current obstacle in your life. How can you approach it with creativity and perseverance, trusting God to help you overcome it?
### Day 5: Identifying and Pursuing "Our One"
Each of us is called to identify and pursue at least one person in our lives who needs to be brought to Jesus. This focused effort, supported by our community, can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs and transformations. The friends of the paralyzed man had a clear mission: to bring their friend to Jesus. Their determination and faith resulted in a life-changing encounter with Christ.
In our own lives, we are called to have a similar focus. By identifying "our one"—the person God has placed in our lives who needs to know Jesus—we can make a significant impact. This pursuit is not for our glory but for God's, as we seek to bring others into a life-changing relationship with Him. With the support of our community, we can persevere in this mission and trust that God will work through us to transform lives. [55:09]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV): "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Who is "your one"—the person God has placed in your life who needs to be brought to Jesus? What steps can you take today to pursue this mission with determination and faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do you have faith enough to see the lost come to Jesus? That's what we have to see in the story, and we're going to go through more of it, but do you have faith enough to see the lost that Jesus has put you around come to know and have a relationship with him? Do you have that kind of faith in who Jesus is and what he can do? Because that kind of faith, what we're going to see, it moves us beyond just sitting. It moves us into action." [32:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus knows our deepest need, and he alone can supply it. For most of us, if we were to ask, we think our greatest need is some external thing, like some external situation, some external circumstance. And so we go, hey, it's this external thing that we have. That is our greatest need. But Jesus alone understands that the greatest need is not external, but the greatest need is internal." [50:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Will you join Jesus in going after the one? Because that's who he's going after. Jesus is going after the one who has, who is lost and has no relationship with him. He's going after. Now, will we do the same? That's, that's the question. Will we do the same so that we can bring him, bring them to him?" [57:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We fish, we pursue, we draw in, we bring people to, Jesus for his glory. Let's understand the stakes because I think we missed this in the story. So when they go and they open up the tiles, like for us, our first thought is you just ruined my roof. And that's the first thought that comes through. Like we would have had to add to the story, like, hey, all right, let's go ahead and get this insurance claim." [01:02:48] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to be a church who fishes and who lives the mission. That's what we have to be. And let's make no mistake, not for our glory, right? We don't fish for our glory. We fish for His glory. We live the mission for His glory. We take our life for His glory. We live the mission for His glory. We live the mission and we bring them to Jesus, not for our glory, but for His." [01:01:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Mission works best in community. And if there was one friend, trying to take the paralyzed man, it would have been a lot harder. It would have been a lot harder, but he still would have tried, I would imagine. But mission works best in community. And we see this all throughout scripture, don't we? Like when Jesus sends out his disciples, what does he send them in? He could have gotten a lot further if he would have just sent them out by themselves, but he knew that there was something about, hey, we're doing mission in community." [38:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What obstacles are you allowing to stop what God is trying to do in your life? That maybe he wants you to push through and find another way because he has a greater plan. And that obstacle. He goes on, he says this, verse 20. And when he saw their faith, he said, man, your sins are forgiven you. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question saying, who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" [48:55] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you truly understand and believe that Jesus is everyone's greatest need? Do you believe that? Because if you truly believe that and there's a firm conviction in that, then that is going to drive everything that you do. If you look at it and you go, hey, I see all the problems in the world. And you're not going, okay, let me find solutions. You're going, hey, there's one solution. And that solution is Jesus. And so he is the greatest need that everyone has." [44:41] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Being a fisher of men was meant to be the defining characteristic of every believer. So is that the defining characteristic of your life? Being a fisher of men was meant to be the defining characteristic of every believer. And so is that your defining characteristic? Is that what describes your life, your mission, your pursuit, your goals? Is that what it is? Because that's what he calls us to." [37:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you have a community that, challenge you to live God's mission for your life? Do you have somebody who, where they will encourage you in the mission? Where when the mission gets hard, and the mission is hard, and it gets hard, do you have somebody who's going to encourage and go, hey, I know you got rejected. I know you experienced this. Maybe you experienced this level of persecution. Well, and they're encouraging you and lifting you back up and going, hey, no, no, no, keep going. You can do it. Keep going, keep going, keep going." [40:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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