Faith, Urgency, and the Authority of Christ

 

Summary

In the passage from Matthew 9:1-8, we witness a profound encounter between Jesus and a paralyzed man, which serves as a powerful illustration of the core principles of the Christian Gospel. As we stand at the beginning of a new year, it is crucial to revisit these foundational truths. The world is fraught with challenges, failures, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. Yet, the Gospel offers a message of hope and transformation, encapsulated in Jesus' words, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."

This incident highlights the transformative power of faith and the necessity of recognizing our need for Christ. The paralyzed man and his friends were acutely aware of his need, which drove them to seek Jesus. This awareness of need is a prerequisite for receiving the blessings of the Gospel. It is the self-satisfied, those unaware of their spiritual need, who remain outside the fold of Christ.

The narrative also underscores the urgency of coming to Jesus. The friends of the paralyzed man went to great lengths, even tearing open a roof, to bring him to Jesus. This desperation and determination are essential in our spiritual journey. We must recognize the urgency of our soul's condition and seek Jesus with the same fervor.

Furthermore, the passage reveals Jesus' method of addressing the root cause of our troubles—sin. While the immediate concern was the man's paralysis, Jesus first addressed his sins, demonstrating that our spiritual condition is of utmost importance. The Gospel message is not merely about alleviating symptoms but about reconciling us to God, which is the true source of healing and transformation.

Finally, Jesus' authority to forgive sins is central to this passage. He not only claims this authority but provides proof through the miraculous healing of the paralyzed man. This authority is rooted in His identity as the Son of God, who came to bear the penalty of sin through His death and resurrection. Our response is to believe in His authority and receive the forgiveness and new life He offers.

Key Takeaways:

- Awareness of Need: Recognizing our spiritual need is the first step toward receiving the blessings of the Gospel. It is the self-satisfied who remain outside, while those aware of their need are drawn to Christ. [08:17]

- Urgency in Seeking Christ: The friends of the paralyzed man demonstrated desperation and determination in bringing him to Jesus. We must recognize the urgency of our soul's condition and seek Jesus with the same fervor. [12:28]

- Addressing the Root Cause: Jesus addresses the root cause of our troubles—sin. The Gospel is not about alleviating symptoms but about reconciling us to God, which is the true source of healing and transformation. [22:37]

- Authority to Forgive: Jesus' authority to forgive sins is central to the Gospel. He not only claims this authority but provides proof through His miraculous works, rooted in His identity as the Son of God. [36:42]

- Faith and Obedience: The paralyzed man's healing came through faith and obedience to Jesus' command. We are called to believe in Jesus' authority and receive the forgiveness and new life He offers. [50:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Matthew 9:1-8
- [01:26] - The Healing of the Paralyzed Man
- [02:01] - Revisiting the Fundamentals of Faith
- [03:23] - The Significance of Jesus' Miracles
- [04:44] - The Gospel's Message of Hope
- [06:06] - Transformation Through Encounter with Christ
- [07:18] - The Approach to Christ
- [08:49] - Recognizing Our Need
- [10:15] - The Urgency of Seeking Jesus
- [12:28] - The Desperation for Salvation
- [14:04] - Hope in Christ When All Else Fails
- [19:21] - Submitting to Jesus' Method
- [22:37] - Addressing the Root Cause: Sin
- [36:42] - Jesus' Authority to Forgive Sins
- [50:12] - Faith and Obedience in Receiving Healing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 9:1-8

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Observation Questions:

1. What actions did the friends of the paralyzed man take to bring him to Jesus, and what does this reveal about their faith? [09:04]

2. How did Jesus initially respond to the paralyzed man, and what was surprising about His response? [21:06]

3. What was the reaction of the scribes to Jesus' declaration of forgiveness, and why did they consider it blasphemy? [36:01]

4. How did Jesus demonstrate His authority to forgive sins in this passage? [40:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is recognizing one's spiritual need considered a prerequisite for receiving the blessings of the Gospel, according to the sermon? [08:17]

2. How does the urgency demonstrated by the friends of the paralyzed man reflect the urgency of addressing one's spiritual condition? [12:28]

3. In what way does Jesus' approach to addressing the root cause of the man's troubles challenge common perceptions of healing and salvation? [22:37]

4. What does Jesus' authority to forgive sins reveal about His identity and mission, as discussed in the sermon? [36:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you recognized a deep need in your life. How did that awareness drive you to seek help, and how might it relate to seeking Jesus today? [08:17]

2. Consider the urgency with which the friends brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. Is there an area in your spiritual life where you need to act with similar urgency? What steps can you take this week? [12:28]

3. Jesus addressed the man's sins before his physical condition. Are there areas in your life where you might be focusing on symptoms rather than the root cause? How can you address these root issues? [22:37]

4. How does understanding Jesus' authority to forgive sins impact your view of His role in your life? What changes might this understanding prompt in your daily walk with Him? [36:42]

5. The paralyzed man's healing was linked to faith and obedience. Identify a command from Jesus that you find challenging. How can you take a step of faith to obey it this week? [50:12]

6. Reflect on the concept of spiritual paralysis. Is there an area in your life where you feel stuck or unable to move forward? How can you invite Jesus into that situation for healing and transformation? [51:50]

7. Jesus' message offers hope and transformation. How can you share this message of hope with someone in your life who might be feeling hopeless or burdened? [17:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Our Spiritual Need
In the story of the paralyzed man, we see the importance of recognizing our spiritual need as the first step toward receiving the blessings of the Gospel. The paralyzed man and his friends were acutely aware of his need, which drove them to seek Jesus. This awareness is crucial because it opens the door to the transformative power of faith. Those who are self-satisfied and unaware of their spiritual need remain outside the fold of Christ. It is only when we acknowledge our brokenness and need for a Savior that we can truly experience the hope and transformation offered by the Gospel. [08:17]

Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"

Reflection: What areas of your life have you been self-satisfied in, and how can you bring these before God in humility today?


Day 2: Urgency in Seeking Jesus
The friends of the paralyzed man demonstrated desperation and determination in bringing him to Jesus, even tearing open a roof to do so. This urgency is essential in our spiritual journey. We must recognize the urgency of our soul's condition and seek Jesus with the same fervor. The world is filled with distractions and challenges, but the need for spiritual healing and reconciliation with God is paramount. Just as the friends did not let obstacles deter them, we too must prioritize our spiritual well-being and seek Jesus with urgency. [12:28]

Hebrews 3:13 (ESV): "But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to prioritize your spiritual journey and seek Jesus with urgency?


Day 3: Addressing the Root Cause of Sin
In the encounter with the paralyzed man, Jesus addresses the root cause of our troubles—sin. While the immediate concern was the man's paralysis, Jesus first addressed his sins, demonstrating that our spiritual condition is of utmost importance. The Gospel message is not merely about alleviating symptoms but about reconciling us to God, which is the true source of healing and transformation. By addressing sin, Jesus shows that true healing begins with the heart and our relationship with God. [22:37]

Psalm 32:5 (ESV): "I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."

Reflection: What sin or spiritual struggle have you been avoiding addressing, and how can you bring it before God for healing today?


Day 4: Jesus' Authority to Forgive
Jesus' authority to forgive sins is central to the Gospel. In the passage, He not only claims this authority but provides proof through the miraculous healing of the paralyzed man. This authority is rooted in His identity as the Son of God, who came to bear the penalty of sin through His death and resurrection. Our response is to believe in His authority and receive the forgiveness and new life He offers. This belief is foundational to our faith and relationship with God. [36:42]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' authority to forgive sins impact your view of His role in your life today?


Day 5: Faith and Obedience in Receiving Healing
The healing of the paralyzed man came through faith and obedience to Jesus' command. We are called to believe in Jesus' authority and receive the forgiveness and new life He offers. This faith is not passive but requires active obedience and trust in Jesus' words and promises. As we step out in faith, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Gospel and the healing that comes from a restored relationship with God. [50:12]

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 step out in faith and obedience to Jesus' command today?

Quotes


I always feel that it's a good thing at the beginning of every year that we should remind ourselves of some of the great fundamentals of the Christian faith. We meet here at all and I stand in this Pulpit because we hold the view that there is nothing in the world tonight that holds out any hope for mankind or for any individual in it apart from this gospel. [00:01:50]

The appalling way and manner in which people still can be so confused as to the nature of this gospel What It Is What It offers to do for whom it offers it and to whom it offers it and what is its essential nature and that is why I say that it's good to be going back to the foundations and the first principles from time to time lest any may be still in a state of confusion. [00:02:40]

No man has ever become a Christian without knowing his need. It's the man who's never known his need who isn't a Christian. The self-satisfied person, the person who feels that everything's all right, he doesn't need anything, he's not a sinner, he's not aware of failure, why should he come? It's the self-satisfied who are always outside. [00:08:06]

The one thing to do when you do become aware of the need is to go to the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Now it's interesting here, here was a man who was brought by his friends. They Carried him, you see, they brought him a man sick of the py lying on a bed. [00:08:51]

They wouldn't be put off. They said we must get to him. They were not content with talking to people on the outskirts of the crowd. They'd not be satisfied with a disciple. They must get at the Lord himself. They can't get in because of the crowd. Very well, they said, we're going to get in some other way. [00:10:26]

The Bible always pictures Life as a journey. We are but strangers and pilgrims, Travelers and sers simply passing through this world once, never to come back again, and we settle Our Fate by this one visit, this one journey, and therefore for this urgency, this matter must be settled. [00:11:44]

The world tonight is talking and writing about the various symptoms. Societies come into being, protests are made, people argue with one another, interviewed on the television and on the the problem of the world, the symptoms. This has got to be put right. No, says the other, it's that. One says it's a purely economic problem. [00:23:31]

The greatest need of the whole world tonight is not the dealing with this particular symptom that brings us to Christ. It's his diagnosis. It is that we be reconciled to God. There's only one way, way of true happiness. There is only one way of truly living life. There is only one secret of real and Lasting joy and solid treasures. [00:30:50]

He not only says that he can do this, he gives proof that he can. He knows he's challenged the scribes to this man's blaspheming, and Jesus knowing their thoughts said, wherefore think he evil in your hearts? You see, they hadn't said it openly, they had thought it, they said within themselves, this men blasphemeth. [00:38:52]

He says that ye may know that the son of man ha power on Earth to forgive sins, he says to the sick of the P arise, take up thy bed and go into thy house, and he arose and went into his house. Oh, the manifestation of his power, that was the purpose of all the Miracles that he ever wrought ultimately. [00:43:56]

He doesn't merely announce that God forgives. No, no, he's the one who makes the way of forgiveness. God was in Christ, in Christ, in in his life, in his death, burial, resurrect. God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. It's the only way, so he says I've got the authority, and he has the authority to do it. [00:46:19]

He believed him, so when he said to him, rise up, go to your house, immediately arose up. He didn't stop to think, he didn't stop to argue, he just heard the command and he believed and PR found he could do it. He didn't know before he could, but his strength had been infused into him, life had been given him. [00:50:06]

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Transcript
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