Physical Versus Spiritual Concerns Series

It’s a new year and for many it’s another time to make resolutions; does anyone even know the main definition of what a resolution is??

A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something!

What are typical new year’s resolutions??

Most resolutions are for physical health, aren’t they?

Our passage this morning actually tells us what’s important. Open your bibles to Mark 3. Read with me Mark 3:20-35….

Let us summarize the story….

v20: Jesus and His disciples were so busy with ministry that they did not have time to eat.

v21: Jesus’ family wanted to take over Jesus because they thought he was crazy!

At this point in time, can we blame Jesus’ family??

Jesus had a physical family on earth; we don’t read anything about Joseph His father when Jesus became an adult; we can note in this passage that Jesus had a physical mother and brothers; in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ sisters were cited. We need to note that Jesus lived in our physical world with a physical family!

Jesus’ family was concerned about Him for not eating and leading others to starve also! Jesus’ family saw Jesus physically starving himself and leading others, and so Jesus’ family thought He was nuts!

Now, remember that the religious leaders hated Jesus and were always looking for ways to trap Him. And so, in v22: The religious leaders used the family situation to accuse Jesus of demon possession!

And so, Jesus told a parable, a story with a message. Jesus was accused of demon possession, what was Jesus’ main message in the parable??

v23-30: Jesus was taking down Satan and will not speak against God the Holy Spirit, because Jesus is God Himself!

v31-32: Jesus’ family came to try and take care of Him.

What do you think Jesus was basically saying in v33-35??

Jesus’ family and the religious leaders were focused on the physical not the spiritual!

Although we live in a physical world with physical relationships and needs, we must place priority to our spiritual relationships and needs!

Two Bible passages immediately came to mind relating to this story in Mark 3:

We will note later on the extent of Jesus’ focus on doing God’s will versus His physical needs; facing scorn, beatings, sufferings to death on a cross, which He didn’t deserve....

Mark 14:36 - "Abba, Father," Jesus said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

What’s the main message today?

We must always focus and do God’s Will above our own!

How do we do this in a practical way??

1. Spiritual lives begin with the belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!

2. Matthew 6:6

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28