Mini-Series: You Must Be The Cycle Breaker In Your Family (Part 1)

YOU MUST BE THE CYCLE BREAKER IN YOUR FAMILY

John 5: 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a Great Multitude Of Sick People, Blind, Lame, Paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and Knew That He Already Had Been In That Condition A Long Time, He said to him, “Do You Want To Be Made Well?” 7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I Have No Man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but While I Am Coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus Said To Him, “Rise, Take Up Your Bed And Walk.” 9 And Immediately The Man Was Made Well, Took Up His Bed, And Walked. And That Day Was The Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” 11 He answered them, “He Who Made Me Well Said To Me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’” 12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin No More, Lest A Worse Thing Come Upon You.” 15 The man departed and Told The Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

INTRODUCTION: TIME TO BREAK THE CYCLE

Change Is One Of The Most Difficult Things That We Face In Life. One reason we do not like change is because we get comfortable where we are. We get used to our friends, job, the place we live in and even if it is not perfect we accept it because it is familiar. And when we are not willing to change, we get stuck in the past instead of moving forward into what God is about to do. Question: Are you ready for a change? Are you ready to break that cycle of day-to-day life and receive God’s change? I am talking to somebody who’s tired of going around and around the same old problem.

FIVE HINDRANCES TO CHANGE

1. Pride. Pride says: “I don’t need to change. There is nothing wrong with me. You are the one who needs change.” Pro. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Pride does things its own way. Humility does things God’s way. Pride leads to fall or stunted growth.

2. Fear: Fear says: “I am afraid to change. I am afraid to take risk. I will live in the average rather than stepping into something new.” Too fearful to change leads to confusion. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

3. Rebellion. Rebellion says: “I will not change.” Too rebellious to change leads to destruction. E.g. Saul lost everything.

4. Laziness. Laziness says: “It is too hard for me to change and no time to change”. laziness leads to poverty. Pro. 6:9-11 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

5. Ignorance. Ignorance says: “I don’t know how to change.” Ignorance towards change will lead nowhere. Change is inevitable. Whomever God called, He brought seasons of change.

THERE ARE SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS PASSAGE.

The Gospel Of John Presents Christ Differently Than Other 3 Gospels. Matthew & Luke showed Christ human lineage. Matthew presents Christ as Promised Messiah. Mark shows Christ as Suffering Servant. Luke portrays Jesus as Savior. John presents Him as Son Of God in the flesh, who back His claims by miracles. That is why you must trust Him for miracles.

John Uses 8 Miracles Or Signs As Proof:

1. First Miracle: Wedding at Cana - John 2:1-12 – Jesus changes water into wine which reveals that He has the power to make all things and all lives new.