Four (4) Friends of a Paralyzed Man
Mark 2:1-12
Introduction:
Let us notice some things about the man with palsy.
1. He could go to Jesus himself….palsy kept him
2. He could not follow the crowd to Jesus…palsy kept him
…what is it that keeps you from getting to where Jesus is?
I want to look at the key verse in this text (as I see it) which is verse three (3)
“and they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four (4)”
I want to take time today to look at this man’s friends. No names were mentioned, nor were praise given unto them by their friend or friends. Thanks and praise was give to Christ alone.
They didn’t stand around and tell Christ they were the one’s that brought him there. They didn’t act with pride with what they did, they, as you and I should be concerned with just getting our friends to Christ and let Him do the work that is needed…..AMEN PREACHER!
Friend Number One is….COMPASSION
This friend had seen his friend in need. Not only in need, but knew that he could help him to get better.
Not getting better by anything he himself could do, but that his Friend Jesus could do.
…Jesus was good enough for the Lame man; He is good enough for the man with Palsy
This man of Compassion is a friend we need to have.
Not to be critical of our situation.
Not to pass judgment on us for laying there.
Not to make our situation worse by harmful words, but willing to help NOW.
Not to just leave us lay there, but be concerned with our situation and get others to help
>>That’s the friend we need to be…AMEN
Psalm 86:15 says…
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
Psalm 111:1-4 says…
Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
I Peter 3:8 says…
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Friend Number Two is….FAITH
Like Peter and John-they had nothing to give (silver or gold) to the Lame man lying at the gate, they gave what they had….JESUS
The women with the issue of blood knew what these friends knew… if we can get to JESUS, He alone can help us.
>>This kind of FAITH only works in those who believe.
…I don’t know about you, but, I want people who believe and know the power of prayer and faith praying and helping me. How about you…?
The Centurion Solider knew that all JESUS had to do was speak the word and it be done
>>The Bible says that FAITH cometh by Hearing…Romans 10:17a
I think it would be safe to say these men have either heard of the things that the Lord Jesus Christ has done or has seen them firsthand….faith cometh by hearing…
Remember what I said about FAITH only working in those that believed, it is their belief that gave them power to tear off the roof to get him to Jesus.
>>It was “their” faith that made the difference. VS.5
Galatians 2:20 says…
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
As great as his sickness was, GREATER was their FAITH in JESUS
Friend Number Three is….DETERMINATION or WILL
They were no doubt tired form carrying their friend, but pressed on
They were no doubt taken back by the press of people, but pressed on
They were no doubt trusting still that Jesus would make the trip worth it all.
II Peter 3:9 says…
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
>>Even though it’s hard and the road heavy, press on.
>>Don’t be focused on the load you’re carrying, but the goal that waits. JESUS
Friend Number Four is….LOVE
God’s Love is NOT a Pampering LOVE, it’s a PERFECTING Love
His friends had this very thought…. Get him perfected
These are the kind of friends we need to have, not friends like Job. Un-like Job’s friends, these friends were godly, no matter what their friend was going through.
>>Not only did He and They get was desired, but even more than what they ever expected
That’s what Love will do…
Romans 5:5 says…
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Ephesians 3:17 says…
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Hebrews 13:1 says…
Let brotherly love continue.
What is your goal for your friends?
CLOSING:
If it was just COMPASSION holding a corner of the bed, they would not have made it
If it was just FAITH holding one corner of the bed, they would not have made it
If it was just DETERMINATION/WILL holding one corner of the bed, they would not have made it
If it was just LOVE holding one corner of the bed, they would not have made it
>>It takes all of us doing OUR part to get the job done.
Compassion can’t do the work for the rest.
Faith can’t do the work for the rest
Determination/Will can’t do the work for the rest
Love can’t do the work for the rest.
You can’t do the work your not called to do, do you’re job, trust that all will do their jobs and all will be done in the right manner
By doing your job we can…
Help the Cripple
Silence the Critics
Honor Christ
For the Cause
Rev. Jerry Stepp
8/8/10
Thanks to my dear brother Pastor Darren Rogers in Wales UK for the thought
