When Jesus met a lame man, he knew that the man’s real need was greater than physical healing. As Alistair Begg explains in this sermon, Jesus not only healed the man’s physical body, but restored him to a right relationship with God through the forgiveness of his sins. In light of this example, we should remember to show mercy to those in need, but bear in mind that their greatest need can only be met through the work of Christ.
32That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
35And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7“Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Series: Lessons For Life, Volume 4
Other messages in: Lessons For Life, Volume 1
Young men and women entering college or taking their first steps out into the world will quickly find their faith put to the test. Contemporary influences encourage us to “live for the moment” and to “seize the day” without regard for eternal consequences. The pressure imposed by society to thrive in a competitive world can breed broken friendships, disappointments, and lure young adults away from their devotion to Christ.
Teaching from selected Scripture including Psalms, Proverbs, Timothy and James, Alistair Begg speaks to college student audiences about holding firm to Christian convictions. Lessons For Life offers practical, essential teaching on how to resist the destructive traps of laziness, jealousy, and temptation. Using biblical and often humorous anecdotes, this series helps the young and the young at heart steer through the pitfalls of sinful choices and attitudes.
Other messages in: Lessons For Life, Volume 2
Young men and women entering college or taking their first steps out into the world will quickly find their faith put to the test. Contemporary influences encourage us to “live for the moment” and to “seize the day” without regard for eternal consequences. The pressure imposed by society to thrive in a competitive world can breed broken friendships, disappointments, and lure young adults away from their devotion to Christ.
Teaching from selected Scriptures, Alistair Begg speaks to college student audiences about characteristics that mark the life of a Christian. Volume Two of Lessons for Life offers practical, essential teaching on living with humility, personal holiness, the use and abuse of words, and thinking like Christ. Using biblical and often humorous anecdotes, this series helps the young and the young at heart steer through the pitfalls of sinful choices and attitudes.
Other messages in: Lessons For Life, Volume 3
In this series of messages, Alistair Begg takes a closer look at God’s providential care and the Christian’s appropriate response. We are reminded that God is sovereign over our entire existence and that our lives matter to Him. He uses even our mistakes and disappointments in the process of conforming us to the image of His Son.
While the Lord does not reveal His purposes to us in advance, our security is in knowing that we are in the hands of a loving, compassionate God. As a result, the Christian’s perspective on current issues will be drastically different from the contemporary views of society, but we are called to wholehearted devotion and complete submission to God’s will.
Other messages in: Lessons For Life, Volume 4
Young men and women entering college or taking their first steps out into the world will quickly find their faith put to the test. Contemporary influences encourage us to “live for the moment” and to “seize the day” without regard for eternal consequences. The pressure imposed by society to thrive in a competitive world can breed broken friendships, heighten disappointments, and lure young adults away from their devotion to Christ.
In Lessons For Life, Alistair Begg challenges us to pursue a different road, casting a vision for a life well-used for God and His glory. Along this path of wholehearted commitment to Christ and His kingdom, lives are transformed. Our work takes on new meaning. Our relationships are enriched by humility and grace. Our hearts are strengthened to endure hardship and persevere in the faith as we trust in the providential care of the One who has made us for His pleasure.
