Perhaps God: Four Faith Facts (Mark 2:1-12)
This sermon invites reflection on the nature of faith and God's readiness to respond to it. It explores how our belief can open the door for divine action, even in the face of significant challenges.
This sermon explores the power of faith, defining it as 'Perhaps God' and illustrating how it sets the stage for Jesus' intervention. It details four 'faith facts' about faith's role in overcoming obstacles and trusting God's will.
Overview
The sermon opens with a humorous anecdote about avoiding chores, leading to a lesson about a father's ultimate authority, which transitions to Jesus' ultimate authority. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus' power and control as he begins his ministry, specifically in the context of the "Jesus on the Move" series.
The core message draws from 1 Samuel 14:6, which presents 'Perhaps God' as a definition of faith: believing God might intervene. This is then powerfully illustrated through the story of the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1-12, where four friends demonstrate extraordinary faith by lowering their friend through a roof to reach Jesus. Jesus responds by forgiving the man's sins and healing him, directly acknowledging their faith.
From this narrative, the sermon identifies four 'faith facts': that our faith can set the stage for divine action, that every faith opportunity inevitably has obstacles, that Jesus is never inconvenienced by our interruptions, and that both we and Jesus have a part to play. Our part is to hope, believe, ask, and act, while Jesus always acts within his character and will.
The sermon emphasizes that even when our desired outcomes don't align with God's, we can trust His loving character and ultimate control. It concludes with a testimony of personal transformation rooted in someone's faith that 'Perhaps Jesus' could intervene, encouraging listeners to 'gossip about Jesus' by sharing how God has changed lives.
Key points
- The sermon defines faith as "Perhaps God," drawing from Jonathan's statement in 1 Samuel 14:6: "Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf."
- The central Bible story is Mark 2:1-12, where four friends' faith is shown by their effort to lower a paralyzed man through a roof to Jesus.
- Jesus responds to their faith by forgiving the paralyzed man's sins and then healing him, demonstrating his authority on Earth.
- The sermon presents four 'faith facts': my faith can set the stage, every faith opportunity has obstacles, Jesus isn't inconvenienced by interruptions, and Jesus and I both have a part to play.
- Our part in faith is to hope, believe, ask, and act with a "perhaps God" attitude, contributing to what Jesus chooses to do.
- Jesus' part is to always act within his character and his will, which never fails.
- The sermon encourages listeners to trust God, even when their personal "scoreboards" don't align with what God's scoreboard appears to be, and to "gossip about Jesus" by sharing stories of his intervention.
In Rick Warren's words
“Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf because nothing can hinder the Lord from saving whether by many or by few.”
“It's impossible for you to interrupt Jesus.”
“My part is to have a perhaps God attitude, to hope, to believe, to ask, to act.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: The Preacher's Chore Story and a Father's Authority
- II. Jesus on the Move: The Power of Faith
- A. The "Perhaps God" Faith Statement (1 Samuel 14:6)
- B. The Story of the Paralyzed Man (Mark 2:1-12)
- C. Jesus Forgives and Heals, Honoring Their Faith
- III. Four Faith Facts
- A. My Faith Can Set the Stage
- B. Every Faith Opportunity Has Obstacles
- C. Jesus Isn't Inconvenienced by Interruptions
- D. Jesus and I Both Have a Part to Play
- 1. Our Part: Hope, Believe, Ask, Act ("Perhaps God" attitude)
- 2. Jesus' Part: Act within His Character and Will
- 3. Our Trust: Even when scoreboards don't align
- IV. The Testimony of Ricky: A Life Changed by Faith
- V. Conclusion: Gossip About Jesus and Trust His Intervention
Scripture references
6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Insights
Faith begins with a quiet invitation to divine possibility.
Obstacles often reveal the path to new opportunities.
Our deepest needs are never an inconvenience to Jesus.
Questions & answers
What is the primary message of this sermon?
This sermon focuses on the power of faith, encouraging listeners to embrace a 'Perhaps God' attitude, believing in God's willingness to intervene in their lives and the lives of others, despite any obstacles.
How does the sermon define "Perhaps God"?
"Perhaps God" is presented as a two-word definition of faith, stemming from 1 Samuel 14:6, signifying the belief that God might act on our behalf.
What are some examples of obstacles discussed in the sermon regarding faith opportunities?
The sermon notes obstacles like the physical challenge of carrying a paralyzed friend, the crowded house, and societal stigmas. It also mentions internal obstacles like fear, feelings of unworthiness, and doubt.
What does the sermon say about Jesus being 'interrupted'?
The sermon states that Jesus is never inconvenienced by interruptions. He welcomes them as opportunities to engage with people's problems and demonstrate his power, unlike how humans often react to interruptions.
What is 'our part' in the idea that 'Jesus and I both have a part to play'?
Our part is to have a 'perhaps God' attitude: to hope, believe, ask, and act. This sets the stage for Jesus to do his part, which is to act within his character and will.
What is the practical application suggested at the end of the sermon?
The sermon encourages listeners to 'gossip about Jesus' by sharing how God has changed their lives or their family's lives, and to pray for someone they know who needs God's intervention.
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