Jesus’ Response to Our Personal Paralysis

Part 1 of the series: UNLOCKED

Pastor BJ Rutledge
Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their
faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your
sins are forgiven.” Mt. 9:2 NCV

1. Jesus Calms My Fears

Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in
every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16So whenever we are in
need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God.
There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find
help. Heb. 4:15-16 CEV

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry
heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28 NLT

2. Jesus Confronts the Root of My Problem

My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. John 10:10b NLT

Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins
are forgiven.” Mt. 9:2b NCV

Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That's why he
doesn't answer your prayers or let you see his face. Isaiah 59:2 CEV
The Lord and King is the Holy One of Israel. He says, "You will find
peace and rest when you turn away from your sins and depend on me.
You will receive the strength you need when you stay calm and trust in
me. But you do not want to do what I tell you to. Is. 30:15 NIrV
When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I
groaned all day long. Ps. 32:3 NLT

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you
may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great
power and wonderful results. James 5:16 NLT

3. Jesus Challenges My Faith

But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s

blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” 4 Jesus knew what they were
thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in
your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up
and walk’? 6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority
on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and
said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” 7 And the man
jumped up and went home! Mark 9:3-7 NCV

I RESPOND IN FAITH WHEN ….

a. I admit I need help

b. I believe Jesus can help me

c. I do whatever Jesus tells me to do