Galatians 6:9 NKJV And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Today, I want us to think about this question: What kind of a person would knock a hole in someone else’s roof?
In Mark 2 and Luke 5, we find some guys that not only would but did!
Luke 5:20-26 NKJV When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 but that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”–He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!” This is a great passage that teaches us about the deity of Christ.
The Four Men who Knocked a Hole in a Roof to bring their friend to Jesus:
- These were men who kept their _____________________ in __________________. Of all that was happening in their world on that day – of all the things that could have grabbed hold of their attention – they knew that the most important thing in the world right then was getting their friend to Jesus. More than being healed just for this lifetime, he was healed for eternity in that Jesus himself forgave his sins! This story reminds us that when Jesus is in the middle of it – there’s nothing more important.
- They refused to let _________________ get in the __________________. They didn’t let their obstacles, external or internal, become excuses!
- They knew they needed __________ ________________. We do need others in our lives to spur us on, lift us when our strength is flagging, build us up when we’re discouraged, and straighten us out when our priorities get misplaced.
- They cared too much about _______________ to _______________ up. When our lives are not just about us, then there’s nothing more important than living for him and serving him and sharing him with those who need him.
QUESTIONS & EXERCISES
For Daily Devotionals or Bible Study Group
1. What have been things that have discouraged or distracted you in your walk or service to Christ recently? Paul spoke about us, reaping “a harvest if we do not give up.” How would you describe that harvest? What are the consequences of giving up on our faith and/or service to Christ?
2. How would you define the word “persist?” Who are people you admire who have persisted in their faith despite difficulties and obstacles? How have they inspired you?
3. When you think of these four men who brought their friend to Jesus, how do you tend to respond when things aren’t as easy as you might have originally thought? What do you most admire about these men? Their faith? Their tenacity? Their creativity? Why? Why are each of these important for persistence?
4. What are some obstacles you are presently dealing with regarding faith, serving, or personal or relational life? What constructive takeaways can you apply even today from the account of these men? How will your life and others’ lives be different if you persist and do not give up?
5. These men depended on each other. Who are people you rely on in your life who make your load lighter, and who lift your spirits when they are down? How can you be such a person to others? Who is someone you are aware of today that is discouraged, perhaps feeling defeated, that you might be able to come alongside and minister to this week?
