Not Just Salvation, Transformation

VERSE

And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

Matthew 9: 1-8

INTRO / DISCUSSION

Which is easier for Jesus to forgive us of our sins or to heal a man who has never walked?

He’s making the point to the critics because critics can’t do either or. People who aren’t working will always have something to say about those who are.

It’s easy to tell someone your sins are forgiven, but Jesus went the extra mile and healed the man as well. Jesus comes at this situation in two ways, in a way that benefits the paralytic man (forgiving his sins) and in a way that benefits the paralytic man and everyone watching, (healing him.)

Why? Because Jesus isn’t about just saving, he’s also about transformation.

We serve a God that doesn’t just want to save us, he wants to restore us, fix us, heal us and lift us up. One benefits your soul, the other benefits you and everyone around you.

Jesus constantly challenges us in this way, it’s great that we’ve been saved, but have we been transformed? Are people around us aware that we’ve been healed? Lifted up?

Will they find it surprising, will people know that our testimony is still strong?

Maybe none of us were paralyzed, but people should know the great things God has done in our lives besides just forgiving our sins.

PRAYER

Salvation Prayer.

Challenge: Tell three people your testimony this week.