“Doing What Is Right – 3” What You Need to Do to Forgive Luke 5:17-26 07/05/2009 Dr. Dane Boyles

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Justice for the Christian simply means doing what is morally right according to God’s Word. This morning I want to see what we can learn about forgiveness from Jesus & the paralytic.

Luke 5:17 17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.

Luke 5:18 18 Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.

Luke 5:19 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Jesus shows us that there’s something more important than this man’s physical health. It’s the paralyzed man’s spiritual life.

“Doing What Is Right – 3” 6 God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. (Romans 2:6-7)

“Doing What Is Right – 3” It appears these men understand that they must seek the non-natural order. But Jesus shows us that in order for the paralyzed man to get back on track, he needed forgiveness.

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Where does the power to forgive come from? The power to forgive comes in a person, Jesus Christ. We all have a choice to make as did this paralyzed man!

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Can you choose to forgive and through forgiveness, have mercy triumph over justice so that lives can change for good? 23 “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?” (Luke 5:23)

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Forgiveness comes from God. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 5:20)

“Doing What Is Right – 3” 21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21) Did you notice the order of events?

“Doing What Is Right – 3” 1. Jesus saw their faith. For the most part people believe reality is made up of what you see—the natural order.

“Doing What Is Right – 3” When these men act on the fact that Jesus is God, which means that the natural order conforms to the non-natural order, Jesus calls that faith. This story is indicative of how faith functions.

“Doing What Is Right – 3” 2. But as always, nothing with Jesus is as it appears. They want him to walk. Jesus wants to give him a new heart. The Greek word translated “forgiven,” means “to leave or let go,” “to give up a debt,” “to send away from oneself.”

“Doing What Is Right – 3” 5 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:5)

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Are you carrying a heavy burden for the sins you’ve committed? 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) 13 Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Healing comes from God. 24 “But that you may know that the son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…’ He said to the paralyzed man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’ Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.” (Luke 5:24)

“Doing What Is Right – 3” The Jewish culture believed that sin and suffering were connected. Jesus’ power to heal was a visible affirmation of his power to forgive sins. Does God still heal today?

James 5:15 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If they has sinned, he will be forgiven.

James 5:16 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Faith brings us to Jesus (5:18-20). The paralyzed man’s friends impressed Jesus with their initiative. Who do you know that needs a friend? Are you the one with faith to bring them to Jesus?

“Doing What Is Right – 3” For better or for worse, our faith affects others. Look for opportunities to bring your friends to the living God - Jesus.

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Do you know someone who needs to hear Jesus say to them, “Your sins are forgiven”? 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. (Luke 5:26)

“Doing What Is Right – 3” Conclusion May God work in your life to bring forgiveness, healing & faith to you and those around you to the praise and glory of God.