February 6,
2005: In a sermon based on Matt. 9:1-13,
Joe Bartemus, Pastor of Adult Education, reminded us that Jesus’ power over
nature, the supernatural, and sin is a display of more than his physical
strength. It is a display of the Divine and his power to forgive. May we
rejoice this day that Jesus Christ is able to forgive sin – even able to
forgive us!
1.
“Who forgives sin?” (v. 1-8). Of
course, the answer is “Jesus”, but so often we lose focus of the power and
truth of this fact! As Pastor Joe stated, “What Christ considers as utmost
importance in matters of the kingdom is not to heal the sick or calm the waves,
but to have a right relationship with his people through forgiveness.”
a.
How do
the cares of this life often take your focus off of Christ? Consider your
prayer life – how much time do you spend focusing on physical issues over the
eternal aspects of Christ’s Kingdom? How do both of these aspects of life
coincide as we minister to others?
b.
As
Pastor Joe said during the Sunday evening service, “When you come to grips with
Jesus forgiving you, you will forgive others” (cf. Matt. 6:12). Is there anyone
in your life that you need to remove some barriers (e.g, sin, bitterness, wrong
assumptions due to rumors) in order to have a right relationship with them?
2.
“Who
receives forgiveness?” (v. 9). Jesus forgives individuals! He calls us by name!
And he is not a respecter of persons – he calls the “good”, the bad, and the
ugly.
a.
If you
have not shared testimonies before, use this time for group members to share
how Christ opened their eyes to saving faith in Him.
b.
What
assumption does the fact that Matthew followed Christ (v. 9) upon being called
make about the nature of salvation and discipleship?
3.
“What
is the extent of forgiveness?” (v. 10-13). After Matthew’s conversion, he had a
party at his house, inviting all of his ragamuffin friends to meet Jesus. As
Pastor Joe mentioned, the collection of people at this party were considered
the worst sinners in all of Israel!
They were in cahoots with the Roman authorities collecting taxes and
often times pocketing some of the proceeds themselves.
a.
Do you
have a heart full of love for the lost people of the World? Of your own
neighborhood? How is it being acted out?
b.
What
are ways that you act as if God’s forgiveness cannot reach certain people? How
do you, in contrast to Christ, live as a respecter of persons – between the
business “ladder” at work, the social strata of church, and the level of income
you make? What kind of people do you avoid?
c.
Who
are the least likely people in American culture to receive Christ? Do you pray
for these people? Do you sorrow and grieve over them?