Lesson 2 - Faith at Work

1. Think of a time when you have seen faith at work. What were the results of that faith?
It is interesting to see the results of faith, and the lack of faith. When I was asked to work in the children's ministry, I was not at all confident in my abilities, but through faith I accepted the challenge ahead, and it has been God who has made everything possible. On the other hand, when you aren't 100% faithful and try to control situations, difficulties tend to follow. Trusting in the Lord sounds so simple, but is the hardest thing to do.

Luke 5: 17-26

2. This group of men brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus. What do you think they thought Jesus would do for him?
I believe that they thought the son of man would heal their friend. Not only did they think this, they pursued this whole heartedly so that their friend could be before Jesus, using any means necessary.

3. What risks and obstacles did the men face because of the crowd around Jesus?
They could not get the attention of Jesus, nor could they work their way close enough to him. Not only this, but they had to get a paralyzed man up on the roof, AND make an opening in the roof large enough so that the friend could be lowered into the room with Jesus. Aside from these obstacles, I wonder what laws were violated in destroying property?

4. What were the pros and cons of their plan to let their friend down through the roof?
Pro - he would be healed and would walk out of the room; the friends demonstrated great faith in Jesus to accept what was happening, and to heal the sick; the might and power of Jesus was demonstrated to all; it demonstrated just how different Jesus was from the Pharisees.
Con - any number of accidents could have occurred in this plan; Jesus could have become angry with the interruption; the friend may not have been healed; laws of the day could have been broken.

5. What did the fact that these men would do anything to get their friend to Jesus reveal about their view of Jesus?
They revered him as a teacher and healer. They trusted him and had great faith for the miracles that he could perform.

6. Why was Jesus' first response to forgive rather than to heal?
In those days, "forgiveness" typically involved sacrifices and gifts; it was as if forgiveness had to be purchased. Jesus shook the foundation of sin by forgiving without sacrifice, and by demonstrating that he was God and had authority to forgive.

7. In what way did the four friends' faith in Jesus affect the life of the paralyzed man?
Not only did it physically heal the man, but it also renewed his spirit, and gave him hope in seemingly impossible things. He was also forgiven so that he could spend eternity with God.

8. In what ways does your faith affect others around you?
I would hope that my faith encourages others to see things differently than the flesh would have them see things. When the impossible lurks about, I try to point out the positives that are happening, or the growth that is occurring. It is hard to light when you are so far down in the pit of despair. I would hope that my faith also encourages others to do more soul searching and truly examine who they are and who they need to be; and take the steps to walk closer with Christ.

9. List some practical ways we can show our faith in Jesus Christ.
Attitude - if you trust in Jesus and God's plan for your life, your attitude should reflect that of peace and stewardship.
Generosity - Jesus was the most generous person - not only did he give of his time, his treasures, his wisdom, he gave his life for those who sin.
Constantly return to him - pray for good and bad; thank him for EVERYTHING; even the parking space near the front. Ask him for help, for comfort, for understanding, for peace. He will grant it. Ask him for protection; he is almighty.

10. What risks or obstacles have you faced in living out your beliefs?
I completely pushed away some of my family for a time. It is our job to share the good word, but it is the holy spirit's job to convict and help change. If someone is not ready, or is resisting, anger can occur.

11. In what way have those difficulties stretched and strengthened your faith?
When we began to talk again, we began a debate on beliefs. Not only did I have to consider her belief system, but I also had to re-examine my own and make sure I was not following blindly.

12. In what way have you seen God bless people who trust in him?
I have seen the seriously ill become healed. I have seen people on their death bed come back. People's finances work out despite what logically should happen. Support occurs where none was present before. Pain and hurt, physically and emotionally, are healed so that their testimony shines brightly for others.