The loving God renews - Mark 2:1-12

Intro: Just wait a little longer

           1) God promised the removal of the problem (Gen 3 v 15)

 

Sin is not the end of the story;

 

• One day the serpent crusher will come

 

• One day the relationship with God will be renewed

 

• The start and the end are not completely symmetrical

 

God’s people will love God as their saviour as well as their maker

 

 

        2) Jesus proved he was removing the problem (Mark 2 v 1-12)

 

Jesus renews by forgiving the man’s sin;

 

• WHY? Because sin is the problem

 

• HOW? Because he is God in flesh

 

• PROVE IT! “Get up, take up your mat, and go home.”

 

The cross of Christ, the empty tomb and ultimate renewal

 

            3) God guarantees that one day he will make “all things new” (Rev 21 v 5)

Rev 20v11-15: Sin and sinners dealt with forever

 

Rev 21v 1-5 and 22v1-5: NEW heavens, NEW earth, NEW relationships, NEW security. Everything NEW.

 

The curse is gone and we are face to face with God our saviour.

 

 

Exhortation: Think deeply, talk much, proclaim boldly, live these truths

 

Memory verse: Rev 21 v 5

“He who was seated on the throne said, ’I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”

 

Questions for Life Groups:

• Quickly look through the whole of Genesis 3. Why is sin the ultimate explanation for all that is wrong? How is verse 15 key to the renewal of everything?
• Read Mark 2 v 1-12. How does this healing prove who Jesus is and what he is here to do?
• Read Revelation 20v11 – 21v5. How should we respond to the reality of Hell and the certainty of the new creation?