Sinners: A Call to the Sick

The Controversy of Jesus

1. Jesus attracts SINNERS. (Mk 2:13-15)



2. Jesus evokes CRITICISM. (Mk 2:16)



3. Jesus invites the SICK. (Mk 2:17)

What's your DIAGNOSIS?

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Mark 2:13-17

1. Since He had not yet died on the cross, how could Jesus offer forgiveness to the paralytic (Matthew 2:1-12) and Levi (Mk 2:13-17)?
   (Faith in Jesus is the only thing that ever saved anyone. Some, before His death on the cross [including those saved in OT times], believed in what He was going to do, others, like us, believe in what He had already done. Both are by faith.)
    
2. In Mk 2:17, Jesus makes an analogy and a mission statement. Was He saying the scribes and Pharisees were actually righteous and didn’t need Him?
   (NO! Jesus was graciously deflecting their objections. They knew from the OT that there was “none righteous”, though they were acting as though they were righteous. Jesus was simply saying, “You are righteous? I am not here for you. I am here for people who recognize their need.)
    
3. If we are to imitate Jesus and be a “friend of sinners”, and at the same time “not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18), how can we effectively do both at the same time without violating the other?

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another.

Faith: Healed and Forgiven

Which character are you in this story?

1. Are you one of the FOUR FRIENDS ? (Mk 2:3-4)


2. Are you a SRIBE ? (Mk 2:6-7)



How would I know if I'm a scribe?



1. No one meets your STANDARD.


2. You are known more for what you are AGAINST than what you are FOR.


3. You look down on those who don't know as much BIBLE as you.


4. You are obsessed with the SINS of others.


3. Are you the PARALYTIC ? (Mk 2:5,9-11)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Mark 2:1-12

1. What is legalism? Why is legalism dangerous, individually and to the church?
   (Answer: Believing that keeping a list of rules makes you a better, more “spiritual” person. It is also when you enforce your convictions upon others. Danger is when you start believing that you are righteous by what you do, and “enforcing” convictions upon others always causes disunity.)
    
2. What is a creative way you can invite/bring an unsaved/unchurched friend to worship service at HBC?
   (No lying or “bait and switch” allowed!!!)
    
3. How should the church leadership best handle someone who is constantly looking for something to be negative about / complain / criticize? (Note: I’m asking for a friend.)

Breakout Questions:

1. If your friends dropped you in front of Jesus today, what would He rightly perceive to be the greatest need in your life right now? Pray as a group to bring it before Jesus right now!

Prayer: First Priority

When I live under the authority of Jesus:

1. Prayer is the PRIORITY. (Mk 1:38)


2. How to make prayer MY priority: (Mk 1:35)


1. Don't make prayer the LAST thing you do.
   Make prayer the FIRST thing you do.


2. Don't hope that you get a CHANCE to pray.
   Be INTENTIONAL about praying.


3. Don't allow DISTRACTIONS. Go somewhere where prayer is all you FOCUS on.

Matthew 6:6 - But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Sermon Audio: (no recording)

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Mark 1:35-39

1. Does prayer seem like a chore to you? Why or why not? Why do you think most Christians struggle with prayer?
    
2. What stands out to you about Jesus’ example in prayer? Why do you think Jesus made prayer such a priority? What does that tell you about the way we should make prayer a priority?

Breakout Questions:

1. What is your “prayer plan”? Do you have one? What changes do you need to make to pray like Jesus’ example: first, intentional, and distraction­-free?
    
2. Pray for one another.

Healing: Ultimate Authority

When I live under the authority of Jesus:

1. I stand in AWE of Jesus. (Mk 1:21-22)



Matthew 28:18 - And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."



2. I SHARE Jesus with others. (Mk 1:23-28)


3. I serve Jesus out of GRATITUDE. (Mk 1:29-34)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Sermon Audio: (no recording)

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Mark 1:21-34

1. Share the last time Jesus really amazed you. Either something He did in your life, or something from His Word that blew you away. (Mark 1:21-22)
    
2. Do you believe demons are active today? Why or why not? In the case of answering “yes”, how would you know if someone has a demon?

Breakout Questions:

1. Have a “Motive Check” with each other.­ Have you been serving the Lord out of gratitude? Or have you been in a season of serving Him with some other motive (obligation, routine, etc)?
    
2. Pray for one another.

Follow: Drop Everything

Gospel in two words: REPENT and BELIEVE . (Mk 1:14-15)

Discipleship in two words: FOLLOW JESUS . (Mk 1:16-20)

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

1 Peter 2:21 - For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

How do I follow Jesus?

1. Do it IMMEDIATELY.


2. Leave some things BEHIND.


3. Be in the WAY.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Mark 1:14-20

1. Is it possible to receive salvation without repentance? How would you describe repentance to someone? (Mark 1:14-15)
    
2. What does it mean to “follow Jesus”? (Mark 1:17-18)
   Note: Remember the word “follow” in Mk 1:18 means “to be found in the same way”. What does that mean?

Breakout Questions:

1. Is there anything in your life right now that is inhibiting your walk with Jesus? That is, “I believe I would be following Jesus better if I stopped ______________________.” What “net” do you need to drop? (Mark 1:18)
    
2. Pray for one another.