In what ways can we show faith that leads to spiritual healing today? Setting the Scene in Mark 2:5 “ When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ ” The Lord’s first response to the paralyzed man was not physical healing but the far deeper miracle of spiritual cleansing. Jesus acted when He “saw their faith.” The friends’ trust in Christ opened the door for forgiveness, revealing that faith remains God’s appointed means for spiritual restoration. What Jesus Looks for Today • A faith that comes to Him without excuses • A faith willing to overcome obstacles (rooftops and crowds then, distractions and doubts now) • A faith that values the healing of the soul above every other need Practical Ways to Show Faith That Leads to Spiritual Healing • Approach His throne confidently – “Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) – Come honestly, trusting His promise to forgive and cleanse. • Intercede for others who cannot or will not come on their own – The four friends model persistent, believing intercession. – James 5:15: “And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick… If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” • Confess and turn from sin – 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – True faith agrees with God about sin and gladly receives His cleansing. • Obey immediately when Christ speaks – After forgiving, Jesus told the man, “Get up.” The man acted, proving his trust. – James 2:17: “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” • Stand on grace, not performance – Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works.” – Spiritual healing flows from accepting Christ’s finished work, not striving to earn it. • Persist with bold, even unconventional courage – The roof-breaking episode shows that faith refuses to quit. – Bartimaeus shouted until Jesus healed him (Mark 10:52). Faith keeps calling on Christ. • Surround yourself with faith-filled companions – The paralytic benefited from a believing community. – Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to spur one another on; faith grows in fellowship. • Fill your mind with Scripture’s promises – Romans 5:1: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – The Spirit applies the Word to convict, assure, and heal the inner man. • Give thanks in advance – Gratitude signals confident expectation that God will do what He said. – Philippians 4:6-7 couples thankful prayer with God’s guarding peace. Why These Steps Matter Faith is not wishful thinking; it is reliance on the sure, inerrant Word of God. By trusting Christ’s authority to forgive sins and following Him with obedient hearts, believers today experience the same spiritual healing the paralytic received—cleansed consciences, restored fellowship with God, and lives transformed for His glory. |
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