First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Lord’s Day August 3, 2003 Anno Domini

Matthew 9:1-8

Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.

  I.  They brought the paralytic to him.
 

      A.  The means they employed. (Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26).
      B.  The conclusion Christ drew.
      C.  The function of faith. (Galatians 3:8-9; Isaiah 26:3; John 1:12;
Gal 2:16).
     

  II.  Your sins are forgiven you.
 

      A.  Jesus’ priority. (Romans 5:9ff; 1John 4:9-10; 1Tim 1:15.)
      B.  Jesus’ authority. (Matt 7:29; Matt 8:3; Matt 8:16; Matt 8:27;
Matt 9:6)
      C.  Jesus’ gift to the paralytic man. (James 5:16; 1Corinthians
15:42-44)
     

   III. Which is easier?
 

      A.  This man blasphemes. (Matt 26:65; Isaiah 43:25; Micah 7:18;
Exodus 3:4-6).
      B.  Said within themselves. (John 2:23-25; John 1:47-48; John 1:49;
Matt 15:19; Hebrews 4:12).
      C.  Testimony of the divinity of Jesus.
     

  IV.  But that you may know...
 

      A.  Opponents of the gospel refuse to know.
      B.  The multitudes marvelled and glorified God.
      C.  The former paralytic walked home.
     

  V.  Where do you fit in this setting?
 

      A.  Do you know the power and authority of Jesus Christ?
      B.  Do you know God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ?
      C.  Are you expecting to be healed through Jesus Christ? (John
5:25-29).
     

Pastor Christian Adjemian, Dipl.Div., Ph.D.

pastor@reformedprescambridge.com phone: 617.864.3185