Spiritual Muscle

Spiritual Muscle Spiritual Muscle Michael Morse / General CrossFit / Faith; Humility; Patience; Perseverance; Healing / Luke 8:40-56 We increase our physical strength by working out our muscles, but we have a spiritual muscle that must be worked out also. Our spiritual muscle is faith. We have different exercises to strengthen our muscle physcially and so too we have different workouts to strengthen our spiritual muscle. Introduction 1. We have many different muscles in our body all with a specific purpose a. Some muscles push and others pull - some do both to maintain stability or support i. We know muscles need to be exercised in order to grow ii. We have different workout designed to use the muscles and exercise them as we stimulate the growth b. We have a spiritual muscle also that must be worked out also › SLIDE Faith is the spiritual muscle of our soul i. This muscle also needs to be worked out - as we learned before that faith is the strength for obedience - but faith is the strength for our whole spiritual lives ii. Our spiritual muscle - faith like other muscles needs to be exercised to stay healthy and to promote growth and to get stronger - but how how do we grow strength of faith? 1. It is similar to physical muscles - you exercise targeting the specific muscle with different workouts and exercises and resistance 2. There are workouts in our life that we must go through as we exercise our faith 2. Luke ends chapter 8 recounting how Jesus both heals a woman and raises a girl back to life a. I want us to follow along and see what spiritual workouts exercise and grow our faith so that we can gain a stronger faith › SLIDE Luke 8:40-42 CSB 40 When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus's feet and pleaded with him to come to his house, 42 because he had an only daughter about twelve years old, and she was dying. While he was going, the crowds were nearly crushing him. › SLIDE Luke 8:43-45 CSB 43 A woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years, who had spent all she had on doctors and yet could not be healed by any, 44 approached from behind and touched the end of his robe. Instantly her bleeding stopped. 45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you." › SLIDE Luke 8:46-48 CSB 46 "Someone did touch me," said Jesus. "I know that power has gone out from me." 47 When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched him and how she was instantly healed. 48 "Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has saved you. Go in peace." › SLIDE Luke 8:49-51 CSB 49 While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's house and said, "Your daughter is dead. Don't bother the teacher anymore." 50 When Jesus heard it, he answered him, "Don't be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved." 51 After he came to the house, he let no one enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child's father and mother. › SLIDE Luke 8:52-56 CSB 52 Everyone was crying and mourning for her. But he said, "Stop crying, because she is not dead but asleep." 53 They laughed at him, because they knew she was dead. 54 So he took her by the hand and called out, "Child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he gave orders that she be given something to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened. › SLIDE Humility › SLIDE Luke 8:40-42 CSB 40 When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Just then, a man named Jairus came. He was a leader of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus's feet and pleaded with him to come to his house, 42 because he had an only daughter about twelve years old, and she was dying. While he was going, the crowds were nearly crushing him. 1. Jesus returned from Decapolis back to Capernaum a. The crowds here welcomed Him unlike the crowds at Decapolis which welcomed His leaving them. i. They awaited Jesus with eager anticipation and enthusiasm b. It says that they were expecting Jesus - perhaps they were looking forward to seeing more miracles in their midst 2. As Jesus is being welcomed by crowds in expectation - one steps out from the crowd a. He too had been expecting Jesus i. His name was Jairus and he was the leader of the synagogue 1. Now his name is Greek from Jair - which means He (God) will awaken - not sure if that means anything but this is interesting considering what happens ii. As leader of the synagogue he was somewhat similar to the modern pastor 1. He would manage the spiritual and business affairs of the synagogue a. Appointed people for various tasks for the service i. to pray ii. to read the Scriptures iii. and give the sermon b. This would be the one who also setup itinerant preachers to come in to share 2. As leader of the synagogue in Capernaum he would have setup the different services where Jesus taught as well b. Perhaps this is why he came to meet Jesus at this time i. Remembering the miraculous things Jesus has done and how he has healed the sick 1. He instantly healed Peter's mother in law - who was severely ill - perhaps near to death ii. You see He too had someone in need of healing 1. His daughter only 12 years old was dying 2. He came to bring Jesus to heal her - her last hope 3. Humility strengthened Jairus' faith to go to Jesus a. His place in society was as an official of the synagogue and a representative of the Jewish establishment i. By this point in Jesus public ministry the Jewish leaders were already against Him ii. Perhaps even planning how they might kill Him or trap Him b. Desperation for his daughter told him Jesus was the one who could heal her i. He didnt come demanding from Jesus - he came humbly pleading with Him ii. It is interesting to note that faith takes many forms but it must always be exercised in humility 1. Chapter 7 the Centurion showed humble faith by not coming to Jesus - Jairus shows humble faith by coming to Jesus › SLIDE Faith is not demanding of Jesus, it is trust in Jesus exercised in humility 2. Humility is a work out that strengthens our faith in Jesus › SLIDE Perseverance › SLIDE - Luke 8:42b-45 Christian Standard Bible Chapter 8 While he was going, the crowds were nearly crushing him. 43 A woman suffering from bleeding for twelve years, who had spent all she had on doctors and yet could not be healed by any, 44 approached from behind and touched the end of his robe. Instantly her bleeding stopped. 45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you." › SLIDE Luke 8:46-48 CSB 46 "Someone did touch me," said Jesus. "I know that power has gone out from me." 47 When the woman saw that she was discovered, she came trembling and fell down before him. In the presence of all the people, she declared the reason she had touched him and how she was instantly healed. 48 "Daughter," he said to her, "your faith has saved you. Go in peace." 1. As they begin to go the crowds around Jesus is massive and huge a. Jesus is going with Jairus and the crowds are massive and it says nearly crushing them i. I do not like crowds and I would not like this crowd - the word for crush means thronged - designates a traffic jam of people, pressed together. ii. In fact the word used here is the same word for the thorns choking out the grain b. There is a woman amongst this crowd who has been suffering with a chronic issue i. Suffering for 12 years with a bleeding that consumed all she had and had exhausted all the doctors of that time could do 1. Without any healing 2. In fact it is noted instead that it grew worse › SLIDE Mark 5:26 CSB 26 had endured much under many doctors. She had spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse. ii. She was in this crowd seeking Jesus - to touch His robe 2. This woman's faith was exercised through perseverance to get to Jesus a. Her situation was affecting her both physically and spiritually i. Not only did her bleed affect her physically but she had no spiritual life as her bleeding made her ceremonially unclean and defiled unable to participate in the religious life of the nation ii. She was defiled, destitute, and desperate b. Looking for any hope of healing - whats that crowd - is that Jesus - yes it is i. She had perhaps heard of Jesus and that He could heal what no other could - oh if He has the power to heal if I could just get close › SLIDE Mark 5:28 CSB 28 For she said, "If I just touch his clothes, I'll be made well." ii. Check out what her perseverance drove her to do 1. The crowd was crushing - but she pushed through 2. She didnt let anything stop her from getting to Him - and the result was instantly her bleeding stopped a. After 12 years of constant and chronic ailment - instantly and immediately she was healed 3. Jesus stops and asks who touched me a. Everyone denied it and Peter must have rolled his eyes and sighed with incredulity at the question i. Who touched you? the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you 1. Like pressing out grapes 2. Like really the better question would be who isnt touching you ii. Jesus insists b. Someone did touch me - I know that power has gone out from me i. Power - dunamis - dynamite - explosive power 1. I find it very interesting that Jesus a source of infinite and unlimited power - knows when it has gone out from Him 2. Not because He only has so much left, but because Jesus experienced the healing of the woman a. When Jesus heals its not some power that He is just used to b. He experiences the healing that goes out from Him ii. The power and might of Jesus was so dynamite that instantly a 12 year chronic problem was gone 4. The woman saw she was discovered and came trembling before Jesus a. She came humbly to Jesus - and she declared the reason she had touched Him and how she was instantly healed. i. Trembling could be because she had to admit she possibly made Jesus unclean (in her mind) ii. Trembling because - what else do you do in the midst of someone with that kind of power - it is a trembling of the awe struck b. Jesus didnt have her come out - because she did anything wrong but so she could express her faith exercised through perseverance i. Jesus wanted to make a few things clear - 1. He said your faith has saved you a. Saved is literally healed › SLIDE His robe didnt heal her - it was her faith 2. He wanted to make a distinction - She touched Jesus differently than the crowds a. Others pressed against Him but none were healed - she was healed because she persevered in faith to touch Jesus i. It was a rebuke to the multitude ii. You can be a part of the crowd around Jesus and never get any blessing - its not by proximity but by faith › SLIDE Faith in Jesus opens the power of Jesus in your life b. She didnt allow doubts and fears and situations to stop her i. The crowd is too big ii. Jesus is busy heading somewhere iii. I have had this for this long and no one else could heal me iv. Faith exercised in perseverance says so what › SLIDE Perseverance makes sure we dont stop short of reaching out in faith to Jesus for help or healing 3. She didnt steal power or blessing from Jesus - because of her faith He gave her healing - she received it - just like we all do by faith › SLIDE Patience › SLIDE Luke 8:42,49 Luke 8:42 CSB 42 because he had an only daughter about twelve years old, and she was dying. While he was going, the crowds were nearly crushing him. › SLIDE Luke 8:49-50 CSB 49 While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's house and said, "Your daughter is dead. Don't bother the teacher anymore." 50 When Jesus heard it, he answered him, "Don't be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved." 1. Back to Jairus story which took a pause for this healing of this woman a. Jairus could be thinking - lets go lets go lets go - why are we wasting time i. Perhaps thinking - she has been this way 12 years - it could have waited my 12 year old daughter is dying ii. Oh thank you Jesus He is done - lets go 1. Can you feel the desperation and urgency fromJairus b. The comes a messenger with new for Jairus i. Dont bother the teacher anymore - your daughter is dead 1. The sinking feeling as the hope you had gone - stolen away 2. If only this woman hadnt come - Jesus healed her He could have healed my daughter if only we had made it in time ii. I believe Jesus stopped to question the woman - for her testimony of faith - because Jairus needed a stronger faith for his daughter › SLIDE Faith is contagious - more contagious than anything else - I encourage everyone to exercise it to pass it around in hopes everyone catches it 1. Share your moments and times of faith - it is inspiring and it will inspire others to greater faith 2. Jairus needed a greater faith than what he had already - He had to exercise his faith in patience a. Jairus exercised faith in humility going to Jesus and Jesus agreed to come heal i. But now that time was gone - his daughter died - He believed Jesus would come heal before his daughter died ii. He believed that heal meant keep his daughter from dying › SLIDE Faith must be tested - to produce patience b. It is easy to have faith and hope for healing while the person lives, but when they die - who can possibly bring back the dead i. A faith exercised in patience understands its not on our time › SLIDE God doesnt operate on our time table, but He isnt constrained by time either › SLIDE Faith exercised in patience endures God's timing c. Jesus answers and says - Dont be afraid, Only believe and she will be saved i. If we remove fear and doubt (which causes fears) we strengthen our faith ii. Jesus' words tell Jairus He must choose to put away fear and doubt and have faith in His timing 1. Faith does not believe and try to figure it out - nor is faith believing while afraid › SLIDE Hebrews 11:1 CSB 1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. › SLIDE It doesnt matter how long you have lived or how long you have lived without healing - Jesus can heal and save › SLIDE Trust Jesus › SLIDE Luke 8:50-53 CSB 50 When Jesus heard it, he answered him, "Don't be afraid. Only believe, and she will be saved." 51 After he came to the house, he let no one enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child's father and mother. 52 Everyone was crying and mourning for her. But he said, "Stop crying, because she is not dead but asleep." 53 They laughed at him, because they knew she was dead. › SLIDE Luke 8:54-56 CSB 54 So he took her by the hand and called out, "Child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he gave orders that she be given something to eat. 56 Her parents were astounded, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened. 1. Jesus entered the house of Jairus and let no one else in except Peter, James and John as well as Jairus and his wife. a. Everyone told Jairus dont worry about it - she is dead its done i. The messenger ii. Everyone at the house - including the mourners b. Jesus says stop crying she is not dead but asleep i. They all laughed at Him and mocked Him - they KNEW she was dead c. Jesus took the girl by the hand and called out i. Child - get up 1. Her spirit returned to her - because she was dead and not asleep 2. She got up at once a. Any one with teenagers knows this is a miracle when they live - more so when they are dead ii. The girl was returned to normal life fully well - no longer sick and in fact ready to live - by eating 2. Jairus faith trusted Jesus over the others a. They were convinced she was dead - beating their breast in mourning b. Jesus said she merely sleeps - why was she only asleep? i. It was not a denial of the fact she died - but a revealing of death in the presence of Jesus › SLIDE Death in the presence of Jesus is temporary like sleep ii. Sleep is a normal experience that we do not fear (unless we are toddlers) we do not fear sleep and with Jesus we should not fear death either 1. It is the body that will sleep - the soul will go to be with Christ › SLIDE Philippians 1:20-21 CSB 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. › SLIDE Philippians 1:22-24 CSB 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ-which is far better-24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. › SLIDE 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 CSB 6 So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2. We know that Jairus believed Jesus - Jesus said only believe and she will be saved - she was saved a. Everyone else said she was dead - Jesus says she sleeps and He woke her up b. Who would you trust? › SLIDE Trusting Jesus exercises our faith - we believe Him and His word over even what we see Conclusion I dont believe that Jesus demands us all to have the same amount of faith - but that we exercise our faith to grow our spiritual muscle stronger Dont be afraid to exercise your faith openly - especially for our kids and those in our lives, they need to see us operating in faith - because faith is contagious and when we live in faith others catch faith and are inspired to faith Bumping into Jesus here or there because you are part of a crowd isnt the same as reaching out to touch Jesus in faith - until you reach out to Jesus in faith you wont experience healing or salvation I believe that Jesus healed both the way He did because He wants us to grow in our faith. Faith to have a new view on sickness and death - this life is not all there is. Sometimes our loved ones will die though we want them healed - but I believe that is where Jesus wants our faith to grow stronger - knowing that in death our loved ones arent gone forever they are gone to the presence of the Lord - and they are healed completely and totally never to experience the pain of sickness, age, decay or any symptom of sin from this world again. Death has no victory for the Christian! Jesus worked with imperfect faith from this woman and Jairus - Jesus doesnt ask that have perfect faith but that we exercise faith in Him - trusting Him for healing and salvation as the son of God Savior of the World. › SLIDE Mark 9:24 CSB 24 Immediately the father of the boy cried out, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" Jesus answers even this prayer - to have eternal life all He asks is that we place our faith and trust in Him as our Savior - trusting in Him for salvation Page . 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