How to Have a Fresh START with Faith

A sermon idea based on Mark 10:46-52.

Mark 10:46-52 NRSV

[46] They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” [48] Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” [49] Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” [50] So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. [51] Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” [52] Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Angle

The relevant topic I would be addressing, based on this text…

God has taken the initiative to offer us a saving relationship with himself, but if we want to experience the full healing and renewal of that offer, we must overcome our pride and express our dependence boldly.

Anchor

Disclaimer: The five main points of this outline were not my idea but came from a message by Pastor Tom Holladay. His sermon is available on pastors.com. 

Information about the text that matters to the message, a potential outline, key truths to share, etc.

It’s possible, as we enter into a new season, that you’ve felt stuck. Maybe you’ve felt that way for some time.

You’re not alone. You’re probably surrounded by people who feel the same way.

The problem with getting stuck is that we often spend so much of our own energy trying to wrestle our way out that we exhaust ourselves.

Here’s the good news: Jesus came to help you get unstuck!

He’s done all that is necessary to help you move forward in your life. His death paved the way for the forgiveness of our sins and his resurrection shows us that the power of God is available to us for overcoming our greatest enemies – sin, death, and the grave.

Look at the steps Bartimaeus took to have a fresh start with Jesus in his life, and see how we can follow his example.

FIVE STEPS TO A FRESH S.T.A.R.T. WITH FAITH

1. Seize the moment!

An opportunity came along, and Bartimaeus took it! He began to shout!

We are notorious procrastinators, even on spiritual things. We make excuses, put off the obvious, and remain stuck.

See Proverbs 27:1 and Psalm 90:12.

2. Tame your fear.

Our biggest enemy holding us back from seizing the day is fear. And in the face of fear, Bartimaeus shouted louder!

Bartimaeus must have felt the fear of disapproval. He probably heard the voices you and I hear as well, saying ”

• “Don’t make a scene.”
• “Surely God doesn’t want you.”
• “What will people think.”

When you hear those voices, remind yourself that people aren’t focused on you. They’re focused on themselves!

3. Announce your faith.

In front of all the people, Jesus asked, “Bartimaeus, what do you want me to do for you?”

Why did he ask him in front of all those people? Because he knew the benefits of a public announcement of faith.

How do we announce our faith? 2 Ways…

• Baptism
• Telling someone else our faith story

4. Receive God’s grace.

5. Take the next step.

Two phrases from the story show us a contrast in Bartimaeus before and after his decision.

“Bartimaeus… was sitting by the road…” (v. 46)

“Instantly… he followed Jesus down the road.” (v. 52)

Which describes you? Sitting and stuck? Or getting up and going forward with Jesus?

Application

The big call-to-action in the message…

What do you need to do today to follow Jesus by faith? If you’re stuck, own it and decide that you’ll set aside your pride and embrace a pathway of humility.

 

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About the Cover Art: Lord, that I might see!, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.