The Gang of Four

Mark 2:1-12 The Gang of Four

A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick


Introduction:

    A. There is a great concern today about "gangs".

    THE CONTEMPORARY DEFINITION OF A GANG IS: A group of three or more people who associate together, have a common identity and engage in criminal or delinquent activity. The gang may use a name, color, clothing style, tattoos, or other items to identify themselves.

    WHY DO PEOPLE JOIN GANGS? For attention, excitement; or due to , peer pressure, protection, and financial gain. Parents may not be aware of their child's involvement. Parents should discuss gangs with their child and actively discourage gang association.

    WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF GANG ASSOCIATION? Behavior changes such as: a decline in grades, truancy, graffiti in the youth's room, on school folders or on clothes, wearing of certain style or color of clothes, breaking of curfew, change in friends, drug and/or alcohol use, or possession of money or items that a parent cannot explain.

    SOME ITEMS OF GANG PARAPHERNALIA:

      CLOTHING: Style shows the group that youths associate with.

      COLORS: Various colors may be signs of gang association.

      GRAFFITI: Graffiti appears on books, posters, bedroom walls, interior of vehicles, doors and furniture.

      JEWELRY: Accessories: belt buckles, bracelets, necklaces, key chains, earrings, and rings are all commonly used.

      PHOTOGRAPHS: Pictures of your child with other gang members is a clear indicator.

      WEAPONS: Youths involved with gangs commonly carry weapons; baseball bats, tire irons, spiked wrist bands, a pipe, "martial arts" weapons, knives, "look alike" pellet guns, and guns.

    HOW DO GANGS FUNCTION? Gangs thrive on intimidation and publicity. Violence is common in gangs and is used to maintain its status.

    WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF INVOLVEMENT? Gangs are a terrible burden on society.

      Parents can be subjected to heavy financial bills for legal services, medical treatment, jail housing, and restitution to victims. The gang involved youth can expect to be arrested and prosecuted for their criminal activity.

    WHAT DO GANGS DO? Gangs differ from other groups in that they engage in criminal activity. Gang members commit a variety of crimes: robbery, burglary, thefts, vandalism, assaults, arson, witness intimidation, weapons and narcotic offenses.

      Graffiti is probably the most visible and common crime. Gangs use graffiti to let the community know they exist, to mark their territory, to make statements about their gang, or to issue challenges to other gangs.

      Gang members actively seek violent conflicts: murder, assaults with deadly weapons drive by shootings, and batteries. Gang violence often claims innocent victims. Crimes are committed for economic gain or to enhance the gang's reputation.

    B. As we look at the Scripture in Mark 2, we're saying that here is a "Gang of Four", but obviously an example of a very different kind of "Gang".

    C. Jesus having arrived back at headquarters town, Capernaum, the crowds reassemble at Peter's home.

    There Jesus "preached", i.e. "chatted" the Word of God. Suddenly the roof was violently opened, and the "Gang of Four" make their presence known.

There are Three Questions:

I. Question 1: Why did Jesus forgive the man's sins?

    A. That's really what the man needed, at least the greater need, perhaps not realized by him.

    B. That's really what the man wanted, although perhaps unknown to his friends.

    C. That's what the Pharisees believed, this man must have sinned.

    D. To demonstrate His power to forgive sins; here was a prime "teaching moment".

* Lesson: "Jesus, as God, provides forgiveness."

II. Question 2: Why should we applaud the "Gang of Four"?

    A. They cared enough to help a friend. (Remember pool side healing recorded in John 5? The ill man said, "I have no man".) We engage in group prayer, and group assistance when another member is in need. When we do, we are being like the "Gang of Four".

    B. These men worked together as a team, doing together what none of them could do alone. They utilized combined strength and a willingness to cooperate.

    This is contrary to the prevailing attitude as expressed by the 4 year old, "I'll do it all by myfelf"; or the song, "I'll do it my way." For many, the message is, "do it my way, or not at all."

    C. They also exhibited persistence. Remember Jesus' words, "Pray and don't faint". They also exhibited creativity. "People crowded around the door? No problem, we'll go in by the roof!"

    D. And they demonstrated their faith, as we can see from the words, "when Jesus saw their faith."

*Lesson: "God wants people to be involved in others' healing."

III. Question 3: What did the afflicted man do?

    A. At first, he did nothing; just laid there, allowing others to do for him what he couldn't do for himself.

    B. He also apparently refrained from questioning or arguing - the Pharisees did that.

    C. And he simply obeyed - got up and walked out, carrying his bed.

*Lesson: Relax (let others help); Receive (forgiveness and healing); Rejoice (and inspire others too).

Conclusion:

My Three Questions:

    1. Do you know that Jesus has power and willingness to forgive, and that His forgiveness will impact your well being?

    2. What are you doing to team up with other believers to bring people to Jesus for their healing of body and soul?

    3. Are you willing to "Trust and Obey"?

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