Which One Are You?

Mark, chapter number two.

Scripture Reference

Mark 2:1-12

And again he entered into Capernaum after some days. And it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door; and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee? or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all: insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Introduction

Sermon Title: “Which One Are You?” — Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu

In Mark 2:1-12 we meet a crowded house, a desperate friend, a bedridden sinner, and a Savior who meets needs—both physical and spiritual. Dr. Terry LeQuieu uses this passage to show that in every church service there are three basic categories of people: those who block the way, those who bring men to Christ, and those who are bedridden with sin. The passage calls us to self-examination and action. Which one are you?

So let’s make sure we stay here and seated during the preaching of the Word of God.

Quote from Preacher

The quote above is taken verbatim from the transcript and corrected for punctuation and capitalization. It introduces the preacher’s pastoral tone and the expectation of reverence during the Word’s proclamation.

Outline

Those Who Are Blocking The Way
1. Definition and picture
  “The press” (Mark 2:4) speaks of a crowd that obstructs access. In the story some were literally preventing access to Jesus. In our churches today people can block the way by selfishness, cliquish behavior, pride, gossip, and carnal criticism (see 3 John 9-10 for a parallel in Diotrephes who loved preeminence).
2. Behaviors that block
  Critical, self-centered attitudes (holier-than-thou), exclusiveness, gossip, cliques, and pride. These attitudes repel seekers and wound the testimony of a church.
3. Consequences
  Visitors see division and hypocrisy and are discouraged from coming. The world will not be drawn to Christ by a church that fights or is careless with its witness (1 Cor. 3:1-5 addresses division and carnality).
4. Practical checks
  Ask yourself: Do I welcome newcomers? Do I point people to Jesus or to myself? Am I quick to criticize pastors and leaders publicly? Leaders must set the example in punctuality, humility, and hospitality.
Those Who Are Bringing Men To Christ
1. Illustration in the text
  Four friends carried a bed to Jesus, climbed the roof, tore it up, and lowered the lame man down (Mark 2:3-4). Their determination accomplished what the press prevented.
2. Keys of faithful friends
  Compassion — they loved their friend. Conviction — they believed Jesus could help. Concentration — they kept the main thing the main thing. Cooperation — they worked together. Continuation — they persisted despite obstacles. Commitment — they fulfilled their promise. These qualities are replicable in modern ministries: bus ministries, visitation, inviting, driving, praying, and giving.
3. Teamwork and responsibility
  One person often cannot do it all. The four men show us teamwork: “the body” of believers working together for a soul. Small acts (giving a ride, a tract, an invitation, a phone call) are often the means God uses to save a soul (1 Cor. 3:6—Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase).
4. Practical application
  Make ways, don’t make excuses. Be punctual. Volunteer for visitation and transportation. Pray for and act on clear opportunities to share Christ. Don’t underestimate your part—your small obedience may be the bridge to someone’s salvation.
Those Who Are Bedridden With Sin
1. Who is this man?
  The lame man could not come by himself. His need was spiritual as well as physical. He represents sinners who are helpless to reach Jesus without aid (compare John 5:1-9—the man at Bethesda who needed a helper).
2. Jesus’ answer
  Jesus first addresses sin—“Son, thy sins be forgiven thee”—then He addresses the physical need: “Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk” (Mark 2:5, 11-12). Salvation is primary; healing and new life flow from it.
3. Modern parallels
  People today are “bedridden” by sin: alcoholism, sexual immorality, theft, pride, self-reliance, and moralism. They need someone who will bring them to Christ, and they need Christ’s forgiveness and a changed life.
4. Practical points
  No one is born saved. Rituals and membership do not save. A specific personal trust in Christ is required. Churches must be ready to lead seekers to Christ with gentleness and clarity—and to follow up with discipleship.

Summary

Mark 2:1-12 shows a crowded room, a determined quartet, a helpless man, and a Savior who claims authority to forgive sins and to heal. In every congregation you will find three categories: those who block the way (discouraging, proud, critical), those who bring men to Christ (compassionate, cooperative, committed), and those who are bedridden with sin (helpless, in need of a Saviour). The passage calls believers to examine their role and respond faithfully: stop blocking the way; be the friend who brings others to Jesus; and if you are the one in need, come to Christ today. The Gospel always begins with forgiveness and leads to new life.

There are three types of people that are mentioned in this specific passage. And the title of the message this morning is which one are you?

Quote to Ponder

This quote is taken exactly from the transcript (with corrected capitalization and punctuation). It is Dr. LeQuieu’s central challenge to every hearer: to identify which of the three categories they occupy and move toward Biblically faithful action.

Application for the Week

Practical, measurable steps to live out this sermon in the next seven days. Pick a minimum of three actions you will commit to—and write them down where you will see them daily.

Evaluate Your Heart
1. Self-check: Each morning this week ask, “Am I welcoming or am I blocking?” Write one example where your attitude or words either helped a seeker or hindered them.
Be a Friend Who Brings
1. Invite one person to church—this week call, text, or knock on a neighbor’s door and personally invite them to next Sunday’s service. If transportation is the obstacle, offer a ride and follow through.
2. Give one Gospel tract and pray for the person each day. Keep it simple: a short invitation, a Bible verse (John 3:16), and an offer for follow-up.
Serve the Body
1. If you serve, be punctual: Arrive early to your ministry duty this week—set your alarm earlier, prepare the night before, and be ready on time.
2. Show hospitality: Smile, greet visitors by name when possible, and introduce them to others. Be a friendly face that erases the “press.”
Help the Bedridden
1. If you are spiritually needy: Do not delay. Today, speak with a pastor or an altar worker. Use this week to pray, to confess your need, and to trust Christ for salvation.
2. If you know someone needy: Arrange to meet with them for a Bible reading (start with Mark or John), pray with them, and if necessary, bring them to church or to a Bible study.
Pray and Partner
1. Pray daily: Spend five minutes each morning praying for people in your circle who need Christ. Keep a short list of three names and rotate them through the week.
2. Partner with others: Join or start a team (bus ministry, visitation, greeters) to build the teamwork modeled by the four friends.

Start small, but start now. The four friends in Mark 2 did not wait for the perfect plan or the perfect toolbox—they acted in faith and love. You can do the same. Be the church that opens doors, not the church that blocks them. If you need help taking your next step—whether it’s becoming a Christian, inviting someone, or serving—speak with a pastor or an altar worker this week.