One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! —John 5:5-9 (NLT)

You can have progress or excuses but you can’t have both.

1. The position filter.

Any filter that causes you to empower circumstances is a faulty filter.

…despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. —Romans 8:37 (NLT)

2. The people filter.

Any filter that causes you to hold other people responsible for your life is a faulty filter.

…why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? —Matthew 7:3 (NLT)

3. The possibility filter.

Any filter that keeps you from doing what Jesus asks is a faulty filter.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

1. What has been some of the hardest position filters for you to correct? Why?

2. What do you see as your greatest weakness? How do you see God using it?

3. Is there any benefit in blaming other people for your outcome? Why or why not?

4. Do you think it’s hard to trust God’s plan for your life? Why or why not?

5. What part of this message resonated with you?

6. What can we do to put this message into practice this week?