Marcus' story is a great example of a what is described by 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Continue reading vs 18-20.
Marcus is a guy who has been made new (v17) because he accessed God through Jesus having forgiven his sins by His death on the cross (v18-19). Marcus has now become an agent for change in his home, work, and community (v20). Marcus' story is a textbook Gospel and we can experience the same power in our own lives!
Marcus' life was handcuffed and crippled by his sin. Why is sin so dangerous?
Why, then, is sin so appealing?
How can you defeat sin?
By the time you finally realize that sin is destroying you, not fulfilling you, you simultaneously realize that you can't beat sin on your own. You may have some momentary victories, but until Jesus changes your heart, you'll continue to fail in your efforts to fix yourself. You don't need an upgraded version of yourself, you need to be made new completely. That can only be done by the one who actually defeated sin - Jesus.
Do you ever feel to ashamed by your sin to come to God?
When Marcus finally wanted to make a change, he thought God would not want to listen to him, and especially not answer his prayer. He said he knew he was "dirty." When you find yourself caught in sin, don't believe the lie that you're too dirty to go to God. His qualification is that you acknowledge your dirtiness and then He promises to make you clean. Let your struggle with sin press you into God's presence, not away from Him.
When Marcus gave his life to Jesus, he actually lost his popularity/status and higher income that he had before he came to Jesus, yet he was somehow happier. Discuss how this is possible.
Marcus' joy was at an all-time high, even though income and status were at an all-time low because his joy was now bound up in something (someone) that can't be taken from him – Jesus.
As God's presence has rubbed off on Marcus, Marcus' presence has begun to positively rub off on those around him. Knowing this, what do you think the best way to reflect God is?
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