Sermon Note on Perseverance Has A Reward

 Theme: The Presence of God

Topic: Perseverance Has A Reward Text: John 5:1 – 9 

Introduction: “There is no royal road to anything; one thing at a time, all things in succession.  That which grows fast withers as rapidly; that which grows slowly endures” so says J.G. Holland. This saying brings me to the topic I have chosen to speak on. The theme of 3rd Sunday after Epiphany in the Church Year calendar of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion is ‘The Presence of God.’ However, I have chosen to speak on the topic: ‘Perseverance Has A Reward.’ Indeed there is a reward for whatever we do whether good or bad. For whatsoever we do either in open or secret, there is a reward. Therefore we must be careful.

Development: The story in our text is well known to us. We have severally heard different preachers speak on this text. However, I want to look at it from another angle: Perseverance and its reward. This man was sick for 38years. We were not told if he spent the 38 years beside the pool of Bethesda. There are some characteristics in this story I want us to consider.

1. He was sick of an infirmity not mentioned. It may be palsy, for he was able to see the turning of the sea and others go in before him. If he were blind, he wouldn’t have seen the things he described while talking with Jesus. You may have an infirmity without name but that is not a hindrance to Jesus healing you. Doctors might have told you that your illness cannot be described and you are now worried. That sickness that has no name cannot stop you from receiving your healing from God.

2. It has lasted for 38 years. 38 years is not just 38 days. This is a long period. This prolonged illness has indeed taken a toll on this man as per friends and family members. It may have resulted in people deserting him. Your case may not have lasted for as much as 38 years. May be yours has lasted for 3 years, 5 years or more or even less. God can still do something for you. The numbers of years or months you have been on the sick bed or in that problem is not a determining factor to your healing. When God decides, He will do it. All you need is to keep believing Him and persevering.