Luke 8:41-48

Luke 8:41-48

1. Let us see a striking picture of the condition of many souls.
2. Let us see a striking picture of the first beginnings of saving faith and its effect.
3. Let us see how much our Lord desires that those who have received benefit from Him should confess Him before men.

"There are men and women in most congregations who have felt their sins deeply, and been sorely afflicted by the thought that they are not forgiven and not fit to die...Let them consider the conduct of the woman before us in her necessity. When all other means had failed, she went to Jesus for help. Let them go and do likewise."

"Forever let it be engraved on our hearts that faith in Christ is the grand secret of peace with God."

"The work that we can do for our blessed Master is little and poor. Our best endeavors to glorify Him are weak and full of imperfections. Our prayers and praises are sadly defective. Our knowledge and love are miserably small. But do we feel within that Christ has healed our souls? Then can we not confess Christ before men?"

Questions:

1. Ryle compares the woman sick for 12 years as an example of many souls when it comes to sin: how she tried everything but Jesus. Is this you? If so, would you not taste and see that the Lord is good and take hold of His very great and precious promises?

2. How do we have peace with God? Do we feel particularly at peace when everything is going well in our lives, or do we have it by faith, and have peace even when life is not going according to plan?

3. Ryle solemnly reminds us that whoever is ashamed of Christ will be ashamed of by Christ. Are we afraid to confess Christ to those around us? How does this verse encourage/challenge us?