In a world where people often try to simplify life into neat categories of success or failure, strength or weakness, Pastor Jason’s sermon, I’m a Paradox, delivered a refreshing perspective. Drawing from the life of Jephthah in Judges 11:1 and 12:2-3, Pastor Jason unpacked the reality that we are all paradoxes—walking contradictions of triumphs and traumas, strengths and struggles. Through humor, personal vulnerability, and Biblical wisdom, Pastor Jason challenged his audience to embrace their paradoxical identities and find purpose in the tension between their past and their potential.

The Paradox of Jephthah: Mighty Warrior and Son of a Prostitute

Jephthah, a central figure in Judges 11, exemplifies the paradox Pastor Jason addressed. Described as a mighty warrior, Jephthah also bore the stigma of being the son of a prostitute. Rejected by his family and exiled to the land of Tob, Jephthah’s life was shaped by both his strengths and his struggles. Yet when the people who cast him out needed help, they turned to him for leadership.

Pastor Jason emphasized that, like Jephthah, we all carry a paradox within us. On one hand, we might be highly skilled, talented, or successful. On the other, we carry wounds from our past, whether from trauma, rejection, or personal failures. Recognizing this duality, Pastor Jason argued, is essential to stepping into God’s purpose for our lives.

The Paradox of Human Experience

Pastor Jason’s sermon wasn’t just about Jephthah’s story. It was about every person who feels the tension between who they are and who they aspire to be. He shared his own paradoxical journey as a preacher with a powerful ministry and the son of two extreme alcoholics. Pastor Jason explained how his past sometimes influences his reactions, especially in moments of stress or conflict.

This vulnerability resonated deeply with the audience. Pastor Jason’s willingness to share his struggles highlighted an important truth: acknowledging our paradoxes doesn’t make us weak. Instead, it helps us understand ourselves better and equips us to navigate life with greater grace and wisdom.

Six Steps to Navigating Your Paradox

To help his audience apply these lessons, Pastor Jason provided six practical steps for navigating their paradoxes:

1. Come to Terms with Your Paradox

Accepting your paradox begins with acknowledging it. Drawing from Genesis 45:8 and Romans 4:17, Pastor Jason explained that Joseph’s ability to see God’s hand in his suffering allowed him to find peace and move forward. He encouraged the congregation to embrace their realities, no matter how messy or painful they might be.

2. Take Responsibility

Using Judges 12:2-3, Pastor Jason emphasized that while we may not be responsible for our past, we are responsible for our future. Taking responsibility means deciding to move forward despite what has happened. It’s about recognizing that no one else is coming to rescue us—we have to take ownership of our lives.

3. Involve a Healthy Party

James 5:16 underscores the importance of community in healing. Pastor Jason urged the audience to seek out support from pastors, counselors, or trusted loved ones. He reminded everyone that talking to someone isn’t a sign of weakness but a powerful step toward healing.

4. Confess the Word

Anchoring oneself in Scripture is transformative. Pastor Jason cited Hebrews 10:23 and 1 Thessalonians 2:13 to highlight the power of confessing God’s Word. Speaking Biblical truths over your life can shift perspectives and build faith, creating a foundation for growth.

5. Set Boundaries

In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus set clear relational boundaries, even with His family. Pastor Jason reminded the congregation that setting boundaries isn’t about rejecting others but about protecting one’s peace and prioritizing what God has called you to do. Especially during the holiday season, boundaries are essential for maintaining emotional and spiritual health.

6. Make Jesus Lord of Your Life

Finally, Pastor Jason called for ultimate surrender to Christ. Referencing 2 Corinthians 5:17, he explained that becoming a new creation in Christ is the most powerful transformation anyone can experience. He invited those who felt the Holy Spirit stirring to take the step of faith and commit their lives to Jesus.

A Challenge to Embrace the Paradox

The message of I’m a Paradox was both challenging and liberating. Pastor Jason urged his audience to stop striving for perfection or pretending their struggles don’t exist. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace their dualities, trusting that God works through both their strengths and their weaknesses. “When you respond as the mighty warrior within you, rather than the wounds of your past, you get the best results,” he declared.

Closing with Hope

Pastor Jason concluded with a powerful altar call, inviting individuals to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. Three people responded, underscoring the life-changing impact of the sermon. For those who accepted Christ, Pastor Jason offered resources to guide them in their new faith journey.

The sermon left a profound impact on the congregation, equipping them to navigate the complexities of life with hope, faith, and practical tools. As the congregation left the service, the message resonated: being a paradox isn’t a flaw—it’s a reflection of God’s redemptive work in progress.

Bible Verses Referenced:

• Judges 11:1 – Jephthah’s identity as a mighty warrior and son of a prostitute.

• Judges 12:2-3 – Jephthah taking responsibility for his circumstances.

• Genesis 45:8 – Joseph recognizing God’s sovereignty in his suffering.

• Romans 4:17 – God calling things that are not as though they were.

• James 5:16 – Confessing sins to one another for healing.

• Hebrews 10:23 – Holding fast to the confession of hope.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – The Word of God at work in believers.

• Matthew 12:46-50 – Jesus setting relational boundaries to prioritize God’s will.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Becoming a new creation in Christ.