How Strong is Your Faith?

N.T.#385 "How Strong is Your Faith?"

Sept. 6, 2024 

Mark 9-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

While the disciples had earlier been out on the mission, they encountered a man's son who had a demon. They could not cast out the demon. So when Jesus showed up, the father sought deliverance from Him. (The son was not able to speak and had convulsions)

Jesus called the group a faithless generation-referring to a whole race, scribes voiced doubts, disciples couldn't heal, a father was in despair, no genuine faith is evidenced. Matthew and Luke used the phrase as an "unbelieving and perverted generation."

And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. (verse 22)

 The despairing father wondered if Jesus could do anything about his son, since His disciples had failed .People fail. People disappoint. People hurt us. But Jesus never fails. He is omnipotent God, all-powerful. It is our faith that wavers, not His ability. 

Do we have compassion to help those in need?

LET IT GROW 

How did Jesus respond?

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. (verse 23)

Jesus meant that anything is possible if we believe, because nothing is too difficult for God. We cannot have everything we pray for as if by magic, but with faith, we can have everything we need to serve Him. 9 (LifeApplication Study Bible)

The man confessed his imperfect faith with tears-help mine unbelief. God granted his request. Jesus took the boy by the hand and lifted him up and he arose.

Belief and faith are not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God. (Eph. 2:8-9) There is no self-sufficiency in faith, it isn't bought. It must be renewed daily as we trust in Jesus.

How strong is your faith? What a lesson on faith and God's character.

LET IT GO

Great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me.