Messy Faith Mark 9:14-29 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (v24)

BEFORE Mark 9:14-29 The Experience Of Faith We All Want Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them... And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses... [then] and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:2-7)

Mark 9:14-29 RETURNING TO EVERYDAY LIFE Four Scenes Of Messy Faith

Scene 1: Messy Relationships When Jesus came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them... “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground... I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” Mk 9:14-19

When you focus on people more than Jesus, Jesus considers you an unbeliever Faith = Focus

Jesus, I’m going to focus on You and if that breaks my messy relationships than I wasn’t supposed to have them in the first place.

Scene 2: Messy Problems So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (20-24)

“The issue isn’t whether I can heal and deliver. The issues is whether you have faith in Me and in the way I want to work.” “Everything is possible for him who believes [in Me]”

Jesus, everything is possible in You in ways I can’t imagine and in timing I don’t understand. I believe in You. Help me not to trust in my own understanding.

Scene 3: Messy Healing When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, He rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (Mk 9:25-27)

Real and permanent healing always begins with a rebuke! In your struggle against sin... you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” (Heb 12:4-6)

Faith receives rebukes from God’s Word as love but fear rejects rebukes as condemnation When sin becomes our identity God’s call to repentance becomes condemnation to us & we accuse God of hate instead of love

Real Healing Requires Real Faith From & In Jesus When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, He rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked (cried out), convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (Mk 9:25-27) 1.

Scene 4: Messy Hearts After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer (and fasting). ” (v28-29)

BIBLICAL FAITH Leaning & depending (sitting) on prayer are signs of true faith

This Summer Make Time To: Study The Scripture, Family Devotions, Do A Ministry, Tithing & Grace Giving, Serve Shady Hill, Prayer, Share Christ What is your step of faith this summer to know Him more?

Jesus’ Harvest Prayer / Luke 10:2 Lord of the Harvest, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. We ask You to send out workers into the harvest field. And we ask you to give us power to go And bring you glory.