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Sunday Message for the Bilingual Brethren - 19 July 2020 : "Dealing with Unbelief"

Text: Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43
19 July 2020

BILINGUAL WORSHIP 19 JULY 2020
Texts: Matthew 17:14-20; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43
Title: Dealing with Unbelief

INTRODUCTION

1. Problems in Cultivating faith

a) Everyone struggles with cultivating faith
i) The Disciples struggled
ii) Pastors struggle
iii) It is a widespread problem
b) Many reasons why we struggle with growing our faith
i) We don’t devote time
ii) We are distracted easily
iii) We get discouraged quickly

2. The Lord can help us deal with any problem

a) Our challenge is to be open and honest
b) We have to be humble too

THE STORY OF A MAN WHO WAS STRUGGLING WITH UNBELIEF

1. He was a father who had a son who was very unwell

a) It was not a medical problem

b) It was a spiritual problem

c) A powerful evil demon possessed the young lad

2. He came to the Disciples of the Lord Jesus

a) He had hoped that they would be able to help them

b) But they failed to cast out the demon
THE CONVERSATION THE LORD JESUS HAD WITH THE MAN

1. The man began the conversation with the Lord Jesus

a) Teacher
I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit Mark 9:17

b) Teacher, I implore You, look on my son
For he is my only child Luke 9:38

c) I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out
But they could not Mark 9:17-18

d) I implored Your disciples to cast it out,
But they could not Luke 9:40

2. The response of the Lord Jesus

a) To the crowd who were watching Him

b) And to the Disciples with Him

i) “How long shall I bear with you?” Mark 9:19

ii) “O faithless generation” Mark 9:19

iii) “Bring him to Me” Mark 9:19

c) To the father
“How long has this been happening to him?” Mark 9:21a

3. The reply of the father to the Lord Jesus Christ

a) “From childhood.” Mark 9:21b

b) “But if You can do anything” Mark 9:22b

c) “Have compassion on us and help us.” Mark 9:22b

4. The further response of the Lord Jesus to the father

a) “If you can believe”

b) “All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

5. The father’s plea

a) “Lord, I believe” Mark 9:24

b) “Help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

THE COMMAND OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE DEMON

1. He rebuked the unclean spirit

2. “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you”

3. “Come out of him and enter him no more” Mark 9:25

THE EXPULSION OF THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT

1. The spirit cried out

2. He convulsed the boy greatly

3. Some thought that he was dead Mark 9:26

4. The Lord Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up Mark 9:27

EVALUATION OF THIS MIGHTY MIRACLE

1. A question from the Disciples
“Why could we not cast it out?” Mark 9:28

2. The response of the Lord Jesus

a) Because of your unbelief Matthew 17:20a

b) Because their faith was very small

i) Comparing faith to a mustard seed Matthew 17:20b

ii) “Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20c

c) Because of a lack of prayer

i) Some spirits are very powerful

ii) Prayer would be needed Matthew 17:21

CONCLUSION

1. Let us devote time to growing our faith

a) It may start small like a mustard seed

b) But it can grow to become tall like a tree

2. Let us set aside time to seek God in prayer

a) The Lord’s help must be sought

b) Faith must be exercised

3. The need for a strong faith is badly needed

a) People can be helped

b) Power from God can be obtained