I Do Believe; But

Mark 9:23–25 (NASB 2020)

23 But Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again!”

The Churches Failure vs. 17

Could not help

Not equipped to help

Association is not enough (A group of people organized for a joint purpose/a connection or cooperative link between people or organizations)

Affiliations are not enough (The state or process of affiliating or being affiliated)

The Crisis vs. 18

Spiritual Stronghold

Demon possession (Destructive manifestations: suicidal)

The Condemnation vs. 19-20

Faithless People (General statement based upon where He was)

Rebuked their disbelief

Disappointed in their response

The Concern vs. 21-22

Heard the historical matter (Though He already knew)

Heard the fear of the father and skepticism (If you can)

An exhausted father and community with faithlessness

The Command: vs. 23

The correction of the mans belief before Lord Jesus Christ

The criticism we deserve before God for doubt (Questioning the omnipotence and omniscience of God)

The Conviction vs. 24

Saw his failure “I Believe; but help my unbelief

Saw its impact relationally with God and his family

Saw his need to be strengthened because this father struggled.

The Charge vs. 25-27

Jesus responded to his repentance

Jesus responded to his faith

The Competence vs. 28

The failure of the disciples efforts addressed

The realization that just knowing Jesus, or knowing of him is not enough

Ignorance to address spiritual battles is not an excuse

The Capability vs. 29

Strategy: Prayer and Fasting

Missed Lessons (Jesus modeled this and taught profound lessons of faith)

Missed Opportunity

Reliance of the wrong things, people, and places outside of God’s authority can be catastrophic to people who need the savior.

Deliverance from something or someone

Deliverance unto salvation

Deliverance from despair to hope

Demonstration of faith over doubt/disobedience