Signs That Follow Believers

7-Point Sermon: "Signs That Follow Believers" (Mark 16:17-18 NKJV)

Introduction Mark 16:17-18 describes the miraculous signs promised to believers. These signs demonstrate the authority and power of Jesus Christ through His followers. This sermon will break down each sign, illustrating its relevance and application for believers today, supported by additional scriptures and vivid illustrations.

1. Casting Out Demons

Scripture: "In My name they will cast out demons..." Supporting Verse: Luke 10:19 - "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy."

Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age."

Matthew 10:1 - "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."

Colossians 1:13 - "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love."

Illustration: Share a modern testimony of someone delivered from spiritual oppression, emphasizing the power of prayer and faith in Christ's name.

Application: Believers are equipped to overcome the forces of darkness, but this requires discernment, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

2. Speaking with New Tongues

Scripture: "...they will speak with new tongues..."

Primary Verse: Mark 16:17 - "...they will speak with new tongues." Supporting Verse: Acts 2:4 - "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

1 Corinthians 14:2 - "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries."

1 Corinthians 12:10 - "...to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues."

Joel 2:28-29 - "And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams."

Illustration: Reference the day of Pentecost, where language barriers were supernaturally broken, enabling the gospel to reach diverse groups.

Application: This sign signifies a deep connection with God through the Holy Spirit and is often a tool for intercession and edification.

3. Protection from Harmful Serpents

Scripture: "...they will take up serpents..." Supporting Verse: Acts 28:3-5 - Paul survives a viper bite without harm.

Psalm 91:13 - "You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot."

Luke 10:19 - "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy."

Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon formed against you shall prosper."

Illustration: Describe Paul’s experience on the island of Malta, emphasizing God's protective power in the midst of danger.

Application: While not a license for recklessness, this symbolizes God's ability to protect His people when they are in His will.

4. Immunity to Deadly Poisons

Scripture: "...if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them..." Supporting Verse: Psalm 91:13 - "You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra..."

Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you."

Psalm 121:7 - "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul."

Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

Illustration: Share a story of miraculous protection, such as missionaries who were unharmed by poisoned food in hostile regions.

Application: God’s protection extends even to situations we cannot foresee, underscoring His sovereignty.

5. Healing the Sick

Scripture: "...they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Supporting Verse: James 5:14-15 - "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them..."

Isaiah 53:5 - "By His stripes we are healed."

Matthew 8:16-17 - "And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet."

Acts 3:6-8 - Peter and John heal the lame man: "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

Illustration: Highlight a testimony from a healing service where someone was physically or emotionally restored.

Application: Healing ministries remain a vital part of the church, pointing people to Jesus as the ultimate healer.

6. Faith as the Foundation

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Matthew 21:21-22 - "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt... whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Romans 10:17 - "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Illustration: Share the story of the Roman centurion whose faith led to his servant’s healing (Matthew 8:5-13).

Application: These signs are activated by faith. Without faith, we cannot fully access the promises of God.

7. The Purpose: Glorify Jesus

Scripture: John 14:12-13 - "He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."

Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Philippians 2:9-11 - "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name." Illustration: Reflect on the life of Jesus and how His works drew people to the Father.

Application: The ultimate goal of these signs is not self-promotion but to glorify Jesus and draw others to salvation.

Believers are called to be living demonstrations of Christ’s authority and power, showing the world that Jesus is alive and working through His people. The miraculous signs in Mark 16:17-18 are not just extraordinary events but the natural outflow of a faith-filled, Spirit-empowered life. They glorify Jesus, expand His Kingdom, and confirm the truth of the Gospel.

Key Takeaway: Through faith in Jesus, believers are equipped to operate in His authority—overcoming darkness, interceding in the Spirit, living under divine protection, bringing healing, and drawing others to Christ. These signs are evidence of His ongoing work in the world through us.

Conclusion

Believers are called to live in the power and authority of Jesus Christ. The signs that follow are not mere rituals but evidence of a vibrant, faith-filled relationship with Him. Let us step boldly into our calling, trusting that God will confirm His Word with signs and wonders.

Call to Action: Encourage the congregation to deepen their faith, pray for empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and courageously act as vessels for God’s miraculous works.