Matthew 17.14-27 “Faith for Everyday Problems”

“Faith for Everyday Problems”

A true experience of Jesus Christ, through His Word, will transform us. When we experience His glory, His authority, and His love, we cannot but live with a new conviction.

The cruelest charge anyone can make to a person who is ill or paralyzed is that if they simply had enough faith, they would be healed. This is to identify faith as the healer instead of Christ. The object of your faith makes a difference. Faith in Christ saves, not simply faith. As Christ’s Church, New Life in Christ is a Christ-centered community not simply a faith-based community. Our focus is always on Christ not on our faith. We see Jesus teaching this truth in this passage.

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I. Helplessness –

A. Not the right method . . .

1. But faith in the right person

2. Jesus alone is healer and exorcist

B. Human inability –

1. We deceive ourselves in thinking that we are able to meet our own needs

2. Jesus’ rebuke –

C. Jesus casts out the demons

1. He alone does wonders –

2. Nothing is impossible. God can do all things consistent with His character

3. The emphasis is not on faith but on Christ

II. The Cost –

A. Jesus is betrayed and abused by men

1. His entire life is humiliation –

2. Ministry is costly –

B. Jesus defeated the demons by His death and resurrection – . Satan is bound and defeated –

III. Taxes –

A. The Temple needed money to operate

1. The tax was based on

2. And after the exile in

B. The accusation –

1. Rabbis were exempt from this tax

2. But it is demanded of Jesus