THE FRUSTRATION OF FAITH

Mark 9:14-29

Theme: The Servant’s Prophecy

Key verse: v.3

50 verses; 1164 words

Grade level: 5.1

1. Transfiguration. vs.1-13

2. Frustration. vs.14-29

3. Prediction. vs.30-32

4. Confrontation. vs.33-50

These are the PEOPLE that are found in frustrated in the faith.

I. The Helpless Father. V.17a

17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, …

answered - apokrínomai

To answer or return answer which ought to be done with discretion (Matt. 3:15; 4:4; 26:23; 27:12)

To take occasion to speak or say, not strictly in answering but in relation or reference to preceding circumstances (Matt. 11:4; 12:38; 17:4; 22:1; 26:25, 63; Mark 9:5, 17; Luke 7:40).

This man was…

Careful in his speech.

Conceding in his speech.

These are the PEOPLE that are found in frustrated in the faith.

I. The Helpless Father. V.17a

II. The Hopeless Son. Vs.17b–18a, 20–22

The source of his problem (9:17b): He is devil-possessed!

…which hath a dumb spirit;

dumb spirit - In Mark 9:17, 25, "dumb spirit" is a malignant spirit, dumb or silent through obstinacy or imposed by a higher power which is contrary to one's usual character (see Mark 1:24, 34; 5:7), hence Christ says this type of devil is difficult to be cast out (Mark 9:29).

This “dumb spirit” is still around.

It operates in politicians.

It operates in people.

it operates in preachers.

The symptoms of his problem (9:18a): The evil spirit throws the boy into violent fits.

18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away:…

taketh - katalambánō

To take, to apprehend, attain, obtain, find.

Notice (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

teareth - rhḗgnumi

To tear down, dash to the ground as a devil does to one it possesses (Mark 9:18; Luke 9:42)

This type of devil tears up…

Christian homes.

Christian holiness.

Christian health.

Christian help.

foameth - aphrízō

To foam or froth at the mouth (Mark 9:18, 20).

Occurs twice in the Bible

gnasheth - trízō

e-Sword KJV: 3 Verses Found, 3 Matches

Job 16:9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

Psa 37:12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

Mar 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

pineth - (1828)

To lose flesh or wear away under any distress of anxiety of mind

The only time this word occurs it refers to a devil attacking someone’s mind.

How do we fight that?

Romans 12:1-2 is God giving us THE weapon to win the battle.

The span of his problem (9:20–22): He has been possessed since childhood!

20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

if thou canst do any thing - Can Jesus do anything? Answer: Luke 1:37

compassion -

Indicates an inner feeling and is frequently recorded of Christ's attitude toward multitudes and individuals.

1st OT occurrence Exodus 3:6

The statement on compassion is

Psalm 145:8

1st NT occurrence

Matthew 9:36

These are the PEOPLE that are found in frustrated in the faith.

I. The Helpless Father. V.17a

II. The Hopeless Son. Vs.17b–18a, 20–22

III. The Hapless Disciples. Vs.18b–19

…and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

they could not - Could you?

faithless generation - The source of the problem needs fixed, not the symptoms.

These are the PEOPLE that are found in frustrated in the faith.

I. The Helpless Father. V.17a

II. The Hopeless Son. Vs.17b–18a, 20–22

III. The Hapless Disciples. Vs.18b–19

IV. The Holy Saviour. Vs.23-29

Jesus reassures the father. Vs.23-24

The strength of faith. V.23

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Romans 14:23 (AV)

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

The struggle for faith. V.24

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Romans 10:17 (AV)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Jesus rebukes the demon. vs.25-26

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

What happens when the spirit came out?

Jesus restores the son. v.27

27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

Jesus reveals the secret. vs.28-29

The disciples question. V.28

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

The Savior. V.29

29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

”and fasting“ is omitted from modern versions

Conclusion:

Is your faith frustrated?

Does your faith frustrate others?

BELIEVE GOD TODAY!