“Let Down Again” Mark 9:14–29 03/06/2011 Dr. Dane Boyles

Mark 9:16-17 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 … “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.

Mark 9:18 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

Mark 9:19 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Mark 9:21-22 21 “How long has he been like this?” Jesus asks. 21 “From childhood,” the father answers. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

Mark 9:23-24 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 “I do believe,” he cries. “Help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 9:25 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

Mark 9:26-27 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

“Let Down Again” What would you’ve thought had you been there? 28 … “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” (Mark 12:28) 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 12:29) What do you make of this story?

“Let Down Again” Let Down with Christianity Do you believe following Jesus works? “It just isn’t working for me.”

“Let Down Again” 28 “After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’” (Mark 12:28) 19 “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?” (Mark 12:19)

Mark 9:13-15 13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

“Let Down Again” Being Let Down Does Not Negate the Power of God Simplification and amplification When you simplify, you validate what you already believe or think you know.

“Let Down Again” When you amplify you unroll a biblical principle and apply it to your situation (Genesis 22). 24 “Help me in my unbelief.” (12:24)

“Let Down Again” You’re not waiting for a preconceived outcome like watching a movie. 22 “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22)

Mark 9:23-24 23 “‘If you can’? “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”

“Let Down Again” The Reality Is, Belief Changes Circumstances. 23 …“Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Do you believe that?

“Let Down Again” The issue is whether or not the Word of God is valid. Because my life experience shows me it doesn’t. That’s Jesus’ point! 24 Lord, we do believe—help our unbelief! (Mark 12:24)

“Let Down Again” Bring it to me. Amplify, don’t simplify. Pray about it. “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (12:29)

“Let Down Again” Mark 9:14–29 03/06/2011 Dr. Dane Boyles