Introduction

• Mark 9:14-29 – Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit.

“How long has this been happening to him?”

• Jesus is asking a question He already knows the answer to.
• Luke 6:6-8
• John 4:16-18
• For the benefit of the crowd.
  • John 20:30-31
  • Luke 9:43
• To show his compassion.
  • John 11:32-39 – Jesus showed compassion for Lazarus.

“If you can do anything”

• This situation caused the father to evaluate his own faith.
  • Mark 6:1-6
  • Matthew 8:5-10
  • Would Jesus marvel at your faith?
• How strong is YOUR faith?

“Why could we not cast it out?”

• Mark 9:28-29
• Matthew 17:19-20
• Lack of faith is a common problem … how do we fix it?
  • Luke 17:5
  • Prayer
  • Through God’s word
    • Romans 10:17
• Things we may lose faith in
  • Faith in God hearing / answering our prayers
    • I John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7-11
  • Faith in the existence of God
    • Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1-4
  • Faith in God providing for us.
    • Matthew 6:25-34
  • Faith in the forgiveness of sins.
    • Psalms 103:8-13