[ ] 1/24/2010 #866

JESUS: THE GOD WHO CAN

Mark 9:14-29

INTRODUCTION: A father brought his demon possessed son to Jesus’ disciples. They could not deliver the boy. The father turned to Jesus and said, “if thou canst do anything.” The father soon learned that Jesus is a God who can. Jesus’ disciples learned they needed to constantly depend on the Lord. These are two lessons we must learn to apply in our lives daily.

I. POWER OF OUR LORD

A. UNDENIABLE POWER.

The preceding chapters in Mark reveal the undeniable power of our Lord. Jesus fed 5,000 men and then the 4,000. He walked on water and He healed the sick. In Mark 3:10-11, it is stated: “For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him to touch Him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried, saying, ‘Thou art the Son of God.’”

B. UNLIMITED POWER.

His power was not limited to miracles of healing the sick, or feeding the hungry, or casting out demons, He had the power to forgive sins. Jesus said to the sick of palsy, “Thy sins are forgiven thee.” (Mark 2:1-12)

“But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.” (Matt. 9:8)

II. POTENTIAL OF OUR LIFE

A. POTENTIAL OF THE DISCIPLES.

1. Source of their power. (Mark 3:14-15)

“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.” Mark 3:14-15

2. Source of their problem.

“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:19-20

"The authority that Jesus had given them was effective only if exercised by faith, but faith must be cultivated through spiritual discipline and devotion." (Wiersbe)

Someone has said: “To be disappointed in yourself is to have trusted in yourself.”

B. POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHRISTIAN.

First, I must know that without Jesus I “can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Secondly, I must believe that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me.” (Phil. 4:13)

Thirdly, I must “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” (Eph. 6:10)

III. PRAYER IS OUR LINK (v. 28-29)

A. TO GOD’S PROMISES. (John 15:7)

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John 15:7

B. TO GOD’S POWER.

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:8

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. Jesus is the God of the impossible. It requires faith to experience His blessings.

2. We must prayerfully and persistently trust Jesus. Our prayers are an expression of our total dependence on Him.

3. Total dependence on God is the remedy for many spiritual problems.

4. The way to salvation begins with you knowing you are a sinner. If you are willing to repent and place your faith in Jesus, He will save you.