Rekindle Our Faith (Mark 9:14–29)
Have you noticed how easy it is to get good at church? We can keep the habits, sing the songs, even serve—yet quietly run on yesterday’s strength.
In Mark 9, Jesus steps into a religious circus—arguments, frustration, and a powerless ministry—and shows us how faith gets its fire back.
In Mark 9, Jesus steps into a religious circus—arguments, frustration, and a powerless ministry—and shows us how faith gets its fire back.
Rekindle Faith That Depends on His Presence, Not Performance (vv. 14–19)
Coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus finds debate (scribes), disappointment (a desperate dad), and disciples who “could not” help.
They had cast out demons before (Mark 6), but past success became a substitute for present surrender. Jesus’ diagnosis: “O faithless generation…”
Takeaways
They had cast out demons before (Mark 6), but past success became a substitute for present surrender. Jesus’ diagnosis: “O faithless generation…”
Takeaways
- Ministry mechanics without the Master is noise.
- Performance can mimic faith’s form while missing faith’s fuel.
- Apart from Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5).
“Jesus, I can’t—You can. I abide; You supply.”
Rekindle Faith That’s Honest About Its State (vv. 20–24)
A father whose son is tormented pleads, “If you can do anything…” Jesus replies, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
The most honest prayer in the New Testament follows: “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Takeaways
Practice: Name one place your faith feels thin. Pray that exact prayer, out loud: “Lord, I believe—help my unbelief.” Then tell a trusted believer for accountability.
The most honest prayer in the New Testament follows: “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Takeaways
- Faith grows best in the soil of humble honesty.
- Religion says, “Prove you’re strong.” Faith says, “Admit you’re weak, and fall forward into Jesus.”
- Mustard-seed faith in the right Savior is greater than massive confidence in yourself.
Practice: Name one place your faith feels thin. Pray that exact prayer, out loud: “Lord, I believe—help my unbelief.” Then tell a trusted believer for accountability.
Rekindle Faith That Prays Before It Acts (vv. 25–29a)
Jesus commands the unclean spirit to leave; the boy collapses “like a corpse,” and Jesus raises him—resurrection language on purpose.
Later the disciples ask, “Why could we not…?” Jesus answers:
Takeaways
Practice (3×3 Rule): Three times a day (morning, midday, evening) pray three minutes: Adore → Ask → Act.
Don’t move your hands until you’ve bent your knees.
Later the disciples ask, “Why could we not…?” Jesus answers:
“This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
(Some manuscripts add “and fasting.”)
Takeaways
- Prayer isn’t the warm-up before ministry; prayer is the lifeline of ministry.
- They moved their hands before they bent their knees.
- When we rely on the last move of God, we stop seeking the next move of God.
Practice (3×3 Rule): Three times a day (morning, midday, evening) pray three minutes: Adore → Ask → Act.
Don’t move your hands until you’ve bent your knees.
Discussion Questions (Groups / Families)
- Where do you most feel the pressure to “perform” spiritually? What would dependence look like there?
- What keeps you from praying first—speed, pride, distraction? How will you guard against it this week?
- How does “I believe; help my unbelief” free you to be honest with God?
- Where have you seen God answer “prayer before action” in your own life?
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