Mark 9:14-29

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There is full deliverance from demonic effects found in Christ.

  2. Spiritual power is always available, but not always appropriated.

  3. God honors an imperfect faith if it is a genuine faith.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. We can't stay on the mountaintop.

  2. The Lord can help you when His disciples fail you.

QUESTIONS

  1. What kind of a scene awaited Jesus and the three disciples when they descended from the mount of transfiguration?

  2. Where is full deliverance from demonic control found? What did Jesus tell the demonic spirit in the boy?

  3. Is it possible for demons to come and go in certain persons?

  4. Is deliverance from demonic effects painful?

  5. Does God honor an imperfect faith, if it is genuine?

  6. The Lord said, "Everything is possible for him who believes." Does this mean that the power of positive thinking is operative and appropriate?

  7. Read the prayer of the father of the boy (Mark 9:24). Do your prayers resemble this prayer?

ANSWERS

  1. There was a boy who had seizures. The scribes and Jesus' other disciples were arguing.

  2. Full deliverance is found in Christ alone. Jesus told the demon never to enter the boy again.

  3. Yes

  4. Yes. The boy cried out and became as one dead. But then he was healed.

  5. Yes. The father of the boy said, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."

  6. No. It means that with God all things are possible, and the Lord's power is enough to meet any need. However, the power of positive thinking in itself honors man and not God, for it assumes that man is not dependant on God, but that he is sufficient within himself.

  7. What is your personal answer to this question?

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Recall a mountain-top experience you've had with the Lord. How long did it last? What happened afterwards?

  2. Have you ever felt that fellow-believers failed to help you in a time of need? If so, how did you respond to them? Have you failed to help a fellow-believer in time of need?

CHALLENGE

  1. Spiritual power is available, but it is not always appropriated. Have you found this to be true in your life? If so, cite examples. Determine to call upon the Lord in order to appropriate His power, rather than trying to do things in your own strength.

KEY VERSES

  • "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

Mark, TalksDeb HarmsMark 9:14-29