Overcoming Unbelief

 

Scripture Text Mark 9:14-24

Introduction: Webster defines unbelief as lack of belief. We in the church would describe it as lack of faith in God. Abraham is considered the father of faith because he believed God, and for his belief in God it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:1.)
Mark 9:14-24.¹⁴ And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. ¹⁵ Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. ¹⁶ And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?” ¹⁷ Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. ¹⁸ And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” ¹⁹ He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” ²⁰ Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. ²¹ So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. ²² And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” ²³ Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” ²⁵ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” ²⁶ Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. A. Unbelief is one of the biggest strongholds a believer will encounter. Why? Because the stronghold of unbelief is not so readily identifiable and it is personal. First, it can be easily hidden by an outward display of emotions or participation. Second, because it takes a confession from the person to admit that they do not believe God. Many people, not only the saved, but the unsaved claimed to believe in God, but do not believe God. There is a big difference in believing in something or someone and believing the truthfulness of the system or person. Take for example the American political system, many of us believe in democracy but do not believe the politicians. Many Christians today suffer from the same syndrome, they say they believe in Him, but do not believe Him. Unfortunately, because of the stronghold of unbelief they go thru this life unfulfilled and never really reach their full potential. We believe God for salvation (eternal life) but often question if he will keep us or supply our every need. One must understand why this stronghold is so dangerous, is because it takes you out of a faith walk with God. It leads you to rely on your own means or others, thus opening the doors for pride, idolatry deception, etc. to take root in your life. (1). First thing you must do is recognize that God is greater than any problem you encounter and change your thought pattern by:

(1). Believing God for who He says He is. The Supreme Master and Ruler of the universe.
B. Believing God can do what He says he can do. He cannot lie!
C. Believing you are who He says you are. 1 John 3:1 (NKJV)Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God.

(2). Second renew your mind: Romans 12:2 (NKJV) ²And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Praying God’s word (scripture) out loud, in this manner you are breathing, speaking and hearing faith. It is a release of the spirit of faith. (2 Corinthians 4:13). ¹³ And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak. Speaking God's word increases faith, by creating confidence in Him, rather than your ability to believe.

(3). Third, Pray continuously: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) pray without ceasing,
This brings a break through. It is God's will that we be free from strongholds of every kind. Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. It keeps you in constant fellowship and communion with God.

(4). Fourth, study God’s word: It teaches us to have faith in God's word. Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Reading God's word increases our confidence (trust) in Him. We trust what He said and who He is.

Invitation: First step to overcoming unbelief is to believe God's word concerning salvation. Romans 3:23 (NKJV) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 10:9–10 (NKJV) But if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Confess your sin to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life and if you mean business, you will be saved. Then you will become a child of God!