“Be A Father!”

Mark 9:14–29 NIV

  1. Introduction
    1. It’s valuable because of what it symbolizes!
      1. Time
      2. Involvement
      3. Selflessness (sacrifice)
      4. Commitment
        1. God was first!
        2. Family
        3. The value of work
  2. A Father’s Responsibilities

    Mark 9:14–29

    14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

    1. 1st — He Exercised His Authority

      17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.

      1. Exercising his authority meant he had to:
        1. Give of his time
        2. He had to be involved
    2. 2nd — He Brought Him To Jesus

      v.20–22

      20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

      1. Why? The boy needed help and Jesus brought hope!
    3. 3rd — He Trusted

      vs. 22–24

      22 “…But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’

      1. Belief was the condition…trust
    4. Finally, Fathers Pray

      vs. 25–29

      25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

      1. Prayer really does change things!
  3. Conclusion
    1. Our world needs real fathers!
    2. Jesus is waiting to apply His touch, His love, His grace and His power to your child’s life, your family’s life and your life!