Bible Text: Matthew 17 | Preacher: Kimo Elmore | Series: Seal Training
Building up our Confidence (faith) in the Lord!
Have you ever meditated on Jesus’ statement about having faith as a mustard seed? He told His disciples that if we had faith as a mustard seed that nothing would be impossible. As I reflect (Selah) upon Matt. 17:20 I am amazed at what Jesus is saying to us. Webster’s dictionary defines faith as “unquestioning belief, specifically in God.” Also “ complete trust or confidence.”
Mat 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Confidence in action.
Mar 2:1-3 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat.
Here we see four good friends on a mission. That mission: To bring their paralyzed friend onto the presence of Jesus. They had confidence (faith) that Jesus would heal their friend.
Confidence in the mission and commitment to one another.
Mark 2:4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.
We are a Team = No man left behind.
Ecc 4:9-10 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Confidence to face the truth.
Mark 2:5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”
1John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Confessing and repenting leads to a transformed life.
Confidence rewarded.
Mark 2:10-11 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
Confidence celebrated.
Mark 2:12 And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”