Walking with Imperfect Faith

Scene:  coming down off the Mt. of Transfiguration

Mark 9:14-29  (with Matt. 17-21 and Luke 9:37-43) - probably epilepsy more than that = demon spirit

Going to examine & learn .... from:

I.  The disciples' failure   
      Why could they not cast out the demon?  in light of Mark 3:14-15, 6:12-13

2 answers given....  Mark 9:29
(1)  "this kind"  (genas) = a more powerful demon!  (apparently not every demon has equal power)

(2)  "only by prayer (and fasting)"  point = if have great faith you'll do a lot of prayer!!  Will be in communication with God.  That is prayer!
Matt. 17:19-20

by contrast ... disciples likely were guilty of...
(3)  self-confidence - due to former successes

AND
(4)  spiritual laxity  (laziness!) - hence the need for spiritual DISCIPLINES!!
examples:  meditation, prayer, fasting, self examination, confession, Bible Study, etc.  - if don't discipline self, won't get it done.

Lession for us?  Beware of the Same!!!

II.  The effect their failure had on others.
(1)  the father .... NOW doubts even Jesus' ability!! - because the disciples fail.

(2)  the crowd ... the same??

(3)  Scribes - a reason to challenge, accuse, taunt - are slandering Christ and disciples over failure
Compare:  David and Nathan - 2 Sam. 12:13-14 - was a long-term sin.

(4)  Disciples themselves ?  confidence in their ability is shaken?

(5)  Christ Himself? = disappointed, frustrated.  Which indicates .. they could (should) have done better!!
They DID have the authority and power to do this.  Unable because of their laxity!!

Lesson Here?  On one hand, you'll never have perfect faith  (in this life)
BUT that is no excuse for laxity, laziness, indifference!!
Your faith walk affects other people's faith!!
    "   successes affect other people's faith!!
    "   failures affect other people's faith!!

III.  The Father's Confession   Mark 9:24
which = every honest Christian's cry!!  - we all have imperfect faith!!

Which, on one hand, can't be helped!!  (Rom. 3:23)  Heb. 11:1
(hard to be fully confident in things we haven't seen!!)
BUT ... Heb. 11:2, 6 - Yes, walk by faith... however, still walk!! even when faith is lacking or weak.

IV.  The importance of faith (in the Christian walk) - Matt. 17:19-20
On one hand, leaves me confused - (and doubting my faith)
However, leaves NO doubt as to the Importance of faith!  2 Cor. 5:6-7 - we are here.  We live by faith, not by sight.

V.  The Mountain top experience vs. the Valley floor experience!
Example:  Rafael's painting "The Transfiguration" 

On one hand, was commissioned to paint "transfiguration"
However, he saw the 2 events connected!!

Mountain top = glory, God's presence manifest, place of sight and certainty and worship and fellowship.
Valley = sin, sickness, doubt, confusion, fear, uncertainty, jealousy, anger, division, demons, death

Mountain top = good times with God, we occasionally visit 
Valley = where we live
God calls us to work, not stay on the mountain.

Mountain top = where we gain encouragement, enlightenment, inspiration, confidence
Valley - where you USE that stuff!

Mountain top = where we worship
Valley - where we WORK!! do ministry

Mountain top IS a Reality!!
BUT in is NOT a daily reality!! - is a once in a while reality.

Mountain top = where we acquire faith and confidence.
Valley = where that faith is TESTED and DEVELOPED

Example:  New Year's Eve party vs. New Year's Eve deathbed experience.
At which do you learn? grow? develop? become?
This is God's design, should not despise that!

Mountaintop (experience) Awaits us  (heaven)
meanwhile, we live, walk, minister, serve, and grow ..... in the Valley!!

This is God's plan.  God's design!!    Don't despise it.  don't WASTE it!!!

God will use the hard times to develop Christ-like character.