NASHVILLE (BP) – This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: Mark 9:17-29
Discussion questions:
- What are some challenges that test our faith in God?
- What are some things that help you trust God, even in difficult circumstances?
- In what ways are you currently depending on yourself when you should be depending on God?
Sickness. Addiction. Financial dilemmas. At some point, everyone struggles to believe life’s circumstances can change. We face a situation that never seems to get better. Often, we have done all we can to change, or improve, the situation, but it still remains. In desperation, we may turn to the Lord, but with faith that has grown weak. It’s not always easy to keep the faith when we see no alleviation of the problem.
In Mark 9, we find a father desperate to bring relief to his son who was demon-possessed. Addressing Jesus, he explained that the disciples were unable to help his son. Jesus decried the ongoing lack of faith of those present. The boy was brought to Jesus and the spirit immediately sent the boy into convulsions right before them. The father explained that this had been going on since childhood and that the demon’s attacks included throwing the boy into water and fire in an attempt to destroy him. Finally, the father sought Jesus’s assistance, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (Mark 9:22).
Jesus replied, “Everything is possible for the one who believes” (v. 23). The father declared his belief and asked Jesus to help him overcome his doubts and fears. Jesus then commanded the spirit to forever leave the boy. The spirit sent the boy into one final convulsion before leaving him. Jesus took the boy by the hand and raised him to his feet.
Christians can confidently approach Jesus with life’s challenges. We can trust Jesus to help us grow in faith, overcoming our own doubts and fears. Ultimately, we can see God’s power demonstrated when we pray and He answers. When we struggle to believe, we can be assured. When our faith feels weak, we can find strength. Jesus strengthens our faith in Him.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible.
