Helping renew your mind with God's Word

Author: Matthew Wilson (Page 3 of 14)

Matthew Wilson is a pastor at FBC Harrisburg, AR. He is married to Bethany and has five children.

The Way to True Greatness – Mark 9:30-42

Sermon text: Mark 9:30-42

Sermon Video

Outline

The way to true greatness is through selfless sacrifice (30-32)

The way to true greatness is through humble service (33-37)

The way to true greatness is through unwavering allegiance (38-42)

Summary

What is true greatness? In our culture, we hear about greatness all the time. Sports pundits debate about who is the greatest player in each sport. Political pundits talk about the greatest (and worst) presidents. Those debates are fine to have but what really matters is God’s definition of greatness. We find this in today’s text (Mark 9:30-42).

First, the way to true greatness is through selfless sacrifice (vv. 30-32). For the second time (see Mark 8:31), Jesus tells his disciples that he will be handed over, killed, and after three days, rise again. The disciples still do not understand that Jesus, the Messiah, has to die (v. 32). Jesus went to the cross knowing the agonizing fate that awaited him. Jesus’ selfless sacrifice is the pattern for all his disciples (not that we need to die on the cross but we must be willing to die to ourselves).

Second, the way to true greatness is through humble service (vv. 33-37). On their way back to Capernaum, the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them. Jesus overheard their conversation and taught them a lesson on true greatness – “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (v. 35). Of course, this was totally countercultural then and still is today. Jesus took a child in his arms and explained to his disciples that they should be willing to receive those whom society rejects in his name (vv. 36-37).

Consider the paradox of greatness in God’s kingdom: If you desire to be first by gaining position, power, and prestige, then you will get nowhere in the kingdom of God. However, if you seek to serve, you will be exalted; for in serving, you serve Jesus, and in serving Jesus, you are serving God the Father.

Third, the way to true greatness is through unwavering allegiance to Christ (vv. 38-42). Jesus rebuked the disciples for trying to stop a man who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name (v. 38). Ironically, this man had succeeded where the disciples had failed (Mark 9:18). Perhaps they were jealous of his success. John reasoned that because this new disciple was not in their circle he was not to be trusted with such responsibilities. This is a lesson most of us need to learn as well.

We can easily fall into the trap of thinking that our church, our denomination, our worship style, or our Bible translation is the only right one. Jesus is saying don’t be so critical of others. Sure, time will tell whether or not a ministry is truly honoring to Christ but our default should be to give someone the benefit of the doubt until they prove themselves unfaithful.

God’s kingdom is bigger than our experience of it (Mark 4:26-32). We tend to think in terms of our community, our church, our association, our denomination, but God’s kingdom is for every tribe, every tongue, and every nation (Rev 7:9).

In closing, here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your standard greatness – the world’s or Jesus’?
  • Do you seek to promote yourself or serve others?
  • Do you expect others to serve you or are you seeking to serve others?
  • Are you willing to follow Jesus’ example? Are you willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel and doing good to others?

All Things Are Possible Through Jesus – Mark 9:14-29

Sermon text: Mark 9:14-29

Sermon Video

Outline

BIG IDEA:

To be fruitful disciples of Jesus, we must pray in faith, believing He is able.

Summary

In my last post, I wrote about the transfiguration. Last week’s text left off with Jesus, Peter, James, and John heading back down the mountain. When they got to the bottom of the mountain, they found a crowd gathered and the scribes arguing with the rest of the disciples.

A man had brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus. In Jesus’ absence, the disciples had failed to cast it out. No doubt the scribes were using this as an opportunity to mock the disciples and undermine the authority of Jesus.

In vv. 20-24, Jesus interacts with the boy’s father. The boy (likely 10-15 years old) had been possessed “from childhood” (v. 21). Undoubtedly, this man had done everything he could to save his son. He had likely been to doctors, religious leaders, and self-proclaimed miracle workers. However, no one else could help. Jesus was the only hope that this man’s son had. I’m reminded of Mark 5, where Jesus delivered the demoniac and healed the woman with a flow of blood and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead.

The father asks Jesus for help: “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (v. 22). Jesus’ response should encourage us: “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes” (v. 23). Jesus is not saying that we can receive anything if we enough faith. Jesus is not a genie in a bottle. Rather, Jesus was teaching that anything is possible (not guaranteed) if we trust that nothing is too difficult for God, even when our experience seems to indicate otherwise.

Is there something in your life that has you in a state of desperation? Jesus can fix it. Give it to him (Matt 11:28-30). All things are possible for the one who believes in him. In one of the most honest statements in the Bible, the man says, “I believe; help my unbelief” (v. 24).

This man’s response exemplifies saving faith. We can only truly trust in Christ when we acknowledge that we have nowhere else to turn. We can’t do enough good works or live holy enough lives to earn our salvation. We must trust in Christ and his finished work on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. We respond in repentance (turning away from sin) and put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Finally, Jesus gives his disciples some instruction (vv. 28-29). Jesus had given the disciples authority to cast out demons (Mark 6:13), so why could they not cast this one out? It seems that the disciples, based on their previous experience, assumed that they would be able to heal this boy. Jesus was teaching them that only by prayer could they see the hand of God at work. When we follow Jesus, we must be dependent on him in an ongoing way (John 15:5).

Our prayer life is the truest indicator of our dependence on God. Our prayers must be filled with faith (Heb 11:6). To be filled with faith, fill yourself with God’s Word and hear its promises. Spend time with God in prayer. As you open your heart to Him, your faith will increase.

We must believe that Jesus is able to do the impossible! What do you do when you don’t have faith? Pray like the father of the demon-possessed boy: “I believe, Lord help my unbelief!”

Verses Referenced

John 15:5; Heb 11:6

Jesus Reveals His Glory- Mark 9:1-13

Sermon text: Mark 9:1-13

Sermon Video

Outline

BIG IDEA:

Jesus, as is the incarnate Son of God, is worthy of our worship and our obedience. Look and listen to Him!

Summary

In my last post, we saw that Jesus predicted his upcoming crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Subsequently, Jesus issued a call to the crowd to follow him. In today’s text, we see Jesus’ glory revealed as he is transfigured before Peter, James, and John.

The transfiguration event was meant to strengthen the disciples and to help them live for God’s kingdom after Jesus was ascended. Both John and Peter write about their witness of Jesus’ transfiguration (John 1:14; 2 Pet 1:16-18).

Mark uses the transfiguration to further present Jesus as a new and better Moses who is leading a new exodus.

  • Moses led God’s people out of physical bondage in Egypt. Jesus leads his people out of spiritual bondage to sin and death.
  • Moses gathered God’s people at Mt. Sinai. Jesus gathers his people, beginning with his disciples on a mountain (Mark 3:13-19; 9:1-13) and now into local churches.
  • Moses received the Law on tablets of stone. Jesus is the Lord of the Law who puts his Law in the hearts of his people.
  • The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness because of their disobedience. Jesus overcame the devil for forty days and nights in the wilderness in obedience to the Father.
  • The Israelites went into the Promised Land through the Jordan River. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River.
  • Moses was sent by God to lead the people into the Promised Land. Jesus was sent by God to lead his people into the Promised Land – the New Heavens and the New Earth.

Look at the parallels between Exodus 24 and Mark 9:1-13.[1]Adapted and modified from Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Mark, p. 179.

Parallels between Exodus 24 and Mark 9:1-13

The transfiguration account exalts Jesus! He is the Messiah; the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He is God’s Son. Therefore, we look to him in worship and listen to him in obedience!

Verses Referenced

Old Testament verses alluded to in this text:

Ex 24; 34:29-35; Deut 18:15-18; Ps 2:7; Is 53; Dan 7:9; Mal 4:4-5

New verses mentioned in the sermon:

Matt 11:13-14; John 1:14; 2 Pet 1:16-18; 1 John 3:2

References

References
1 Adapted and modified from Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Mark, p. 179.

The Cost of Being a Disciple of Jesus – Mark 8:27-38

Sermon text: Mark 8:27-38

Sermon Video

Outline

To be a disciple of Jesus, you must understand who Jesus is (27-30)

To be a disciple of Jesus, you must understand what Jesus came to do (31-33)

To be a disciple of Jesus, you must understand what Jesus requires (34-35)

If you reject Jesus, you will pay an invaluable price (36-38)

Summary

In this text, Jesus tells us what it means to be a Christian, or a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you do not understand or embrace what is taught here, you should not call yourself a Christian. In America, we have it pretty easy as Christians but this is not the case in many parts of the world. In Mark 8:27-38, Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship. What will it cost us to follow him?

In the text, I see three conditions of discipleship and a warning to those who refuse to follow Christ.

First, to be a disciple, you must understand who Jesus is (Mark 9:27-30). The most important question you will ever answer in your life is, “Who is Jesus?” Jesus is not simply a good man, a moral teacher, or a prophet. Jesus was (and is) the all-powerful Christ and the very Son of God.

Second, to be a disciple, you must understand what Jesus came to do (Mark 9:31-33). Jesus is the glorious Son of Man (Dan 7:13-14) but he is also the Suffering Servant (Isa 52-53). The disciples refused to believe that Jesus had to die on the cross as a ransom for sins (Mark 10:45) despite him telling them this plainly (v. 32). To be a disciple, you must understand the necessity of Christ’s death as a substitution for your sin.

Third, to be a disciple of Jesus, you must understand what Jesus requires (Mark 9:34-35). This is where the rubber meets the road. We tend to think of “cross carrying” Christians as pastors or missionaries. But Jesus says, ““If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (v. 34). Some people think that to become a Christian is to add Jesus to your life. In reality, becoming a Christian means that you reorient your entire life around Jesus. He becomes the center of your life. You live for his kingdom and submit to his kingly rule and you are willing to suffer and even die for him (Phil 1:29).

And finally, if you reject Jesus, you will pay an invaluable price (Mark 9:36-38). Jesus says that if you try to save your life (e.g. living for yourself) you will lose it. But if you lose your life for the sake of Jesus and his gospel, then you will save it. Jesus warns the crowd about gaining the whole world and losing your own soul. Jesus also warns against living for the approval of others. He told the crowd that if they were ashamed of him then he would be ashamed of them at his coming (v. 38).

I encourage you to listen to the whole sermon. For most Christians living in America, it may be the most important sermon I’ve ever preached.

Verses Referenced

John 3:30; 1 John 2:6

Without Jesus We are Spiritually Blind – Mark 8:1-26

Sermon text: Mark 8:1-26

Summary

In vv. 1-10, we read about Jesus’ second feeding miracle. He fed 4000 people, likely mostly Gentiles. He tested his disciples to see if they would trust him. Once again, they failed the test (see vv. 4, 17-21).

The Pharisees sought to destroy Jesus’ credibility among the people by demanding that he give them a sign from heaven (vv. 11-13). Jesus, knowing that they were hardened by unbelief, rejected them. Jesus was not an on-demand miracle worker but a preacher of the gospel. His miracles undergirded his message. He was a compassionate Savior who performed miracles on those who sought him in faith.

After the feeding of the 4000, the disciples somehow failed to secure any leftover bread or fish (v. 14). As they discussed this problem, Jesus warned them of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod (v. 15). Jesus points out their hardened hearts – they have ears but do not hear and eyes but do not see (vv. 17-18). Like the Pharisees, they are spiritually blind. The lesson is clear – if Jesus has fed the 5000 and the 4000, then why are the disciples worried about a lack of bread and provision (also see Matt 6:31-33).

To illustrate that the spiritual eyes of the disciples will be gradually opened, Mark records Jesus’ only two stage miracle (the only such miracle recorded in the Gospels). When Jesus touched this man the first time, his vision was restored but it was still blurry (v. 24). When Jesus touched him again, he saw clearly (v. 25). Similarly, the disciples knew that Jesus was from God but they still didn’t understand that his kingdom was not of this world and that he would be crucified for the sins of the world. Jesus was not coming to conquer the Romans — he was coming to conquer Satan. His substitutionary work on the cross would provide the way for mankind to be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:21) and his resurrection proved his deity (Rom 1:4).

Outline

We see the problem, but Jesus supplies the provision (vv. 1-10)

Unbelievers want to see signs but reject them anyway (vv. 11-13)

We have seen God work but still fail to fully understand and trust Him (vv. 14-21)

Jesus heals our blindness, but it may come gradually (vv. 22-26)

Verses Referenced

Rom 5:8; 8:32; John 3:3

Sermon Video

Jesus Cares for the Desperate – Mark 7:24-37

Sermon text: Mark 7:24-37

Summary

Jesus and his disciples went to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon for some rest and relaxation and to evade the Jewish leaders, whom Jesus clashed with in Mark 7:1-13. Even in Tyre, Jesus’ fame is known. He is sought out by a humble woman who begged Jesus to exorcise a demon from her daughter.

After leaving Tyre, Jesus and his disciples traveled to Sidon and eventually the region of the Decapolis. There, Jesus healed a man who was deaf and unable to speak well.

The text speaks to the importance of seeking Jesus in desperate times. Seek him humbly and persistently, knowing that he cares for you and he is able to help. When you experience deliverance, the natural response is to proclaim Jesus to others.

Outline

In your time of desperation, seek Jesus (vv. 24-35)

When you experience deliverance, proclaim Jesus (vv. 36-37)

Verses Referenced

Matthew 5:3

Sermon Video

Straight to the Heart – Mark 7:1-23

I’m going to try something new this week on the blog. Normally, I post full manuscripts of my sermon notes. This week, I’m only posting a quick summary, outline, Bible references, and the link to the sermon video.

Sermon text: Mark 7:1-23

Summary

In vv. 1-13, Jesus clashes with the Jewish religious over standards of ritual cleanness. The religious leaders question Jesus’ leadership of his disciples in this area because they were not washing their hands before eating. This had nothing to do with hygiene, but was a matter of ritual cleansing. The religious leaders care more about Jesus affirming their standards than God’s Law itself. Jesus rebukes them for this attitude.

In vv. 14-23, Jesus teaches the crowd and his disciples that cleansing rituals don’t make you clean because they only address the external. The problem is much deeper. The problem is that our hearts are sick and they need to be made new.

Outline

True Christianity is based on God’s Word, not religious traditions (vv. 1-13)

True Christianity addresses humanity’s greatest need – our sin sick hearts (vv. 14-23)

Verses Referenced

Jeremiah 17:9; Genesis 6:5; 1 Samuel 16:7

Sermon Video

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