Why are we so powerless?

Why are we so powerless?

Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-19, 23-29

Sermon by Jack Nazary - Ebenzer Baptist 2005

I found 3 outlines for this sermon. All had the same title, but slightly different points. I am going to combine them. One title had under it "why am I so powerless?"! I ask myself that question most of the time.

I. Christ has the power to save - Hebrews 7:25

II. The plight of sinners pictured

III. Powerless disciples

IV. Why have we failed?

1. Lack of Faith - Mark 9:19,23; Matthew 17:17, 20

Why expect God to do great things? Because of God's power, promises, and past performances.

2. Because of Sin - Matthew 17:16-17; Psalm 51:10,13; Joshua 7:12

What sin will do for a Christian?

a. Sin will destroy the Christian's joy of salvation and peace of heart. Defile and make a person unclean. - Psalm 51:12

b. Sin will make a person break fellowship with God.

c. Destroy joy

d. Stop him from praying - Proverbs 1:24-33; Psalm 66:18

e. Stumbling block - the sins of a Christian will cause him to become a stumbling block to other Christians and put him in the way of others coming to Christ. - Isaiah 57:14; I Cor. 8:9-13; Romans 14:13;21; Proverbs 18:19

f. Withhold prosperity from person or church - Proverbs 28:13

g. The sins of a Christian expose him to the chastening and scourging of God. - Hebrews 12:6
Rev. 3:19; Luke 12:47-48; James 4:17

h. Loss of reward - I Corinthians 3:12-23

i. The sins of a Christian will cause the defeat of the army of God - Church. Joshua 7:12-13

j. May kill you

3. Lack of Prayer - Mark 9:29

4. Lack of Concern

V. Are you powerful or powerless?

If we want power with God and with men, we must confess and forsake our sins. These conditions are set forth plainly in II Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."