Sunday Morning Series - Walking in the Authority of Jesus - Faith's Battle

Text: Mark 5:21-43 & Various

Many Christian's ask their faith to fight battles it was not equipped to fight. It is a tactic of the enemy of our faith to get us to use it against what it cannot change so that we lose confidence, even thinking we have no faith.

Jairus gives Jesus some faith to work with:

1.  A problem - his daughter is seriously ill.
2.  A plan
3.  A proclamation

Jesus responds not to his begging but to his faith. Instead of things getting better, they get worse. A messenger comes along and informs Jairus that his daughter is dead and advises him not to trouble the teacher any further.

1.  Most people see praying/asking for something as bothersome to God.
2.  The opportunity for which you came is gone.
3.  There is nothing more to achieve.
4.  He is not able to do anything now.

As far as Jesus is concerned, there's no problem with the change or the request. The only problem is fear. He tells Jairus not to fear.

New information - a doctor's negative report, a change in a situation, the opinions of friends and relatives - can bring fear, doubt, and anxiety. Until we are ready to obey the general command, "do not fear," "do not worry," we will not receive or be ready to act on the special command to, "come." Just because what you face doesn't change doesn't mean your faith is not working.

Don't allow anyone's declaration to undo your proclamation. Something said based on sight cannot undo what was stated based on faith unless you let it go or become fearful. When Jesus arrived at Jairus' house, he put all the mourners out of the room. Only the girl's parents, Jesus, Peter, James, and John stayed there. Don't feel badly about putting doubters or potential doubters out of the room while you deal with a problem. Being a Christian doesn't always mean being nice.

The problem is not in what we face but in what we fear. Build your faith on the promises from God's Word that go against what the enemy is baiting you with fear.

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If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to our Sunday Morning Service at 10:00 AM. We also have Children's Services available. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA.  We look forward to meeting you!