Faith That Moves Mountains: Embracing God's Power
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the powerful message of moving mountains through faith, inspired by Matthew 17:14-20. The story of Jesus healing a boy possessed by a demon, which the disciples could not cast out, serves as a profound lesson on the importance of faith. Jesus rebuked the disciples for their meager faith and emphasized that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This passage challenges us to examine the mountains in our own lives—be it marital struggles, financial difficulties, health issues, or personal doubts—and to understand that these obstacles can be moved through genuine faith in God.
We explored how a lack of God's power in our lives often indicates a lack of faith. Jesus' seemingly harsh words to the disciples were not just a rebuke but a call to develop a faith strong enough to move mountains. This faith is not about the magnitude but the quality and the object of our faith—whether it is in ourselves or in God. True faith in God, even if it is as small as a mustard seed, can achieve the impossible.
Moreover, we discussed the importance of perspective. Moving mountains is not about carrying the burden but about changing our viewpoint, putting the mountain under our feet through prayer and fasting. This kind of faith requires devotion, commitment, and a willingness to humble ourselves before God. When we do this, we experience breakthrough and see God's power manifest in our lives.
Isaiah 40:4-5 further reinforces this message, prophesying that every valley will be lifted, and every mountain and hill made low, revealing the glory of the Lord. This is God's declaration for us: to transform our obstacles into opportunities for His glory to be revealed. The key to moving mountains lies in our commitment to prayer, fasting, and unwavering faith in God's power.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed: Jesus teaches that even the smallest amount of true faith can move mountains. This faith is not about its size but its quality and the object of our faith—God. When we place our trust in Him, nothing is impossible. [01:55]
2. Perspective Change: Moving mountains is less about carrying the burden and more about changing our perspective. Through prayer and fasting, we can place our mountains under our feet, seeing them from God's vantage point. This shift in perspective allows us to experience breakthrough and see God's power at work. [18:42]
3. Devotion and Commitment: True faith requires devotion and commitment. Jesus emphasized that some mountains can only be moved by prayer and fasting, highlighting the need for a deep, committed relationship with God. This commitment transforms our faith from meager to mighty. [22:40]
4. God's Power in Our Lives: A lack of God's power often indicates a lack of faith. Jesus' rebuke to the disciples serves as a reminder that we need to develop a faith strong enough to move mountains. This faith allows us to see and experience God's power in our lives. [04:14]
5. Prophetic Declaration: Isaiah 40:4-5 prophesies that every valley will be lifted, and every mountain made low, revealing God's glory. This is a declaration for us today, encouraging us to transform our obstacles into opportunities for God's glory to be revealed through our faith and commitment. [24:24]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Opening Prayer
[00:49] - Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:14-20
[01:55] - Moving Mountains Through Faith
[02:31] - Identifying Your Mountains
[03:42] - Nothing is Impossible for You
[04:14] - Lack of God's Power and Faith
[05:30] - Jesus' Rebuke and Our Faith
[06:12] - Obtaining the Power to Move Mountains
[07:47] - Understanding Rebuke
[08:55] - Faith to Move Mountains
[10:15] - Disciples' Question: Why Couldn't We Cast It Out?
[11:23] - Faith as Fuel for the Fight
[12:17] - Two Types of Faith
[13:29] - Demonstration: Moving Mountains
[16:23] - Perspective Change: Putting Mountains Under Your Feet
[18:42] - Prayer and Fasting
[19:40] - God's Unchanging Nature
[21:14] - Devotion and Commitment
[22:40] - True Prayer and Fasting
[23:32] - Moving Mountains Through Commitment
[24:24] - Prophetic Declaration: Isaiah 40:4-5
[27:02] - Humility and Exaltation
[28:02] - God's Power Over Our Problems
[29:43] - Dropping the Trash
[30:50] - Mountaintop Experiences
[32:12] - The Transfiguration
[33:21] - Call to Respond: Moving Mountains Today
[34:30] - Altar Call: Going Low to Move Mountains
[35:03] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 17:14-20: "When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before him, and saying, 'Lord, have mercy on my son, because he has seizures and suffers terribly. For he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him.' And Jesus answered and said, 'You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to me.' And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was healed at once. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' And he said to them, 'Because of your meager faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move. And nothing will be impossible for you.'"
2. Isaiah 40:4-5: "Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; let the uneven ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the boy brought to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to the disciples' inability to heal him? ([00:49])
2. According to Jesus, what is the significance of having faith the size of a mustard seed? ([01:55])
3. How does Isaiah 40:4-5 describe the transformation of obstacles and what is the ultimate purpose of this transformation?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Jesus rebuke the disciples for their lack of faith, and what does this teach us about the nature of true faith? ([04:14])
2. How does the concept of moving mountains through faith challenge our understanding of dealing with life's obstacles? ([03:42])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between prayer, fasting, and moving mountains? ([18:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a personal "mountain" in your life. How can you apply the principle of having faith the size of a mustard seed to this situation? ([01:55])
2. How can you change your perspective on a current challenge by placing it under your feet through prayer and fasting? ([18:42])
3. What steps can you take to deepen your devotion and commitment to God, especially in the context of prayer and fasting? ([22:40])
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel a lack of God's power. How might this be related to your faith, and what can you do to strengthen it? ([04:14])
5. How can you transform an obstacle in your life into an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed, as described in Isaiah 40:4-5? ([24:24])
6. Think of a time when you experienced a breakthrough after a period of prayer and fasting. How did this experience impact your faith and perspective on future challenges? ([19:40])
7. What practical steps can you take this week to humble yourself before God and seek His power to move the mountains in your life? ([27:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed
True faith, even if small, can achieve the impossible. Jesus teaches that the size of our faith is not as important as its quality and the object of our faith—God. When we place our trust in Him, even the smallest amount of genuine faith can move mountains. This means that no matter how insurmountable our problems may seem, they can be overcome through faith in God. The story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed boy illustrates this point powerfully. The disciples were unable to cast out the demon because of their lack of faith, but Jesus showed that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can accomplish what seems impossible. [01:55]
Matthew 17:20 (ESV): "He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'"
Reflection: What is one "mountain" in your life that seems impossible to move? How can you begin to place even a small amount of genuine faith in God to address this issue today?
Day 2: Perspective Change
Moving mountains is less about carrying the burden and more about changing our perspective. Through prayer and fasting, we can place our mountains under our feet, seeing them from God's vantage point. This shift in perspective allows us to experience breakthrough and see God's power at work. When we humble ourselves and seek God earnestly, we begin to see our problems not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. This change in perspective is crucial for overcoming the challenges we face. [18:42]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you change your perspective to see this challenge from God's viewpoint? What steps can you take today to begin this shift in perspective?
Day 3: Devotion and Commitment
True faith requires devotion and commitment. Jesus emphasized that some mountains can only be moved by prayer and fasting, highlighting the need for a deep, committed relationship with God. This commitment transforms our faith from meager to mighty. It is through consistent prayer, fasting, and seeking God that our faith grows stronger and more effective. This kind of devotion is not a one-time act but a continuous, daily practice that deepens our relationship with God and empowers us to overcome the obstacles in our lives. [22:40]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your commitment to God through prayer and fasting? How can you incorporate these practices into your daily routine starting today?
Day 4: God's Power in Our Lives
A lack of God's power often indicates a lack of faith. Jesus' rebuke to the disciples serves as a reminder that we need to develop a faith strong enough to move mountains. This faith allows us to see and experience God's power in our lives. When we trust in God's power rather than our own abilities, we open the door for Him to work miracles in our lives. It is through faith that we tap into the limitless power of God, enabling us to overcome any obstacle we face. [04:14]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than God's power? How can you begin to trust in God's power more fully today?
Day 5: Prophetic Declaration
Isaiah 40:4-5 prophesies that every valley will be lifted, and every mountain made low, revealing God's glory. This is a declaration for us today, encouraging us to transform our obstacles into opportunities for God's glory to be revealed through our faith and commitment. When we face challenges with unwavering faith, we allow God's glory to shine through our lives. This prophetic declaration reminds us that God is in control and that He can transform any situation for His glory. [24:24]
Isaiah 40:4-5 (ESV): "Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Reflection: How can you view your current obstacles as opportunities for God's glory to be revealed? What steps can you take to demonstrate unwavering faith in God's ability to transform your situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Bible says that nothing, tap your neighbor on the shoulder, tell them nothing. Nothing will be impossible for you. For you. The Bible does say that nothing is impossible for our God, but in this verse, it says nothing will be impossible for you in regards to moving mountains." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your mountain can simply just be a bout of doubt. You could be going through a rough season and it be a mountain. It's very easy for us humans to make mountains out of molehills. It doesn't have to be something super serious. It could be a worry, a fear, an uncertainty, it doesn't even have to be something that's happening right now. It could be something that we can think up for the future and we can have ourself in a real pickle facing a mountain." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We serve a God that is high and mighty. We serve a God that owns the cattle of a thousand hills. We serve the creator of the universe. We serve the one who says, let there be and there is. So don't come to me talking about problems when you know the solution. Child of God, you should be able to move this mountain by now." (-29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your faith is fuel for the fight. He says your meager faith wasn't enough. Truly or verily, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move." (-664 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The moment you get a hold of the word of God. You'll drop the trash. Somebody tap your neighbor on the shoulder, tell him, drop the trash. That mountain you're carrying, that worry, that fear, that anxiety, the pain, The word of God, you get a hold of the word of God. The moment you with some commitment and some consistency get a hold of the word of God in faith, you'll drop the trash." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "A lack of God's power in your life is often an indication of the lack of faith in you. Not that God is not there if you lack faith, it's that you cannot see him nor notice him nor walk in his power when you lack faith." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The power of God shown through Christ in this instance was that of which can be obtained by you. You can obtain this power. You can obtain the power to move mountains. Nothing shall be impossible for you." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What if moving mountains has less to do with carrying the load? And more to do about a perspective change, putting that mountain underneath your feet? Somebody give God a hand clap of praise." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is not expecting you to juggle the mountains of your life, begging for mercy, drudging through the mud, trying to have it all together yourself. He wants you get up on top of that mountain, because these kind of mountains only move by prayer. Fasting. These kind of mountains only move when you get them under your feet." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The best way I know to get on the mountaintop is to actually go low, and isn't that just a paradox there? Was the Bible say they that exalt themselves. Before men will in time be humbled by the Lord, but they that humble themselves before the Lord. Will be exalted before man. If you want to get on top of the mountain, if you want the mountain under your feet, you're going to have to go low." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 12, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?