Tenacious Faith: Overcoming Barriers to Divine Healing
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of "The Tenacity of Faith That Moves the Lord," as illustrated in Mark 7:24-30. This passage tells the story of a Syro-Phoenician woman whose unwavering faith and determination led to a miraculous healing for her daughter. Despite being an outsider with no inherent claim to Jesus' blessings, her persistent faith and love for her child impressed Jesus, ultimately leading to her receiving the miracle she sought. This narrative challenges us to reflect on our own faith journey, encouraging us to cultivate a faith that is relentless and bold, even in the face of apparent silence or denial from God.
The story of this woman serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses our trials to deepen our faith and draw us closer to Him. Her tenacity in seeking Jesus, despite cultural and ethnic barriers, exemplifies a faith that refuses to be deterred by obstacles. It is a call for us to examine the barriers in our own lives that may hinder us from fully pursuing Christ. The message encourages us to persist in our faith, to be bold in our requests to God, and to trust in His timing and wisdom, even when His answers are not what we expect.
As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one, we are invited to consider how we can deepen our faith and take risks for Christ. The message challenges us to be willing to experience rejection and to persevere in our spiritual journey, knowing that God honors a tenacious faith. It is a call to action, urging us to pursue a deeper relationship with God and to trust in His promises, even when the path is difficult.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Tenacity of Faith Seeks Jesus Despite Barriers: The Syro-Phoenician woman's faith overcame significant cultural and ethnic barriers. Her story challenges us to identify and overcome the barriers in our own lives that prevent us from fully pursuing Christ. A tenacious faith seeks Jesus relentlessly, bringing our needs to Him without conditions. [17:57]
2. The Tenacity of Faith Perseveres Through Testing: Jesus tested the woman's faith, and her humble, persistent response demonstrated her unwavering trust in Him. This teaches us that our faith will be tested, but perseverance through trials can lead to a deeper relationship with God. We are encouraged to trust in God's character and His love for us, even when He seems silent. [24:28]
3. The Tenacity of Faith Receives God's Reward: The woman's persistent faith was rewarded with the healing of her daughter. This illustrates that God honors and responds to a tenacious faith. We are reminded that our faith can move the heart of God and lead to His gracious rewards. [28:16]
4. Reflecting on Our Faith Journey: As we look back on the past year, we are encouraged to evaluate our faith journey. Have we been bold and persistent in our faith? The message challenges us to take risks for Christ in the coming year, to persevere in our spiritual journey, and to trust in God's promises. [25:44]
5. The Greatest Miracle of Faith: The ultimate miracle of faith is the transformation of a life through salvation. The message reminds us that the greatest miracle is being born again, moving from darkness to light. This transformation is only possible through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. [31:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:02] - The Challenge of "No"
- [03:24] - Biblical Examples of God's "No"
- [04:40] - The Syro-Phoenician Woman's Tenacity
- [05:29] - Moving the Lord's Heart
- [06:00] - Going Deeper in Faith
- [07:29] - Understanding the Woman's Background
- [08:29] - Seeking Jesus Despite Barriers
- [09:36] - Jesus in Tyre and Sidon
- [12:33] - The Woman's Determination
- [14:07] - Crying Out to Jesus
- [17:00] - Bringing Our Needs to Jesus
- [19:15] - Persevering Through Testing
- [22:10] - Jesus' Response and Testing
- [28:16] - Receiving God's Reward
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 7:24-30
#### Observation Questions
1. What cultural and ethnic barriers did the Syro-Phoenician woman face when approaching Jesus? How did she overcome them? [08:29]
2. How did Jesus initially respond to the woman's request, and what was her reaction? [19:53]
3. What was the outcome of the woman's interaction with Jesus, and how did it demonstrate the tenacity of her faith? [27:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Jesus have tested the woman's faith with His initial response? What does this reveal about the nature of faith? [19:53]
2. How does the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman challenge our understanding of who can receive God's blessings? [08:29]
3. In what ways does the woman's persistence reflect a deeper understanding of Jesus' character and mission? [23:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like God was silent or saying "no" to your prayers. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [03:24]
2. Identify a barrier in your life that might be preventing you from fully pursuing Christ. What steps can you take to overcome it? [17:57]
3. The woman in the story was willing to face rejection for the sake of her daughter. Are there areas in your life where you need to take risks for your faith? [25:44]
4. How can you cultivate a tenacious faith that perseveres through testing and trials? What practical steps can you take this week? [19:15]
5. The sermon mentioned the greatest miracle of faith is the transformation of a life through salvation. How can you share this miracle with someone in your life? [31:08]
6. As you reflect on the past year, in what ways have you been bold and persistent in your faith? How can you continue to grow in these areas in the coming year? [25:44]
7. Consider the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman. How can her example inspire you to bring your needs to Jesus without conditions? [17:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Overcoming Barriers to Seek Jesus
The story of the Syro-Phoenician woman in Mark 7:24-30 is a powerful testament to the tenacity of faith that seeks Jesus despite significant barriers. This woman, an outsider by cultural and ethnic standards, approached Jesus with a boldness that defied societal norms. Her faith was not deterred by the potential for rejection or the obstacles in her path. Instead, she pursued Jesus with relentless determination, driven by her love for her daughter and her belief in His power to heal. This narrative challenges us to identify and overcome the barriers in our own lives that prevent us from fully pursuing Christ. Whether these barriers are cultural, personal, or spiritual, a tenacious faith seeks Jesus relentlessly, bringing our needs to Him without conditions. [17:57]
Matthew 15:28 (ESV): "Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed instantly."
Reflection: What barriers in your life are preventing you from fully pursuing Jesus? How can you take a step today to overcome one of these barriers and seek Him more earnestly?
Day 2: Persevering Through Trials
The Syro-Phoenician woman's encounter with Jesus was not straightforward. Jesus initially tested her faith, presenting her with a challenge that could have easily discouraged her. However, her humble and persistent response demonstrated an unwavering trust in Him. This teaches us that our faith will be tested, and perseverance through trials can lead to a deeper relationship with God. In moments when God seems silent or when His answers are not what we expect, we are encouraged to trust in His character and His love for us. The testing of our faith is an opportunity to grow and to deepen our reliance on God, knowing that He is faithful and His timing is perfect. [24:28]
James 1:3-4 (ESV): "For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How did you respond to it? What can you do today to trust God more deeply in the midst of your current challenges?
Day 3: Receiving God's Reward
The Syro-Phoenician woman's persistent faith was ultimately rewarded with the healing of her daughter. This illustrates that God honors and responds to a tenacious faith. Her story is a reminder that our faith can move the heart of God and lead to His gracious rewards. While the rewards may not always come in the form we expect, God is faithful to respond to those who earnestly seek Him. This encourages us to be bold in our requests to God, trusting in His wisdom and timing. As we bring our needs before Him, we can have confidence that He hears us and will respond in accordance with His perfect will. [28:16]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV): "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one bold request you can bring to God today, trusting in His wisdom and timing? How can you cultivate a faith that is persistent and expectant of His response?
Day 4: Reflecting on Our Faith Journey
As we look back on the past year, we are encouraged to evaluate our faith journey. The story of the Syro-Phoenician woman challenges us to consider whether we have been bold and persistent in our faith. Have we taken risks for Christ, persevered in our spiritual journey, and trusted in God's promises? This reflection is an invitation to deepen our faith and to take steps toward a more intimate relationship with God in the coming year. It is a call to action, urging us to pursue a deeper relationship with God and to trust in His promises, even when the path is difficult. [25:44]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: As you reflect on the past year, what is one area of your faith journey that you would like to grow in? What specific steps can you take today to pursue a deeper relationship with God?
Day 5: The Greatest Miracle of Faith
The ultimate miracle of faith is the transformation of a life through salvation. The story of the Syro-Phoenician woman reminds us that the greatest miracle is being born again, moving from darkness to light. This transformation is only possible through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of the incredible gift of salvation and the new life we have in Christ. This is a call to live in the light of this miracle, allowing our lives to be a testament to the transformative power of faith in Jesus. [31:08]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: How has your life been transformed by the miracle of salvation? In what ways can you live out this transformation today, allowing others to see the light of Christ in you?
Quotes
And for me, this is very, very divine appointment, that the Lord would select this passage, the expository preaching, so we just keep going through the next passage, and the title of the message this morning is, The Tenacity of Faith That Moves the Lord. The Tenacity of Faith That Moves the Lord. The Tenacity of Faith That Moves the Lord. Just in case anyone here, or anyone watching, knows Tenacity, it means like a really, a dominant determination, an extra level, a higher level of determination. [00:01:02]
lots of different examples but let me here's a question what happens it's much tougher this one what happens if God says no what happens if God says no is he allowed to say no yes 100 % he is allowed to say no I'm taking you some examples in the scriptures and these are only a few and there's absolutely loads of them if you want to study it I just squeezed in a few of the most famous ones where he's going to say no to someone but it's because it's something better there's a time when God said no to every two brothers and they picked David and he went through all the brothers no no no no no the one that was out in the field that nobody even thought about God said no to Gideon he said no to ThirteenTh admiration three thousand no no no That's too big. [00:02:17]
And again this is so important. what we're going to look at this morning we're going to look at someone who ends up demonstrating and displaying immense tenacity this lady is an outsider there's no right to any of god's blessings he doesn't have the white by birth he doesn't speak the language that he speaks white with But she has a tenacity of faith. She has a tenacity of love for her child. That's what impressed Jesus. And he actually, it appears, he tests her. He tests her faith. And she passed that test because of her tenacity. And she got her miracle. [00:04:15]
And what we're going to develop this morning is, you and I, by having an unwavering faith and a humble understanding of Christ's authority, you and I will find that we can actually move the Lord's heart. It can lead us to his gracious reward. This is an encouraging thing to know. And that's why God gives us his word. So just ask yourself before I pray, just before I pray now, contemplate or meditate on this. [00:05:14]
So now they're in the area now. But the point here is she is not a Jew. She is an outsider. She is not welcome to be engaging with Jesus. She's not one of the chosen people. That's the point here. Yet, as we're going to see now, the tenacity of her faith overcome and overcame mega obstacles. Let's look at the first point. We'll just keep moving here. The first point is a bit of a mouthful. But the tenacity of faith seeks Jesus despite the barriers. [00:08:29]
So you imagine yourself now in your shoes. You've heard these amazing stories about Jesus. You've heard about what's happening in Israel. It's not happening in your area or it's not likely to happen in your area. You've heard that there were these people that let a disabled man down through the roof and plopped him in front of Jesus and he healed him. You've heard that he even helped the Romans. Who would help the Romans? Who would help the saints do it? So this lady is thinking I'm going to go see this guy. [00:12:19]
and that huge wave of disappointment comes over you which we've all had at some point in our life but Jesus is everything she needs everything that she can get to and she has this striking thought it crosses her mind she says I'll cry to him in his own power I'll cry Lord son of David have mercy on me he's heard a Jewish neighbour maybe repeat the same thing for years he says I'll just repeat it don't know exactly what it means but I'll say it [00:14:40]
Can you relate to that this morning, that you might have a need, and you might need to bring it to Jesus, but you're thinking, I need to do something else, I need to impress the Lord, I need to do something. What he's looking for is tenacity. Her tenacity, her tenacious faith, is seeking Jesus. But what we all suppose it's going to be, she is going to seek Jesus. So let's just think about that now. What barriers would you not say that have taken us from fully pursuing Christ like this? [00:17:40]
The tenacity of faith perseveres through testing. So again let's just try to think, Jesus now he responds to the lady not in the way that she was expecting, not in the way that most people who read the Bible expect or even like. The scholars don't like it, the skeptics don't like this answer. Jesus responds and he tests her, he tests the woman's faith, he's already proved she's got tenacious faith. [00:19:46]
The woman's bold and humble reply shows that she had a persistent faith. She's not going to give up. She had a true need for help. She had a tenacious need with a tenacious faith. Verse 28. And she answered and said unto him, yea, Lord. Yet the dogs under the table keep the children's cries. I wonder why they're laughing now. I don't think they would be laughing now. [00:23:41]
The key point here of all of this is that persistent humble faith will move the Lord's heart. He's looking for it. He's a gracious and loving God, and he will respond and he will reward tenacious faith. So again, as we finish now, let's reflect on 2024. This is the last Sunday in 2024. It blesses my heart that we would all come out this morning to be in God's house on that last Sunday, especially after the busy Christmas season. [00:28:46]
Imagine if we refuse to give up, even when God is saying no. Imagine. In Hebrews 11, 6 it says this. There's a book here where the context is to explain this is the chapter of faith, the hall of faith, the first verse of the famous one, the substance of things hoped for. And then it goes through Abraham, it goes through all the, the hall of faith. You know, if I could be in any chapter, I wouldn't mind being in 11. Good company. [00:29:15]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?