In this message Pastor Tom teaches from Mark 6:1-6. Unbelief in God and in what He has revealed to us is a choice each one of us makes and that choice affects not only us, but those around us. That is what we explore in this sermon.
Sermon Notes
The Gospel of Mark | Unbelief
(Mark 6:1-6)
Mark 6:1-6
He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.
Sermon in a Sentence:
Unbelief in God and in what He has revealed to us is a choice each one of us makes and that choice affects not only us, but those around us.
What is unbelief?
An unwillingness to commit oneself to another or respond positively to the other’s words or actions
“The word “unbelief" has strong negative overtones. But at heart, unbelief is staggering back from God's revelation of Himself, refusing to respond... Thus, unbelief exhibits a sinful heart ‘that turns away from the living God (Heb 3:12).’” Lawrence O. Richards
The People’s Reaction to Jesus’ Teaching
#1 - Astonishment
#2 - Doubt
AT Robertson, “They did not deny the wisdom of His words or the wonder of His works, but the townsmen knew Jesus and they never suspected that He possessed such gifts and graces.”
#3 – Offended
Jesus’ Reactions to Their Unbelief
#1 - Resignation
#2 - Disappointment
The reason for miracles it seems is so that those who do not believe will come to believe!
#3 – Amazement
#4 – Determination
Application: We must be aware…
…of our tendency to make the Gospel and our relationship with God “common.”
…that God confounds the wise with the simple.
…that our personal faith affects how God works among those around us.
…that unbelief is not just a characteristic of people who aren’t in the faith.
Hebrews 3:12, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.”
… that our unbelief won’t stop God, but will stop God through us!
