Matthew 17:14-21 – Faith and Diligence
It is painful enough to see the bodies of those we love racked by disease, how much more painful must it be, for this father, to see body and mind completely under the influence of the devil. But there are many instances of Satan’s spiritual dominion over young people today, which are quite as painful, in their way, as the case described in these verses. There are thousands of young people who seem to have given themselves up to Satan’s temptations. They have no fear of God or His commandments; they serve pleasure and run riot; they refuse to listen to the advice of parents, teachers, or ministers; they fling aside their health and their character. They do all that lies in their power to ruin themselves, body and soul. But we must never despair. We must remember the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Parents, teachers, ministers should go on praying for young people, even at their worst. They may yet repent and be converted.
Faith is the key to success in the Christian warfare; unbelief is the sure road to defeat. Let our faith decay and courage, patience, long-suffering, and hope will wither and dwindle away.
Satan’s kingdom is not to be pulled down without diligence and hard work. No victories are easily won over the prince of this world; without fervent prayer and diligent focus on Christ, we will often meet with failure and defeat. We often learn by bitter experience that spiritual battles are not to be won without hard fighting. God’s work must never be carelessly done. Whatever we do, we should do it with all our might. It is a fatal mistake to underrate our foes. Greater is He that is for us than he that is against us; but, for all that, he that is against us is not to be despised. We need to take up the whole armour of God and use it.
Questions
- What is the key to success in Christian warfare?
- Why couldn’t the disciples cast out the demon?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the young people in the congregation.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.