Title: Why We Couldn't / Matthew 17:14-20
In Matthew 17, three failures are recorded. First, the disciples failed to cast out demons (verses 14-21); second, they failed to understand the meaning of Jesus' death and resurrection (verses 22-23); and third, Peter paid the temple tax. It was a failure to understand Jesus who said, Then why are we unable to cast out demons?
I. Human power alone cannot
Humans promise to change the world and save humans with reason and science. The laboratory became the Holy of Holies, and the scientist replaced the priests and prophets. Humanists are born with the delusion that humans are good. They say that only humans can fulfill all responsibilities, and that they will cure social evils outside the church. However, they only achieved salvation in the human situation, but did not bring true salvation. This does not mean, however, that the value of the science and literary revival movement is diminished. But they make people forget their sinful nature. A sin-polluted man cannot drive evil out of the world.
II. The view that only God, not man, can do it
God does not work alone. God can do everything, but He is never alone. The Renaissance brought too much optimism. On the other hand, the Reformers were too pessimistic. Human beings are completely corrupt and cannot do anything, only God can do all things. However, not everything can be accomplished through prayer alone. Prayer is not a substitute for intellect and labor. Prayer is for accomplishing God's will, not my purpose. I believe that God alone will drive out evil, and if I let it go, it would be unbelief and superstition.
Ⅲ. God works through human faith
There are three stages of faith, the first is the content of belief that Jesus is my Savior, the second is agreeing with the content, and the third is devotion to my Savior, Jesus Christ. The reproof the disciples received was not for lack of intellectual content (first and second), but for lack of personal commitment (third). In Mark 9, it is said, “This kind cannot go out by anything but prayer.” Here, faith is prayer, and prayer is faith. There are some important lessons to be learned from this. First, in order to believe in God effectively, you must maintain a right relationship with God. Also, we must know that there are no shortcuts to gaining spiritual authority. Finally, you need to know that 100% of human achievement is 100% of God added to 100%.
I will conclude
In order to drive evil out of the world, we must first come to Jesus with extreme humility and fervent faith. Second, there must be a ceaseless prayer asking for God's will. Finally, thorough obedience must follow. In Mark 9, it says, "I believe, help my unbelief." In the name of the Lord, I earnestly wish that all of us today confess these words and become victors just like Jesus who cast out demons.