CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Mark 9:14-29.

2. Dependence on God – The disciples couldn’t drive out the demon, not because they lacked authority, but because they lacked dependence on God through prayer (Mark 9:28–29). When have you tried to handle something on your own, only to realize you needed God’s help? How does prayer cultivate true humility in your life?

3. Faith & Surrender – The boy’s father cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). How does this tension between belief and doubt resonate with your own faith journey? What practices help you surrender your uncertainties to God?

4. True Greatness – The disciples were fixated on status rather than service (Mark 9:34–35). Jesus radically redefines greatness as humility and servanthood. In what areas of life do you struggle with pride or comparison? How can you intentionally adopt a posture of humility toward others?

5. Serving the Last & Least – Jesus calls his followers to receive and serve the “least” (Mark 9:37). Who in your community might be overlooked or undervalued? How can humility move you toward caring for those who might otherwise be ignored?

Title: Jesus Humbles
Reference: Mark 9:14-29
Speaker: Bill Gorman, BillG@cckc.church

– The ones who are helpless

– The ones who think they can help

How do we move from moments of desperation to a life of dependence?

1. Moment of desperation.
2. Cry out to God.
3. Problem resolves.
4. Go back to self-reliance.

I only talk to God when I need a favor
And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer
~ Jelly Roll, You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” (Matthew 5:3 The Message

You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. ~ Matthew 5:3 The Message

– Recognize that your pride is the biggest barrier to God’s possibilities

Humility, the place of entire dependence on God, is the first duty and the highest virtue of the creature, and the root of every virtue. And so pride, or the loss of this humility, is the root of every sin and evil. ~ Robert Murray McCheyne

– Welcome your weakness as a gift of grace

– Give your helpless to Jesus in humble prayer