When The Strong Becomes Weak

Intro: Some believers are strong in faith while some are weak. Nevertheless, even the strongest in faith can and will have times of weakness. The Bible admonishes us, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (I Cor. 10:12) Every one of us no matter how strong in the faith can fall into times of weakness. That is why we must guard against those times and be willing to draw close to Christ and increase in faith. Let us learn from the life of John the Baptist.

I. THE GREATNESS OF JOHN

A. In the Angel’s Description (Luke 1:15).

B. In His Mother’s Womb (Luke 1:39-44)

C. In His Childhood (Luke 1:5-6)

D. In His Purpose (Luke 1:16-17)

E. In His Preaching (Luke 3:7-8, 18-19)

F. In His Exaltation of Christ (John 1:29; 3:30)

G. In the Lord’s Praise of Him (Luke 7:28; Matt. 11:11)

H. In His Death (Matt. 14:1-12 cf. 11:13-14; 17:12)

II. THE WEAKNESS OF JOHN

A. The Timing of John’s Weakness

• In view of one of the greatest miracles of Jesus (Luke 7:11-18).

• Compare Elijah after his victory over the prophets of Baal; he was afterward running for his life from Queen Jezebel (I Kings 19:1-4).

B. The Gravity of John’s Weakness (Luke 7:19)

III. THE CURE FOR JOHN'S WEAKNESS

A. The Words and Works of Christ (Luke 7:20-22)

B. The Reproof and Admonition of Christ (Luke 7:23)

Conclusion: In our times of great success and prosperity, we are prone to forget our weaknesses and lose spiritual balance. Are you guarding today against the times of weak faith? Are you constantly questioning your fulfillment of God’s will for your life? Are you concerned that your life has been wasted in the service of Christ? If so, put yourself under the hearing of God’s word and allow Him to build your faith in what He has done.