Convicted of Unbelief
Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and overcoming unbelief in order to experience Christ's presence and power.
Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of recognizing our own unbelief, pointing out that Jesus rebuked the disciples for their slowness to believe. He asserts that the extent of unbelief among God's children is often underestimated, leading to a barrier that prevents Christ from entering our hearts. When faith is fully present, it naturally invites Christ in, just as water fills a depression. Murray challenges listeners to confront their own lack of belief and to acknowledge their need for Christ's presence in their lives. He encourages a prayerful attitude of repentance and openness to receive Jesus.
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We must be convicted of our unbelief. Jesus said to the disciples, "O foolish men, slow in heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!" If we could only get a true picture of the amount of unbelief in the hearts of God's children, we would be astonished and ashamed. Unbelief bars the door to Christ and closes the heart to him. When there is no unbelief in a heart, when there is a full, living faith, Christ cannot help coming in. The heart is opened and prepared for him; just as water naturally runs into a depression in the ground, so Christ must come into the heart which is full of faith. Are you willing to acknowledge that you are a fool for never having believed in him? We all need to pray, "Lord Jesus, it is my own fault.
There you are, longing to have possession of me; there you have been with your faithful promises, waiting to reveal yourself."
(Excerpted from Christ is All by Andrew Murray, pg. 66)
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Unbelief
- The Consequences of Unbelief
- The Solution to Unbelief
- Acknowledge and confess unbelief
- Pray for faith and surrender to Christ
Key Quotes
“O foolish men, slow in heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” — Andrew Murray
“When there is no unbelief in a heart, when there is a full, living faith, Christ cannot help coming in.” — Andrew Murray
“Are you willing to acknowledge that you are a fool for never having believed in him?” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- We must acknowledge and confess our unbelief in order to experience Christ's presence and power.
- Prayer is essential for overcoming unbelief and surrendering to Christ.
- Faith is the key to unlocking Christ's presence in our lives.