I. Opening Questions
Use these to loosen up discussion, help men share, and introduce the theme:
- When was a time you wanted to believe something (about God, a promise, a change) but found yourself doubting or wavering?
- What tends to trigger your doubts more — life hardships, unanswered prayers, suffering, intellectual questions, or emotional struggles?
- Do you feel it’s more acceptable in Christian circles to struggle with faith or to present yourself as “confident in faith”? Why?
II. Devotional / Scripture Study: “I believe; help my unbelief”
Mark 9:14–29
14. And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16. And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17. And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19. And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20. And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23. And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25. And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26. And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29. And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
A whole lot going on there but we will take only 2 verses and discuss:
Mark 9:23
“And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” (ESV)
Commentary / Reflection
Here Jesus challenges the father’s lack of faith. He is not saying that everything depends on human strength, but rather that faith is the channel through which God works. In effect, Jesus is inviting the father to move from doubt to trust, recognizing that God’s power is not limited — “all things are possible” is Jesus’ assertion of divine omnipotence.
It’s a gentle but penetrating challenge: the question is not whether Jesus can, but whether you believe He can. The limitation is not God’s ability but our confidence in Him.
Discussion / Application Questions
- What does it look like for you in daily life to “believe” in God’s power (especially in areas you don’t see immediate results)?
- In what situation in your life do you struggle to trust “all things are possible” in God’s power?
Mark 9:24
“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” (ESV)
Commentary / Reflection
This verse expresses the paradox many Christians live with: “I believe, help my unbelief.” The man is not hiding his doubt; rather, he is bringing it honestly to Jesus, asking for help. The strength here is not in perfect faith, but in humility and honesty. Jesus does not rebuke him for doubting; He meets him where he is and acts.
This is a model for us: the presence of doubt doesn’t disqualify you from coming to Jesus — rather, Jesus welcomes that cry. There is grace even when faith is weak.
Discussion / Application Questions
- In what ways do you feel that kind of cry (“help my unbelief”) is difficult or scary to bring before God?
- How would your prayers and relationship with God change if you started confessing your unbelief openly rather than hiding it?
Hebrews 11:1, 6
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV)
Commentary / Reflection
Hebrews 11 is the “Hall of Faith” chapter, showing that many heroes of old lived by trusting what was unseen. The writer’s definition of faith highlights that it is not based on sight but on confidence. Then Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that faith is essential to pleasing God — not a side issue.
In the context of struggling belief/unbelief, these verses remind us that faith doesn’t require perfect vision or certainty. It is still the vital posture before God. Doubt may press in, but faith continues to hold to God’s character and promises.
Discussion / Application Questions
- How do you reconcile the concept of faith as conviction in the “unseen” with times you feel you can’t believe?
- What practical steps can you take to “approach God” when your faith wavers — trusting He rewards those who seek Him?
James 1:5–8
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:5–7, ESV)
Commentary / Reflection
James is addressing uncertainty and instability. He encourages asking God — but with faith, not wavering. The person who doubts is “like a wave” — unstable. It doesn’t mean the doubter is eternally condemned, but it warns of the danger of persistent doubting in one’s prayer life and walk with God.
In application, this verse reminds us that doubt, if unaddressed, can erode our prayer confidence and our expectation that God acts.
Discussion / Application Questions
- In what ways have you allowed wavering or doubt to hinder your prayers?
- How can you cultivate a posture of asking “with faith, no doubting” even when your inner emotions argue otherwise?
Matthew 17:20
“He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.’” (ESV)
Commentary / Reflection
Jesus is teaching that even a small amount of genuine faith can unleash divine possibilities. The mustard seed is tiny, yet when placed in trusting dependence, it can produce big results. The key is that the faith is real, even if small.
This is encouraging: you don’t need “mountain-moving” faith to approach God. Even a mustard-seed faith is significant and can grow.
Discussion / Application Questions
- Where in your life do you feel you have “a little faith” right now — and where do you need to act on that little faith?
- How might applying that small amount of faith (in prayer, obedience, trust) open doors to growth and confidence?
Romans 4:20–21
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20–21, ESV)
Commentary / Reflection
This verse describes Abraham’s faith — even though he faced circumstances that made the promise seem humanly impossible, he did not waver. His faith grew stronger and gave glory to God.
This is a helpful example: faith isn’t static. It can be stretched and deepened even when pressures and doubts press in. Abraham shows us that belief can mature despite, or even through, the struggle.
Discussion / Application Questions
- In what past areas has God shown you that your faith could grow through challenges?
- How could you intentionally “lean in” rather than retreat when unbelief surfaces?
III. Closing Summary & Application
Summary
- Struggling with belief and unbelief is part of the Christian life — the father in Mark 9 modeled exactly that tension.
- Jesus does not reject or shame the doubter; instead, He invites honesty and asks us to believe.
- Faith is not always strong or confident; sometimes it is small, wavering, imperfect — but God meets us there.
- The Scriptures encourage us to press into faith even when sight fails, doubt looms, or emotions resist.
- The testimonies of Abraham, the heroes of Hebrews 11, and Jesus’ own words show that faith can grow, even from a mustard-seed level.
Group Application / Action Steps
- Confess your doubt honestly to God in prayer (perhaps using the words, “I believe; help my unbelief”).
- Journal or speak aloud one area in your life where you find it hard to believe God — ask Him to increase your faith there.
- Memorize or meditate on one of the above verses (e.g. Mark 9:24, Hebrews 11:1) and bring it to mind when doubt storms.
- Pray for one another in the group — ask that God would strengthen each man’s faith, especially in weak spots.
- Step out in small acts of faith — obey something you’ve sensed God calling you to, even when part of you doubts. Let that obedience become a witness to your faith.
Closing Question for the Group
Which verse or insight from today do you think will help you most when you next face doubt — and what is one step you will take this week to lean into belief instead of giving in to unbelief?