Morning Dew: Pass Me Not | Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr | Bible Study Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Morning Dew: Pass Me Not

Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr

The House of Hope Atlanta • Jun 5, 2025 • 45 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this devotional, Dr. E. Dewey Smith Jr. examines the account of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10 alongside the beloved hymn 'Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.' He outlines five key characteristics of authentic faith, explaining that true spiritual sight comes from hearing God's Word rather than relying on physical appearances. When believers speak God's promises and cry out to Jesus with specific petitions, faith moves the Lord to transform their lives.

Themes

Faith vs SightPersistent PrayerVocal ConfessionOvercoming SkepticismSpecific Petitions

Pastor's Points

1.

Faith is never based on sight

2.

Faith can produce a sound

3.

Faith should lead us to the savior

4.

Faith helps us to overcome skeptics

5.

Faith will undergird supplications

Key Points

1.
Faith is never based on sight: Physical sight can limit expectation, but true faith relies on hearing and trusting God's Word.
2.
Faith can produce a sound: Genuine faith leads to positive daily verbal confessions and proclamations over our circumstances.
3.
Faith should lead us to the Savior: Authentic faith directs our hearts straight to Jesus rather than temporary earthly coping mechanisms or idols.
4.
Faith helps us to overcome skeptics: When critics try to discourage or silence us, persistent faith drives us to call on the Lord even louder.
5.
Faith will undergird supplications: Bold faith presents clear, specific petitions to Jesus rather than vague requests.
6.
A difficult season or struggle does not define your ultimate identity in Christ.
7.
Calling upon Jesus with heartfelt, persistent faith moves the Lord to act on your behalf.

Sermon Moments

“If you can see it, that's not it. Because if you can see it, you don't need God.”

“The historical reflection on Fanny Crosby pinning 'Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior' in 1868 after visiting inmates or studying blind beggars in the Gospels.”

“The contrast between Nicodemus, who had physical sight but only called Jesus a teacher, and blind Bartimaeus, who lacked physical sight but recognized Jesus as the Messiah.”

“When you call Him right from your spirit, heaven stands still and moves in your direction.”

“Don't allow skeptics who can see to tell you how to cry out when they haven't walked in your shoes or endured your struggle.”

“Faith honors God, and God will honor faith.”

This Week

Replace negative spoken statements with daily positive, scriptural affirmations over your health, family, and circumstances.

Examine what you reach for first in moments of stress, turning away from temporary coping mechanisms to seek Jesus directly.

Refuse to allow critics, skeptics, or doubters to silence your prayer life or diminish your spiritual expectations.

Bring detailed, specific petitions to God in prayer rather than relying on vague generalities.

Dedicate daily time to reading and hearing God's Word to continuously build your faith.

Trust in God's power and character even when your physical circumstances appear bleak or unchanged.

Persist in urgent, heartfelt prayer whenever life places you in a difficult or overwhelming situation.

Remember This

True faith is not dependent on physical sight, but on hearing God's Word and calling out to Jesus with persistent, specific prayer.

A Challenge for You

"Ask what you will of the Lord and your faith can make you whole. Faith honors God and God honors faith."

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.