Get Out of the Boat!

Get Out of the Boat!

2002025

Topic # 2059

Introduction:

A. New theme to AM sermons this month…Days in the Life of Jesus.

1. Today…story about Jesus’ walking on water

2. Story of Syrophoneician woman – Great Faith of a Gentile Woman

3. Rich Young Ruler

4. The Transfiguration

5. In this study we’ll get a hands-on look at Jesus’ interaction w/people; His apostles; and w/His Father in heaven.

B. Today’s lesson begins in Mt. 14:1 w/incarceration & execution of John the Baptist.

1. 14:12 – Disciples take away John’s body & report to Jesus.

2. 14:13-14

3. 14:15-21 – feeding of 5000

4. John’s account tells us why Jesus sent 12 away while He left & went on mountain to pray. (6:14-15.

C. Disciples go ahead of Him in a boat – go across sea of Galilee.

1. Sea of Galilee covers an area of about 13 x 8 miles.

2. Completely surrounded by mountains – in a bowl shape – 600 ft below sea level.

3. winds come off mountains and usually cause fierce waves on the lake.

4. when apostles 3-4 miles across the lake – literally in the middle – winds pick up – fierce. Winds working against them.

5. Mark’s account – Mk. 6:47-52.

6. Matthew’s account w/ Peter 14:28-31

D. What are some practical lessons that we can draw out of this story?

I. 14:22-27 – In times of distress Jesus will see us & come to our relief.

A. 14:22 – Jesus MADE them depart & go to the other side.

1. had to be compelled to go. Perhaps they knew a storm coming.

2. Jesus goes up to mountain alone to pray. Spends most of the night in prayer.

B. 14:25-27 – by now, Jesus had been away from them 6-8 hrs. 4^th watch of night was between 3-6 AM.

1. Jesus comes to them walking on water. Imagine: boisterous; rough seas. Dark night. Ship being tossed around.

2. Be of good courage…it is I…do not be afraid.

C. And so it is – after baptism – Christians are compelled by Christ to embark across the sea of life – headed for the other side.

1. before long, contrary winds will blow. Progress slows.

2. At times, devil brings out gale force winds to try to sink us. Faith of many has suffered shipwreck.

3. Must keep in mind – that in times of difficulty – when we are straining at the oars of life – Jesus is not unaware!

D. He knows! He cares & will help us when temptation comes!

1. Heb. 2:14-18; 4:14-16

E. He knows! He cares & will help during times of trial.

1. 1 Pet. 5:5b-7; Psa. 55:22; 37:5

2. Mt. 6:25 – don’t worry.

3. Js. 1:2-4; 12 – turn trial into opportunity to develop patience & character.

4. During times of trial we are reminded of just how much we need Him! We will get through it! 2 Cor. 4:17-18.

F. We can be confident that He will come & we will be safe! He will conduct us safely to the port which we seek.

II. 14:28-29 – Nothing too difficult when we act under Jesus’ command.

A. Note…Jesus commands Peter to walk on the water.

1. Peter gets up – exits the boat & walks on the water to Jesus.

2. Did the impossible! There are seemingly impossible things that we can do w/the help of Jesus! For example,

B. We can begin a new life through Jesus.

1. At onset, could look impossible. High mountain to climb. I’m gonna climb that???

2. It CAN happen – look around – living testimonies in this room demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel.

a) It starts by putting away sinful behavior.

b) Peter’s writing spoke of changes already made by some Christians – 1 Pet. 4:3-5.

c) But…we must “get out of the boat” and exercise of faith. Changes do not just happen.

C. We can raise godly children in this day & age.

1. Eph. 6:1-4

2. Parents must be involved in kids lives.

3. Parents must be example – b/c little eyes are always watching & “little pitches have big ears.”

4. Must demonstrate our love for God through our actions & then encourage children to follow in our footsteps.

D. We can be a positive influence for Christ.

1. Mt. 5:16; Jhn. 12:32 – done through us! We point the way to Christ! Remember – world in spiritual darkness!

2. Others can/will see the difference in our lives & be attracted!

3. Gospel IS attractive to those truly looking for it.

a) we must present it in it’s simplicity.

b) No need to dress it up!

III. 14:30-33 – spiritual progress made only while we fix our eyes on Jesus.

A. Must devote self fully to Him! Divided affections only ensure defeat!

1. Christian life is one that depends upon Jesus!

a) on his own – Peter had no power to walk on water.

b) Here Jesus makes it perfectly clear as to Peter’s dependence on Him.

2. When peter began to focus on winds/waves he began to sink.

B. We must learn to fully depend upon Jesus!

1. Maybe you’re facing serious difficulty in life. Wonder how to overcome.

2. Pray! Look to Jesus for help!

3. Learn to depend upon Him.

4. true courage in difficulties consists not in confidence in ourselves, but confidence in Jesus – our Savior and Friend. (Barnes)

C. For success…look to Jesus! Follow Jesus. He will carry you through.

1. Heb. 12:1-3

D. 14:30 – Peter cries out – “Lord Save me!”

1. immediately Jesus stretches out His hand & takes hold of him.

2. 14:33 - Get in boat – immediately the winds stopped. WOW!

3. when we reach point of distress & winds of trial blow against us & we cry out “Lord save me” & he does….

a) do we thank Him?

b) 14:33 – they worshipped Him. They knew only way they delivered was through hand of Christ.

4. Do we give credit to Christ when delivered from trials today?

a) Boy…I sure was lucky w/that one…

b) I sure did overcome the odds against me…

c) To many attribute happenings in life to chance – when it is really hand of God in our lives!

Conclusion:

A. Are winds of doubt/trial/guilt/temptation blowing in your life?

1. Do you have Jesus as someone to trust/count on in this life?

2. You can! Mt. 11:28; Rev. 3:20-22

B. Obey the gospel today! Don’t go another minute w/o Him!

C. I N V I T A T I O N



Get Out of the Boat! 2002025 Topic # 2059 Introduction: A. New theme to AM sermons this month…Days in the Life of Jesus. 1. Today…story about Jesus’ walking on water 2. Story of Syrophoneician woman – Great Faith of a Gentile Woman 3. Rich Young Ruler 4. The Transfiguration 5. In this study we’ll get a hands-on look at Jesus’ interaction w/people; His apostles; and w/His Father in heaven. B. Today’s lesson begins in Mt. 14:1 w/incarceration & execution of John the Baptist. 1. 14:12 – Disciples take away John’s body & report to Jesus. 2. 14:13-14 3. 14:15-21 – feeding of 5000 4. John’s account tells us why Jesus sent 12 away while He left & went on mountain to pray. (6:14-15. C. Disciples go ahead of Him in a boat – go across sea of Galilee. 1. Sea of Galilee covers an area of about 13 x 8 miles. 2. Completely surrounded by mountains – in a bowl shape – 600 ft below sea level. 3. winds come off mountains and usually cause fierce waves on the lake. 4. when apostles 3-4 miles across the lake – literally in the middle – winds pick up – fierce. Winds working against them. 5. Mark’s account – Mk. 6:47-52. 6. Matthew’s account w/ Peter 14:28-31 D. What are some practical lessons that we can draw out of this story? I. 14:22-27 – In times of distress Jesus will see us & come to our relief. A. 14:22 – Jesus MADE them depart & go to the other side. 1. had to be compelled to go. Perhaps they knew a storm coming. 2. Jesus goes up to mountain alone to pray. Spends most of the night in prayer. B. 14:25-27 – by now, Jesus had been away from them 6-8 hrs. 4^th watch of night was between 3-6 AM. 1. Jesus comes to them walking on water. Imagine: boisterous; rough seas. Dark night. Ship being tossed around. 2. Be of good courage…it is I…do not be afraid. C. And so it is – after baptism – Christians are compelled by Christ to embark across the sea of life – headed for the other side. 1. before long, contrary winds will blow. Progress slows. 2. At times, devil brings out gale force winds to try to sink us. Faith of many has suffered shipwreck. 3. Must keep in mind – that in times of difficulty – when we are straining at the oars of life – Jesus is not unaware! D. He knows! He cares & will help us when temptation comes! 1. Heb. 2:14-18; 4:14-16 E. He knows! He cares & will help during times of trial. 1. 1 Pet. 5:5b-7; Psa. 55:22; 37:5 2. Mt. 6:25 – don’t worry. 3. Js. 1:2-4; 12 – turn trial into opportunity to develop patience & character. 4. During times of trial we are reminded of just how much we need Him! We will get through it! 2 Cor. 4:17-18. F. We can be confident that He will come & we will be safe! He will conduct us safely to the port which we seek. II. 14:28-29 – Nothing too difficult when we act under Jesus’ command. A. Note…Jesus commands Peter to walk on the water. 1. Peter gets up – exits the boat & walks on the water to Jesus. 2. Did the impossible! There are seemingly impossible things that we can do w/the help of Jesus! For example, B. We can begin a new life through Jesus. 1. At onset, could look impossible. High mountain to climb. I’m gonna climb that??? 2. It CAN happen – look around – living testimonies in this room demonstrating the transforming power of the gospel. a) It starts by putting away sinful behavior. b) Peter’s writing spoke of changes already made by some Christians – 1 Pet. 4:3-5. c) But…we must “get out of the boat” and exercise of faith. Changes do not just happen. C. We can raise godly children in this day & age. 1. Eph. 6:1-4 2. Parents must be involved in kids lives. 3. Parents must be example – b/c little eyes are always watching & “little pitches have big ears.” 4. Must demonstrate our love for God through our actions & then encourage children to follow in our footsteps. D. We can be a positive influence for Christ. 1. Mt. 5:16; Jhn. 12:32 – done through us! We point the way to Christ! Remember – world in spiritual darkness! 2. Others can/will see the difference in our lives & be attracted! 3. Gospel IS attractive to those truly looking for it. a) we must present it in it’s simplicity. b) No need to dress it up! III. 14:30-33 – spiritual progress made only while we fix our eyes on Jesus. A. Must devote self fully to Him! Divided affections only ensure defeat! 1. Christian life is one that depends upon Jesus! a) on his own – Peter had no power to walk on water. b) Here Jesus makes it perfectly clear as to Peter’s dependence on Him. 2. When peter began to focus on winds/waves he began to sink. B. We must learn to fully depend upon Jesus! 1. Maybe you’re facing serious difficulty in life. Wonder how to overcome. 2. Pray! Look to Jesus for help! 3. Learn to depend upon Him. 4. true courage in difficulties consists not in confidence in ourselves, but confidence in Jesus – our Savior and Friend. (Barnes) C. For success…look to Jesus! Follow Jesus. He will carry you through. 1. Heb. 12:1-3 D. 14:30 – Peter cries out – “Lord Save me!” 1. immediately Jesus stretches out His hand & takes hold of him. 2. 14:33 - Get in boat – immediately the winds stopped. WOW! 3. when we reach point of distress & winds of trial blow against us & we cry out “Lord save me” & he does…. a) do we thank Him? b) 14:33 – they worshipped Him. They knew only way they delivered was through hand of Christ. 4. Do we give credit to Christ when delivered from trials today? a) Boy…I sure was lucky w/that one… b) I sure did overcome the odds against me… c) To many attribute happenings in life to chance – when it is really hand of God in our lives! Conclusion: A. Are winds of doubt/trial/guilt/temptation blowing in your life? 1. Do you have Jesus as someone to trust/count on in this life? 2. You can! Mt. 11:28; Rev. 3:20-22 B. Obey the gospel today! Don’t go another minute w/o Him! C. I N V I T A T I O N