Get Out of the Boat!

Introduction:
Today’s story begins in Matthew 14:1 w/the incarceration & execution of John the Baptist. Mt. 14:13-14 tells us upon hearing the news about John Jesus went away to a secluded place. The people followed Him—and He fed them, all 5,000 of them! (14:15-21) After this, he sent the 12 back across the Sea of Galilee while He went on a mountain to pray. While going across the Sea, the apostles were met by a violent storm. During the height of the storm Jesus walks out to them and certain events take place as expressed in Mark 6:47-52 and Matthew 14:28-31. What are some practical lessons we can learn out of this story?

I. 14:22-27—In times of ____________ Jesus will see us and come to our __________.
    A. 14:22—Jesus _______ them depart and go to the other side. Perhaps they knew a storm coming?
        1. Then Jesus goes up on a mountain to pray. Spends most of the night there.
        2. About the 4th Watch or between ____ & ____ AM—Jesus comes to them walking on the water.
            a. Be of good ___________...it is _____...do not be ____________.
        3. When we are straining at the “oars of life” - Jesus is not unaware!
    B. He knows! He cares & will help during times of _____________.
        1. Heb. 2:14-18; 4:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13—must look for way of escape!
    C. He knows! He cares & will help during times of _____________.
        1. 1 Pet. 5:5b-7; Psa. 55:22; 37:5; Mt. 6:25
        2. Js. 1:2-4; 12—turn trial into ___________ to develop patience & character.
        3. 2 Cor. 4:17-18—we can & will get through it!

II. 14:28-29—nothing is too difficult when we act under ________ ____________.
    A. Jesus _______________ Peter to walk on the water. (14:29) Did the impossible!
        1. There are seemingly impossible things that we can do w/help of Jesus!
    B. We CAN begin a ________ _________ through Jesus!
        1. 1 Cor. 6:9-11—example of Corinthians—and such were some of you.
        2. 1 Pet. 4:3-5—surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses
    C. We CAN raise godly _____________ in this day & age.
        1. Eph. 6:1-4—parents must be involved in their children’s lives!
    D. We CAN become a positive ___________________ for Christ!
        1. Mt. 5:16; Jhn. 12:32—the gospel is attractive to those who are truly looking for it! No need to “dress it up.”
    E. Spiritual blessings & spiritual growth ________ possible!
        1. 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 1:8-11; Phil. 4:13

III. 14:30-33—spiritual progress is only made when we _______ our eyes on Jesus!
    A. The Christian life is one that depends upon ____________!
        1. Peter had no power on his own to walk on the water.
        2. Peter was totally dependent upon Jesus!
    B. We must fully depend upon Jesus! Pray! Look to Him for help!
        1. Heb. 12:1-3
    C. 14:30 Peter cries out “_________ ________ ______!” He does & they get in boat.
        1. _________________ the winds stop!
        2. 14:33—they __________________ Him.
        3. Do we give credit to Christ when we are delivered from trials?
            a) Boy….I sure was lucky w/that one…
            b) I sure did overcome the odds against me….
        4. Too often we attribute events of life to mere ______________ when it is really the hand of God
           acting in our lives!

Conclusion:
A. Are winds of doubt; trial; guilt; and/or temptation blowing in your life?
B. Do you have Jesus as someone to count on in this life? You can! See Mt. 11:28; Rev. 3:20-22!



Get Out of the Boat! Introduction: Today’s story begins in Matthew 14:1 w/the incarceration & execution of John the Baptist. Mt. 14:13-14 tells us upon hearing the news about John Jesus went away to a secluded place. The people followed Him—and He fed them, all 5,000 of them! (14:15-21) After this, he sent the 12 back across the Sea of Galilee while He went on a mountain to pray. While going across the Sea, the apostles were met by a violent storm. During the height of the storm Jesus walks out to them and certain events take place as expressed in Mark 6:47-52 and Matthew 14:28-31. What are some practical lessons we can learn out of this story? I. 14:22-27—In times of ____________ Jesus will see us and come to our __________. A. 14:22—Jesus _______ them depart and go to the other side. Perhaps they knew a storm coming? 1. Then Jesus goes up on a mountain to pray. Spends most of the night there. 2. About the 4th Watch or between ____ & ____ AM—Jesus comes to them walking on the water. a. Be of good ___________...it is _____...do not be ____________. 3. When we are straining at the “oars of life” - Jesus is not unaware! B. He knows! He cares & will help during times of _____________. 1. Heb. 2:14-18; 4:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13—must look for way of escape! C. He knows! He cares & will help during times of _____________. 1. 1 Pet. 5:5b-7; Psa. 55:22; 37:5; Mt. 6:25 2. Js. 1:2-4; 12—turn trial into ___________ to develop patience & character. 3. 2 Cor. 4:17-18—we can & will get through it! II. 14:28-29—nothing is too difficult when we act under ________ ____________. A. Jesus _______________ Peter to walk on the water. (14:29) Did the impossible! 1. There are seemingly impossible things that we can do w/help of Jesus! B. We CAN begin a ________ _________ through Jesus! 1. 1 Cor. 6:9-11—example of Corinthians—and such were some of you. 2. 1 Pet. 4:3-5—surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses C. We CAN raise godly _____________ in this day & age. 1. Eph. 6:1-4—parents must be involved in their children’s lives! D. We CAN become a positive ___________________ for Christ! 1. Mt. 5:16; Jhn. 12:32—the gospel is attractive to those who are truly looking for it! No need to “dress it up.” E. Spiritual blessings & spiritual growth ________ possible! 1. 2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 1:8-11; Phil. 4:13 III. 14:30-33—spiritual progress is only made when we _______ our eyes on Jesus! A. The Christian life is one that depends upon ____________! 1. Peter had no power on his own to walk on the water. 2. Peter was totally dependent upon Jesus! B. We must fully depend upon Jesus! Pray! Look to Him for help! 1. Heb. 12:1-3 C. 14:30 Peter cries out “_________ ________ ______!” He does & they get in boat. 1. _________________ the winds stop! 2. 14:33—they __________________ Him. 3. Do we give credit to Christ when we are delivered from trials? a) Boy….I sure was lucky w/that one… b) I sure did overcome the odds against me…. 4. Too often we attribute events of life to mere ______________ when it is really the hand of God acting in our lives! Conclusion: A. Are winds of doubt; trial; guilt; and/or temptation blowing in your life? B. Do you have Jesus as someone to count on in this life? You can! See Mt. 11:28; Rev. 3:20-22!