Water Walkers: Step Out in Faith

Water Walkers: Step Out in Faith

Introduction:

Our elders have challenged our congregation to use ’06 as a year where we emphasize spiritual growth. Let’s make an objective assessment of our current status, and then explore what must be done to raise the intensity of our spiritual life. Then we must move in enacting what is necessary to accomplish the task. Seeing the need and then following through can be a challenge for us. A refusal to step out in faith has caused many a Christian to lead a mundane, lifeless existence as a child of God. There is a great story in Matthew 14:22-33 on the need to step out in faith.

I. The context of Matthew 14:22-33:

A. 14:22-27 – Jesus makes his disciples depart and go across the Sea of Galilee.

B. 14:28-29 – Peter asks Jesus to command him to come out on the water.

C. A Closer look at Peter in 14:27-29.

1. A real life, physical example of what happens all the time in our spiritual life!

II. What keeps us from stepping out in faith?

A. Complacency.

1. I’m fine where I am. No need for change. Self satisfaction.

2. God has a way of sending wake-up calls that force us to make a decision.

a) Use some bad experience you have in life as an opportunity to grow closer to God & develop your faith!

3. 14:28-29 – Peter had to make a decision. A choice. 1 of 2 choices…

a) Remain in the so-called safety and comfort of the boat…

b) Or get up, step out of the boat in total dependence on Jesus.

4. We do not ask Jesus to get in the boat with us, but to join Jesus in the water!

B. A Distorted Viewpoint.

1. You want me to do what? That’s impossible! I could never do that!

2. How much do we hold ourselves back by doubting ourselves & not trusting in the power of Jesus Christ?

3. Think of how God has assisted you in doing the impossible in your life.

a) Rom. 1:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Eph. 3:20

C. Overwhelming Fear

1. What if I fail? What if I succeed?

a) If you have a preconceived idea that you will fail rather than succeed, then you will succeed in failing and fail in succeeding.

b) Don’t let the devil continue to push you around! He’s a bully!

c) Js. 4:7 – resist the devil & he will flee from you!

2. Mt. 14:26 – Peter & apostles filled w/fear! But fear did not stop Peter!

3. 14:29 – Note: Jesus did not call all the disciples out of the boat – only Peter.

a) Only called the one who indicated his readiness for the risk.

6. Heb. 10:35-39 - God rewards those who overcome fear & step out in faith!

Conclusion:

A. Get out of the boat! Step out in faith! Move in complete & total trust!

B. Commitment is more than just believing in something….or trusting someone.

1. It is the actual handing over of self to that which we are committed.

2. Have you handed yourself over to Jesus?



Water Walkers: Step Out in Faith Introduction: Our elders have challenged our congregation to use ’06 as a year where we emphasize spiritual growth. Let’s make an objective assessment of our current status, and then explore what must be done to raise the intensity of our spiritual life. Then we must move in enacting what is necessary to accomplish the task. Seeing the need and then following through can be a challenge for us. A refusal to step out in faith has caused many a Christian to lead a mundane, lifeless existence as a child of God. There is a great story in Matthew 14:22-33 on the need to step out in faith. I. The context of Matthew 14:22-33: A. 14:22-27 – Jesus makes his disciples depart and go across the Sea of Galilee. B. 14:28-29 – Peter asks Jesus to command him to come out on the water. C. A Closer look at Peter in 14:27-29. 1. A real life, physical example of what happens all the time in our spiritual life! II. What keeps us from stepping out in faith? A. Complacency. 1. I’m fine where I am. No need for change. Self satisfaction. 2. God has a way of sending wake-up calls that force us to make a decision. a) Use some bad experience you have in life as an opportunity to grow closer to God & develop your faith! 3. 14:28-29 – Peter had to make a decision. A choice. 1 of 2 choices… a) Remain in the so-called safety and comfort of the boat… b) Or get up, step out of the boat *in total dependence on Jesus.* 4. We do not ask Jesus to get in the boat with us, but to join Jesus in the water! B. A Distorted Viewpoint. 1. You want me to do what? That’s impossible! I could never do that! 2. How much do we hold ourselves back by doubting ourselves & not trusting in the power of Jesus Christ? 3. Think of how God has assisted you in doing the impossible in your life. a) Rom. 1:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Eph. 3:20 C. Overwhelming Fear 1. What if I fail? What if I succeed? a) If you have a preconceived idea that you will fail rather than succeed, then you will succeed in failing and fail in succeeding. b) Don’t let the devil continue to push you around! He’s a bully! c) Js. 4:7 – resist the devil & he will flee from you! 2. Mt. 14:26 – Peter & apostles filled w/fear! But fear did not stop Peter! 3. 14:29 – Note: Jesus did not call all the disciples out of the boat – only Peter. a) Only called the one who indicated his readiness for the risk. 6. Heb. 10:35-39 - God rewards those who overcome fear & step out in faith! Conclusion: A. Get out of the boat! Step out in faith! Move in complete & total trust! B. Commitment is more than just believing in something….or trusting someone. 1. It is the actual handing over of self to that which we are committed. 2. Have you handed yourself over to Jesus?