Water Walkers: Expect Problems

Water Walkers: Expect Problems

2006016

Topic # 956 (faith in Christ)

Introduction:

A. As a congregation, we have been challenged to use ’06 as a year to emphasize spiritual growth.

1. We need to be committed to raising the intensity of our spiritual life.

2. Mt. 14:22-33 is our text of study.

B. Previous lesson: discussed need to step out in faith & how we can be held back from doing so:

1. Complacency; a distorted viewpoint, and overwhelming fear can cause Christians to shrink back.

2. Too many Christians lead mundane, lifeless existences as Christians.

C. Matthew 14:22-33 teaches us to step out in faith – expecting problems may arise.

1. And, Jesus says, trust me…I will be here for you.

2. We trust in Jesus to give assistance in overcoming them.

I. Jesus asks us to join Him where He is.

A. 14:28 – Peter says…

1. Jesus: OK…Come on out…

2. Peter takes the plunge. He joined Jesus in what He was doing – walking on water.

a) Joining Jesus in what He is doing is an act of faith.

b) Joining Him where He is doing it is an act of faith.

c) It is a key component in being a faithful disciple.

3. Christianity is not about asking Jesus to get in the boat with us, He asks us to join Him in the water.

B. 14:29 – Peter joins Jesus in the sea.

1. What’s going on in the sea when Peter steps out of the boat? In the midst of a raging storm!

2. Remember, these verses as a real life, physical example of what happens all the time in our spiritual life.

C. Spiritual Life is rarely calm, is it?

1. There are times when we will be challenged spiritually – and it is not always pleasant.

2. It is in these times, that we need to respond in faith – in complete trust.

3. How will we respond when the next spiritual storm approaches?

4. Let’s talk about some examples of those who stepped out – into the storm – undeterred by any problems they might face:

II. Paul stepped out in faith – knowing there would be problems.

A. Acts 26:16-17 - Called to be an apostle – to the Gentiles.

1. Paul, a former Jew, responds. Steps forward in faith & complete dependence on God.

2. Think of the where the path of Christianity led him. Would you describe His life of service to God easy?

B. 2 Cor. 11:23b-27 – do you think he could have possibly imagined what he would deal with because of his decision to serve God?

1. But before we begin to view Paul as a larger-than-life character…

2. Acts 18:1-8 – preaching at Corinth. At first many rejected. Then many believed. But…Paul fearful…

3. Acts 18:9-10 – vision…go on...I am here with you…

4. Problem free? Absolutely not – Jews rise up bring him before Roman proconsul…

a) God delivered him…

b) Paul steps forward in faith – and much is good done – that could have been considered impossible.

C. Jesus had a mission, a plan, a purpose for Paul. Jesus expected Paul to join Him in His work. Paul responded despite the problems it brought to his life.

III. First Century Christians were called out in faith – and could expect problems.

A. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 – a list of the sinful behavior of the Corinthians before coming to Christ.

1. 6:11 – such were some of you.

2. They were now faced with battling the temptation to return to engaging in such behavior.

a) Overcoming habitual sin can be very hard.

b) Repentance can be very hard.

c) Learning to restrain the flesh is difficult at best.

1) Rom. 7:18b-19 - for the willing is present in men, but the doing of the god is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.

d) Dealing with the consequences of sinful behavior and the sinful actions of others can be very hard.

3. They were now faced the challenge of severing old relationships with persons who engaged in this behavior.

4. But it is in these things that Jesus says…take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.

B. Rev. 2:8-11 – the Christians at Smyrna dealt with grave persecution.

1. They were called to the test and encouraged to be faithful – unto death.

2. Polycarp excerpts…

3. In all of these situations – it is Jesus who says take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.

4. What, when faced w/far less painful circumstances, do we do?

IV. Here’s the point:

A. Matthew 14:22-33 teaches us that Jesus expects us to join him – out in the water – where the storm is raging.

1. We constantly battle a misconception that serving God will allow us to somehow escape all problems…

2. Live a blissful, carefree existence while waiting on heaven…

3. Magically wipe away all the consequences of sin from our former life…

B. While we walk on water, it may feel like we are at our weakest, most vulnerable moment…it may not be as glorious as we think it is….

1. But it is at those moments that God is glorified & His purposes are carried out.

2. This is why:

a) James said: Js. 1:2-4

b) Paul testified: 2 Cor. 12:10

c) The writer of Hebrews taught: Heb. 12:5-6, 11

3. And it is through these things Jesus says: take courage…it is I, do not be afraid…

C. Matthew 14:22-33 – teaches us that complete, total dependence on God is the only way we can have victory over our problems!

1. The only way Peter walked on the sea was by the power of God!

2. The only way Paul found success as an apostle to the Gentiles was by the power of God!

3. The only way the FC Christians could have victory over sin & temptation was by the power of God!

4. The only way the FC Christians could endure persecution was by the power of God!

D. It is only through God’s power that we can overcome the spiritual stresses that come our way!

E. It is only through God’s power that we overcome the problems we expect to come our way!

F. It is only through God’s power that we can be strengthened, sustained, and transformed into the kind of person God wants us to be!

Conclusion:

A. What will you do at the next point of decision? Crisis of faith?

B. Will you join Jesus in what He is doing at the place where He is?

C. Not a Christian?

1. Jesus calls you to come to Him. Respond in faith.

2. He promises to wash your sins in His blood.

3. Help you along the way to heaven!

4. Help you walk on water!

D. Already a Christian…but lurking? Do something about it!

E. I N V I T A T I O N



Water Walkers: Expect Problems 2006016 Topic # 956 (faith in Christ) Introduction: A. As a congregation, we have been challenged to use ’06 as a year to emphasize spiritual growth. 1. We need to be committed to raising the intensity of our spiritual life. 2. Mt. 14:22-33 is our text of study. B. Previous lesson: discussed need to step out in faith & how we can be held back from doing so: 1. Complacency; a distorted viewpoint, and overwhelming fear can cause Christians to shrink back. 2. Too many Christians lead mundane, lifeless existences as Christians. C. Matthew 14:22-33 teaches us to step out in faith – expecting problems may arise. 1. And, Jesus says, trust me…I will be here for you. 2. We trust in Jesus to give assistance in overcoming them. I. Jesus asks us to join Him where He is. A. 14:28 – Peter says… 1. Jesus: OK…Come on out… 2. Peter takes the plunge. He joined Jesus in what He was doing – walking on water. a) Joining Jesus in what He is doing is an act of faith. b) Joining Him where He is doing it is an act of faith. c) It is a key component in being a faithful disciple. 3. Christianity is not about asking Jesus to get in the boat with us, He asks us to join Him in the water. B. 14:29 – Peter joins Jesus in the sea. 1. What’s going on in the sea when Peter steps out of the boat? In the midst of a raging storm! 2. Remember, these verses as a real life, physical example of what happens all the time in our spiritual life. C. Spiritual Life is rarely calm, is it? 1. There are times when we will be challenged spiritually – and it is not always pleasant. 2. It is in these times, that we need to respond in faith – in complete trust. 3. How will we respond when the next spiritual storm approaches? 4. Let’s talk about some examples of those who stepped out – into the storm – undeterred by any problems they might face: II. Paul stepped out in faith – knowing there would be problems. A. Acts 26:16-17 - Called to be an apostle – to the Gentiles. 1. Paul, a former Jew, responds. Steps forward in faith & complete dependence on God. 2. Think of the where the path of Christianity led him. Would you describe His life of service to God easy? B. 2 Cor. 11:23b-27 – do you think he could have possibly imagined what he would deal with because of his decision to serve God? 1. But before we begin to view Paul as a larger-than-life character… 2. Acts 18:1-8 – preaching at Corinth. At first many rejected. Then many believed. But…Paul fearful… 3. Acts 18:9-10 – vision…go on...I am here with you… 4. Problem free? Absolutely not – Jews rise up bring him before Roman proconsul… a) God delivered him… b) Paul steps forward in faith – and much is good done – that could have been considered impossible. C. Jesus had a mission, a plan, a purpose for Paul. Jesus expected Paul to join Him in His work. Paul responded despite the problems it brought to his life. III. First Century Christians were called out in faith – and could expect problems. A. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 – a list of the sinful behavior of the Corinthians before coming to Christ. 1. 6:11 – such were some of you. 2. They were now faced with battling the temptation to return to engaging in such behavior. a) Overcoming habitual sin can be *very hard.* b) Repentance can be *very hard.* c) Learning to restrain the flesh is difficult at best. 1) Rom. 7:18b-19 - for the willing is present in men, but the doing of the god is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. d) Dealing with the consequences of sinful behavior and the sinful actions of others can be *very hard.* 3. They were now faced the challenge of severing old relationships with persons who engaged in this behavior. 4. But it is in these things that Jesus says…take courage, it is I, do not be afraid. B. Rev. 2:8-11 – the Christians at Smyrna dealt with grave persecution. 1. They were called to the test and encouraged to be faithful – *unto death. 2. Polycarp excerpts… 3. In all of these situations – it is Jesus who says take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.* 4. What, when faced w/far less painful circumstances, do we do? IV. Here’s the point: A. Matthew 14:22-33 teaches us that Jesus expects us to join him – out in the water – where the storm is raging. 1. We constantly battle a misconception that serving God will allow us to somehow escape all problems… 2. Live a blissful, carefree existence while waiting on heaven… 3. Magically wipe away all the consequences of sin from our former life… B. While we walk on water, it may feel like we are at our weakest, most vulnerable moment…it may not be as glorious as we think it is…. 1. But it is at those moments that God is glorified & His purposes are carried out. 2. This is why: a) James said: Js. 1:2-4 b) Paul testified: 2 Cor. 12:10 c) The writer of Hebrews taught: Heb. 12:5-6, 11 3. And it is through these things Jesus says: take courage…it is I, do not be afraid… C. Matthew 14:22-33 – teaches us that complete, total dependence on God is the only way we can have victory over our problems! 1. The only way Peter walked on the sea was by the power of God! 2. The only way Paul found success as an apostle to the Gentiles was by the power of God! 3. The only way the FC Christians could have victory over sin & temptation was by the power of God! 4. The only way the FC Christians could endure persecution was by the power of God! D. It is only through God’s power that we can overcome the spiritual stresses that come our way! E. It is only through God’s power that we overcome the problems we expect to come our way! F. It is only through God’s power that we can be strengthened, sustained, and transformed into the kind of person God wants us to be! Conclusion: A. What will you do at the next point of decision? Crisis of faith? B. Will you join Jesus in what He is doing at the place where He is? C. Not a Christian? 1. Jesus calls you to come to Him. Respond in faith. 2. He promises to wash your sins in His blood. 3. Help you along the way to heaven! 4. Help you walk on water! D. Already a Christian…but lurking? Do something about it! E. I N V I T A T I O N