Series: A MAN CALLED PETER “FAITH ENOUGH – TO WALK ON WATER Series: A MAN CALLED PETER “FAITH ENOUGH – TO WALK ON WATER!” (Matthew 14:22-31)

FAITH IS *TAKING A RISK – BASED ON GOD! *TRUSTING GOD FOR/WITH YOUR LIFE! *CONFIDENCE IN THE CERTAINTY OF GOD! *GETTING OUT OF MY BOAT IN THE MIDST OF A STORM!

BACKGROUND TO THE EVENT - THE MIRACLE OF FEEDING THE 5000 (5 P.M.) THE PEOPLE WANTED TO MAKE JESUS KING – JESUS SAID “NO” DISCIPLES LEAVE TO CROSS THE SEA OF GALILEE JESUS SPENDS TIME PRAYING ALONE DISCIPLES EXPERIENCE A FURIOUS STORM – JESUS COMES TO THEM (3 A.M.)

“And immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening He was there alone. But the boat was already a long way from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, It is I; do not be afraid.’” MATHEW 14:22-27

“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’” MATHEW 14:28-31

CONNECTED! “And He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side…. And after He sent the multitude away, He went to pray…and when it was evening, He was there alone, but the boat was a long way from land, battered by the waves…. And in the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him they were frightened, saying ‘it is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him and said, ‘Little Faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshipped Him….”

*QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOU MOST OF AFRAID OF? THE FEAR FACTOR! *QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOU MOST OF AFRAID OF? WHAT DO YOU FEAR MOST? “And in the fourth watch of the night (after 3 A.M.) Jesus came to them walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him, they were frightened, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear.” (Matt. 14:24-26)

GOD’S ANSWER FOR OUR FEARS: THE PRESENCE OF GOD! “And immediately Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” (Matt. 14:27) GOD IS NO WHERE! OR GOD IS NOW HERE!

COMING TO JESUS! “And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’” (Matt. 14:28,29)

PETER WALKS ON WATER – (FOR A WHILE!) “And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out….” (Matt. 29,30) Questions to ask my self: Have I taken a step of faith? Am I headed in the right direction? Have I taken my eyes off of Jesus? Am I starting to sink? (Am I in trouble?)

HOW TO PRAY WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE PETER’S PRAYER AND GOD’S ANSWER! “And beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘LORD SAVE ME!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him….” (Matt. 14:30,31)

A SEARCHING QUESTION FOR PETER (and for everyone) “Jesus said to Peter, ‘WHY DID YOU DOUBT?’” WHAT REASONS DID PETER HAVE TO BELIEVE? WHAT REASONS DID HE HAVE TO DOUBT?

IT’S AMAZING WHAT “LITTLE FAITH” CAN DO! JESUS SAID TO PETER, “LITTLE FAITH, Why did you doubt?” “Little Faith” is a true and yet faulty disciple “Little Faith” had a great longing to be where Jesus was “Little Faith” had enough faith to get out of the boat – in a storm! “Little Faith” had more faith than those who stayed in the boat! “Little Faith” took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink! “Little Faith” knew how to pray! “Little Faith” walked on water – AGAIN!

HOW THE STORY ENDS: A TIME OF WORSHIP! “And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, ‘YOU ARE CERTAINLY GOD’S SON!’” (Matt. 14:31) “LORD, YOU ARE…”