1 Peter’s Crisis of Faith Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-56, John 6:15-21 Message 5 in our series called Lessons from the Life of Peter Sunday, June 22, 2008 Speaker: Doug Virgint

2 The nature of true faith Matthew 14: 22 – 33 Mark 6: 45 – 56 Luke 9: 18 – 22 John 6:

3 The nature of true faith 1)The context 2) The crisis 3)The courage 4)The cry 5)The confession 6)The conclusion

4 The nature of true faith 1)The context 2) The crisis 3)The courage 4)The cry 5)The confession 6)The conclusion

5 Nature of true faith – the context Matt Mark Luke John - - Jesus had previously calmed a storm X X X - - This all takes place after 5000 fed X X X - - Jesus praying on the mountain X X X - - The crowd wanted to kidnap Jesus and present him as king X - - The boat was in “middle” of lake X X X - - The boat had advanced 3 miles X - - It was 4 o’clock in the morning X X - - They had been rowing for 6 hours XX

6 The sea of Galilee

7 Nature of true faith – the context In the four gospels, the feeding of the 5,000 is the high point in the popularity of our Lord with the multitude – the crowd. The crowd was looking for a political leader to free them from Rome and a miracle worker to give them free food. From here on it is all down hill with the crowd.

8 Nature of true faith – the context of a true faith – a true understanding about who Jesus really is. But at the same time, for the disciples this is the dawning of a true faith – a true understanding about who Jesus really is. When we look at the multitude, we see what true faith is not. When we look at the disciples we see what true faith really is.

9 The nature of true faith 1)The context 2) The crisis 3)The courage 4)The cry 5)The confession 6) The conclusion

10 Nature of true faith – the crisis Matt Mark Luke John - - The boat was in “middle” of lake X X X - - The boat had advanced 3 miles X - - It was 4 o’clock in the morning X X - - They had been rowing for 6 hours XX - - They saw a “phantom” (fatigue) X X - - They were really in serious danger X X X

11 The nature of true faith 1)The context 2) The crisis 3)The courage 4)The cry 5)The confession 6)The conclusion

12 Nature true faith – the courage Think first about the other disciples : They were more preoccupied by their own problems than by the problems of the hungry crowd. They did not take time to consider that the “phantom” walking over the water was God’s provision to save them.

13 Nature of true faith – the courage Now think about Peter: His courage. (in contrast with the disciples’ fear). His dependence on the authority and the power of Jesus. His understanding of the fact that he could do anything with the help of the Lord. But nevertheless his faith was very small !

14 Nature of true faith – the courage Now think about Jesus He was praying ! (The disciples did not know that – or had forgotten). The waves which caused so much fear for the disciples were simply a road for Him ! He is all powerful - even the storms and the waves obey Him. Jesus saw what was going on, despite the distance and the storm. (Mark 6: 48)

15 Nature of true faith – the courage Now think about Jesus He is patient, and He recognizes even the small steps in Peter’s growing faith. He controls even the passage of time. He allowed Peter to sink, but not to drown.

16 The nature of true faith 1)The context 2) The crisis 3)The courage 4)The cry 5)The confession 6)The conclusion

17 Nature of true faith – the cry Lord save me ! Our Lord never tires of saving us He ever lives to make intercession for us He is our “lawyer” who pleads for us We must not refuse to launch out for fear of failing. (Parable of the talents)

18 The nature of true faith 1)The context 2) The crisis 3)The courage 4)The cry 5)The confession 6)The conclusion

19 Nature of true faith – the confession Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (Matt 14: 33) But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God." (Luke 9: 20)

20 Nature of true faith – the confession Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6: 68,69)

21 The nature of true faith 1)The context 2) The crisis 3)The courage 4)The cry 5)The confession 6)The conclusion

22 Nature true faith - conclusion Why does God allow storms in our lives? Jesus sent the disciples away and they faced the storm alone ! There was a danger that the disciples would be influenced by the crowd, who wanted to crown Him king.

23 Nature true faith - conclusion Why does God allow storms in our lives? The disciples needed to learn that, even if Jesus would soon no longer be with them physically, He would still continue to look after them. There are lessons that we only learn through difficulties ! Difficulties are opportunities to exercise our spiritual muscles – to grow!

24 Nature true faith - conclusion What is the nature of true faith? True faith is directed towards a person – not towards a religion or an idea. True faith is reasonable, and is based on historical facts. For years the disciples lived with Jesus and saw his miracles, saw him live and heard his teaching. Your faith must also be based on the historical facts about Jesus.

25 Nature true faith - conclusion What is the nature of true faith? True faith is often audacious. (Hebrews 11) True faith needs to be validated. True faith is based on who Jesus is, not on circumstances. When things get tough, don’t take your eyes off Jesus! True faith perseveres. The important thing is not the quantity of faith, but towards whom it is directed.

26 Nature true faith - conclusion What is the nature of true faith? (Hebrews 11: 6) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11: 6)

27 Nature true faith - conclusion For you who have already exercised faith in Christ: – What is the Lord asking you to do today that you are afraid to do ? – Do you need to trust God and step out by faith like Peter did ? -Do you really trust Him ? -He will not let you sink !

28 Nature true faith - conclusion For you who this morning have realized that you have not yet placed your faith in Christ: You must recognize who Jesus-Christ is. You must confess that you are a sinner, who has offended a holy, righteous God You must accept Christ as your Saviour, accept that forgiveness from God can only come from Christ’s work on the cross.

29 The nature of true faith