A Few Good Men

Psalms 37 23-24

The steps of a good man

“A few Good Men”

Matthew 14 28-32

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

Psalm 37:23-24 KJV

Introduction of the text: There is a saying out there that a good man is hard to find. Although the saying is a very common phrase that a good man is hard to find. I’m not sure of the truth of the saying however,If we were to agree with this statement we would say that it’s hard to find a man whose steps are ordered by God.

However there are many men who’s made up in their mind that for God we will live and for God we will die.

Psalms 37:23-24 states that "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

What David was saying here is that A Good man will not make decisions based on his own will but rather he waits to hear from God)for God's order) the text goes to show that even though he falls he will not ultimate be cast down because God gives him strength.

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Those of us who are blessed to have the limbs of our legs and the ability to walk, we unconsciously move our feet walking in the direction that we are going.

We walked from our car to the door to your seat not realizing that there was a process going on while the movement was taking place.

Our head know we're we are headed and our feet unconsciously took steps according to were our head was directing.

In the Christian walk the Lord is our head and we are the feet.

The feet can't think and the mind can't walk.

God is our head he leads us he guides us.

Life can be compared to a long walk . We oftentimes use phrases and cliches to describe this life "Some call it the Walk of faith others may call it the highway to heaven, Christian Walk. Those who able to stay in this walk understand that even though we maybe taking progressive steps forward, that we are not walking alone.

Good men understands that they can't make this journey alone.

Good Men who steps are ordered by God ultimately makes wise decisions due to the fact that he is not dependent on his own strength but rather depending on God.

Proverbs 16:9

A man's heart despises it's way but Jehovah directs his paths

2nd Corinthians 5:7 we walk by faith and not by sight

There are many Biblical characters who's steps were order.

Enoch steps were ordered the Bible says he walked with God.

Abraham steps were Ordered God told Abramm to walk before him and be blameless

Two characters in the Bible we would like you to consider for thought today is David and Peter of course one from the old testament one from the New Testament.

But I would declare these two are a few Good men.

We have Peter many would say Peter, was a good man.

In the lists of the 12 just mentioned, Simon’s name always appears first, and Matthew 10:2 prefaces his name with “first.” Moreover, the Twelve are often designated “Peter and those with him” (Mk 1:36; Lk 8:45; 9:32).

Throughout the accounts there are some instances when Peter acted and spoke on behalf of the other disciples.

At the transfiguration it is Peter who wanted to erect tents (Mk 9:5) and he alone had sufficient faith to attempt walking on the water (Mt 14:28–31).

The collectors of the temple tax come to Peter as leader of the group (Mt 17:24). As a member of the inner circle (with James and John, possibly Andrew in Mk 13:3) he was often alone with Jesus (at the raising of Jairus’ daughter, Mk 5:37 and pars; at the transfiguration, Mk 9:2 and pars; at Gethsemane, Mk 14:33 = Mt 26:37). Jesus asks Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal in Luke 22:8

The portrait of Peter that comes through all four accounts pictures him as impulsive, often rash; he is the first to act and speak his mind and was typified by his enthusiasm for everything in which he had a part. At the sight of Jesus walking on the water, Peter asked that the Lord “command” him to do the same, and then immediately leaped out of the boat and began doing just that. At the transfiguration, while the others were awed into silence by the appearance of Moses and Elijah, Peter the man of action (and ego)

The next character I would like to consider today is David.

Many us are familiar with David as the one who killed the giant Goliath in the book of the Prophets. David, recognized as the greatest Israelite king, is often mentioned as a standard of comparison in the writings of the OT prophets. Isaiah (as in Is 7:2, 13) and Jeremiah often referred to their contemporary kings as belonging to the “house” or “throne” of David. When Isaiah described the coming ruler, Jesus he identified him as being from the lineage of Jesse, David’s father

As a young man David was also sensitive toward God. While greeting his brothers on the battlefield he was disturbed by the Philistine Goliath’s defiance of God’s armies. Although rebuked by his brothers, David accepted the challenge to take on Goliath. He had a reasonable confidence that God, who had helped him encounter a lion and a bear, would aid him against a champion warrior. So, with faith in God and using his ability to sling stones, David killed Goliath (1 Sm 17:12–58).

National Fame. Killing Goliath made David a hero to the nation of Israel. It also brought him into close relationship with the royal family of Saul.

New Testament. David is frequently mentioned by the Gospel writers, who established Jesus’ identity as the “son of David.” The covenant God made with David was that an eternal king would come from David’s family (Mt 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; Mk 10:48; 12:35; Lk 18:38, 39; 20:41). According to Mark 11:10 and John 7:42, Jews of Jesus’ day expected the Messiah (Christ) to be a descendant of David. While stating that Jesus came from the lineage of David, the Gospels also clearly teach that Jesus was the Son of God (Mt 22:41–45; Mk 12:35–37; Lk 20:41–44

The writer of Psalms David and the character Peter although they both had their issues David had issues with women and Peter had issues with ego, temper. However they were both Good Men.

I would like to suggest that there is a David in all men and their is a Peter in all Men.

As Men of God your level of spiritual growth and natural manifestation is your ability to control your inner David and your inner Peter.

The text why did Peter sink,

Well because he took his eyes off Jesus.

Why did David fall is because he put his eyes on Bethsheba,

It comes down to where your focus at.

If we take our eyes off the Lord we fall but Im so glad that if the Lord has to reach waaaay down he will

Pick you up.

Be careful, because it’s the desire the enemy to see you fall.

The Bible says that he told Peter he wants to sift you as wheat. Jesus says I’ve prayed for you that your faith faileth not.

My brothers and sisters no matter who we are we are going to have some moments when it seems as though we have sunk.

I’ve been there but I came to Jesus as I was weary worn and said I found in him a resting place and he has made me glad.

Is anybody glad about it today?

Psalms says the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

Here in the text we see Peter inquiring of the Lord, Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water.” Peter had the concept, and Jesus put His blessing on Peter’s idea Here in the book of Matthew. We have Jesus ordering Peter to come on the water.

We then See Peter in somewhat doing the impossible. We have him walking and taking steps on the water ordered by Christ.

but just a longing to follow the Lord into the realm of the supernatural

He was the only one to get out of the boat.

I have a few questions of the text. How many steps did Peter take before he got distracted and begin to sink.

I asked myself. What if he was right on the the verge of getting to Jesus.

and took his eyes of Jesus.

As long as Peter focused in faith upon Jesus, the authoritative Son, he could walk on water as Jesus did. Matthew indicates that when Jesus’ followers rely upon Him and do not doubt, they will be able to do remarkable things on the basis of His strength

He says in his words its not by might nor by power, but by my spirit saith the lord,

When we depend on the spirit of God we will find ourselves, walking into rooms we are not qualified for, When we depend on the spirit of God, we find ourselves, getting positions strhat we don’t qualify for. When we depend on the spirit of God we find our selves moving forward and almost in a sense walking on water.

But I can only Imagine Peter after he walked a few steps yall know how we get when the Lord start blessings us, We begin to stick our chest out, we begin to act like we are doing it on our own.

.I begin to ask myself. How many times have I been on the verge of a breakthrough and took my eyes of Jesus.

Whatever you do, dont take your eyes of Jesus.

Why have a breakdown, when you are on the verge of a breakthrough.

Look at someone and say keep your eyes on Jesus.

Although we are somewhat critical with him.

Three statements of comfort and encouragement from Jesus to Peter.

Take courage,

It is I, and

Don’t be afraid

I came to use those same words of encouragement to some of you Take Courage, He is with you , and don’t be afraid.

It is at those words when Peter begin to walk on the water.

I believe I'm talking to some people who have learned how to walk on the water in the middle of the storm.

In other words you've learned how to go through the storm without letting the storm consume you.

My brothers and sisters as long as Peter was focused on Jesus, He was able to walk through the storm.

However, when he lost focused and started to focus on the winds of the storms he begin to sink.

“Matthew wants readers to know that this miracle was made possible by Jesus’s power, not Peter’s.

Before you look down your nose at Peter, though, keep in mind that he was the only one who got out of the boat to attempt the impossible.

The other disciples just stared as Peter stepped out in faith.

And if you read,_______ It was at because of Peter’s decision to get out of the boat it calmed to storm for the other disciples. Because Jesus Calmed the storm for Peter the other disciples because they were on the same boat and in the same storm as Peter where able to enjoy the benefits of Peter’s risk.

There are some people that are going to enjoy the benefit of you step brothers.

Peter I’m sure initially was selfish with his decision to walk on the water. How many know that sometimes God can use your selfish ambitions to bless somebody else.

So we have to Remember, Jesus rebuked him for having little faith—not for having no faith (14:31).

Although Jesus rebuked him for having little faith, some would say the disciples had no faith. But it was Peter’s Little faith that calmed the seas.

We know what the Bible says about little faith. That if you have faith of a mustard seed you can say this mountain. Is there anyone in here that can say there are times when your faith is tested but you still knew who to call.

Psalms says that a good man though he falls, the lord lifts him up with his hand.

And in the text we find Peter taking his eyes off Jesus and he begin to Sink.

Being that Peter was sinking he cried out lord save me.

And Jesus pulled him up with his hand

he knew where to turn. In response to Peter’s cry, Jesus caught hold of him, took him into the boat, and the wind ceased (14:31-32).”

This lets us know that Peter wasn’t just walking and stepping on calm seas but boisterous.

Some us has had to take some steps when our problems and storms of life seemed boisterous…

Anybody ever been to the place when you needed Jesus to reach down and pull you out of the boisterous storms of life. I believe the writer understood this when he wrote the song. I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, But the Master of the sea, Heard my despairing cry, From the waters life me, Now safe am I.

My brothers and sisters all of us has had the same experiences that Peter had in this moment.

However no matter what kind of storms you go through I have to repeat what David said in

Psalms 37:23 and 24 that the steps of a Good man are ordered by the Lord. and he delighteth in his way. though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand it gives us some benefits when God is ordering your steps.

When the Lord order your steps he delights in your ways.~ When the Lord order your steps even if you fall you you will get up...................... Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joyWhen the Lord Order your steps once you get up God uphold you.

My brothers and sisters God had orchestrated David David and Peter

He orchestrated David steps, from being a shepherd boy to being King over Israel.

.God upheld him in spite of everything he had done. Is there anyone here that can say it's because my steps are ordered that I'm standing here today.

He orchestrated Peter from being a discouraged Fisherman who had toiled All night long to being a fisherman of man.

It's because your steps are order that you who who you are today. My brothers keep walking in his calling and God will uphold you. Keep seeking his face and God will uphold you.

Conclusion

There is a song that say Order my steps in your word dear lord lead me guide me everyday Humbly, I ask Thee teach me Your will

While You are working, help me be still

'Cos Satan is busy, God is real;

Order my steps in Your word

Please, order my steps in Your word

Bridle my tongue let my words edify

Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight

Take charge of my thoughts both day and night;

I want to walk worthy

According to Thy will

Please order my steps Lord

And I'll do Your blessed will

The world is ever changing

But You are still the same;

Please order my steps, Lord I'll praise Your name

Jesus steps were ordered by God. He didn't do anything unless the father was glorified.

His steps when he was born in a manger

And king tried to kill all the young tried to kill all younger men. But Couldn’t kill Jesus because he had an order from God.

His steps were ordered when he healed the sick_

When he gave sight to blinded eyes-

Because his steps were ordered he was able to prove science wrong and go against the force of gravity and walk on water

his steps were ordered when he was accused and brought before Pilate who could not find any fault in him.

His steps were ordered when he carried his cross

His steps were ordered when they took him to a hill call Golgotha

His steps were ordered when they hung him high

His steps were ordered when they stretched him wide

His steps were ordered when h looked up to the father and said father why have though forsaken me.

His steps were ordered when he gave up the ghost and darkness covered the earth because even sun S.U.N had recognize the powerful ordered steps is son S.O.N.

His steps were ordered when thru took him to to grave sight.

His steps were ordered when he stayed there one day.

His steps were ordered when he stayed there two days.

His steps were ordered when God place the an order that even the grave couldn’t cancel because early the third day Morning he got up with all power in his hand.....

We just have to keep stepping

Alter Call to prayer