Hope Hinges on Our Focus
Matthew 14:22-33 – 22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. (New Living Translation)
How Important Is Hope to Our Lives?
• Hope motivates us to positive _______________
• Hope actually has __________________ power
• Without hope we lose _______________
Philippians 4:13 – I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. (Good News Bible)
How Do We Develop Minds that Focus on Christ?
• We appropriately ____________ of minds
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (New Revised Standard Version)
Two laws that govern your life:
• The law of __________________
Proverbs 23:7 – . . . What he thinks is what he really is. (Good News Bible)
Romans 12:2 – Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (New Living Translation)
Luke 6:43-45 – 43 “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 44 A tree is identified by its fruit. . . . 45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. (New Living Translation)
• The law of __________________
Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (New Living Translation)
How Does Hope-Producing Thoughts Happen?
• Discover continents of _________________ _________________
• Mediate on ____________ ____________
Psalm 1:2 – . . . delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. (New Living Translation)