Faith that Walks On The Water

Text: Matthew 14:22-33

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (09/08/02)

Introduction:   

POSSIBLITY #1 – Dramatize the Story

POSSIBILITY #2 – Illustration?

POSSIBILTY #3 – EXAMPLES: Raising your Family / Strengthening your Marriage / Building the Church / Salvation of the Lost / Victory over Sin etc.

Key Phrase – “O Thou of Little Faith, Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt?” vs.31

Purpose – To persuade men & women that only a little faith is required in order to see God do great things!!

I. The Circumstances Requiring Faith vs.24

“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.”

Faith is seldom seen as necessary in the prosperity of good times, But in the hardships - the trials and testings of life – that is when our faith is really put to the test.

When there are difficulties and obstacle to be overcome.

Give a few EXAMPLES

ILLUS: Sean and Leslie Beliveau – Accident with City Bus in Vancouver, September 5th 2002.

What was characteristic of the disciples trial in the sea?  These are many times true of our difficult circumstances also.

A. Impossible

“In the Midst of the Sea”

There was seemingly no way out of their predicament.

They were hemmed in on all sides by the raging water.

As long as we think we have some other resource, some other way out than the Lord we are not fully trusting in Him.

He is able to bring a little more or a lot more pressure to bear on our situation that will cause us to turn to Him.

If we are leaning on things, money, philosophies, our own wisdom, he is able to kick those crutches out from under us.

He know exactly what it will take for us to look to Him, to rely fully on Him.

John 15:5  ………… for without me ye can do nothing.

B. Incompatible

The wind and the storm is described as being “Contrary”  it was against them.

Everything was working against the possibility of recovery and rescue.

Incompatible with Faith, Hope, Reason etc.

Romans 4:18  Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

C. In God’s Will

How do we know that these circumstances were in God’s will?

1. They were commanded by Christ to be in the ship vs.22

Obedience does not mean the absence of difficulties!

Obedience does mean we have confidence in the presence of difficulties!!

2. Christ was praying for them vs.23

This indicates two things…

He Knows!

He Cares!!

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

SONG: Does Jesus Care?  - Oh Yes He Cares, I Know He Cares!!

II. The Conflicting Refusal of Faith vs.25-27

A. Christ Drew Near

They had no ability to draw near to Him.   Without Him they were surely lost and alone.

B. Fear Grew Where Faith should have Flourished

Are we full of anxiety, worry, fear simply because we do not recognize Christ’s presence??

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

C. The Good Cheer of Christ. Vs.27

“Be not afraid”

Healthy Fear vs. Sinful Fear

Healthy fear is a restraint from dangerous or harmful situations.

Sinful fear is that which dominates, paralyzes and hinders us from our obedience to Christ and His Word.

III. The Confident Response of Little Faith vs.28-31

EMPHASIZE – Just a “Little Faith”

Mark 9:24  And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

A. Little Faith Separates

1. Peter left the ship behind (Safety, stability, familiarity)

2. Peter left his colleagues behind

He was willing to be the only one.

Now we have seen the negatives of separation,  but biblical faith not only separates us from certain things, it separates us unto others, that is the positive!!

3. He went to Jesus

B. Little Faith Elevates vs.29

“He walked on the water”

Faith elevates you, it lifts you above the circumstances, the problems of this life.

“Faith is the Victory… That overcomes the World”.

ILLUS: Little Sammy with Polio (Taken from Little Visits With God)– “Teacher, I’ve learned how to fall!”

ILLUS: Mrs. Gwen Randall – Saved in June, Terminal Cancer, but what a tremendous attitude.

C. Little Faith Hesitates vs.30

1. Subject to doubt

His faith faltered, if only for a moment, but that was all it took and he began to sink beneath the waves.

2. Open to criticism

Criticism would have to come from those who were still in the boat.

3. Close to the Lord

Where would you rather be?  In the boat, or next to the Lord?

Conclusion:     (Review)

MAIN POINTS

1. Are there circumstances in your life requiring faith?

Do they seem impossible, incompatible with faith – Remember God will keep you in His will, He knows and He cares!!!

2. Are you living in a fear?

This is in conflict with what God is doing in your life dear friend.

3. Are you willing to step out with even a little faith.

Get out of the boat, walk to Jesus, Separated from the world, Elevated above the circumstances, Hesitating some perhaps but at least you are looking to Jesus.