Stepping Out in Faith

Faith in the face of fear (14:22-32) In verses 13-21 we saw faith in the face of need. Now in the second picture of faith, we see faith in the face of fear.

David Platt. Exalting Jesus in Matthew (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (Kindle Locations 3603-3604). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Supernatural Things are accomplished by God through Faith -

Peter didn't walk on the water because it happened all the time. Only two people in history have walked on the water - Jesus and Peter - It was because of the supernatural working of God and the faith of Peter. Faith isn't just a belief or confidence - it is a single focus

"it denotes not so much a theological uncertainty or unbelief, but a practical hesitation, wavering, being in two minds. Peter's problem was not so much lack of intellectual conviction as the conflict between the evidence of his senses and the invitation of Jesus." R. T. France, The New International Commentary on the New Testament – The Gospel of Matthew, (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2007), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 570. It is a miracle that Peter walked on the water, it was according to his faith. Before he gets to Jesus though his focus changes from seeing the Lord to seeing the storm the winds or rather what the winds were doing. Peter's little faith caused him to fail to participate in Jesus' power and he begins to sink.

Yet he calls out and Jesus delivers. I wonder if later as Peter would tell this story if he did quote Psalm 18:16 (KJV) 16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. Just Step out in faith - Craig Keener reminds us, " Faith cannot be worked up by formulas or emotion, but it grows through various tests as we continue to trust our Lord and he continues to teach us. Faith grows out of a relationship with the Person of Jesus, and in no other way." Keener, Craig S.: Matthew. Downers Grove, Ill. : InterVarsity Press, 1997 (The IVP New Testament Commentary Series 1), S. Mt 14:28

This faith can unleash all the power of heaven. Can take us across the stormy waters, can move mountains, Step out in faith and follow Jesus. The source of faith is God's Word - Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Faith is as much a rational act as it is an emotional act.

Heb. 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is the confidence of things hoped for, the certainty of things not seen. Faith is not believing God will do what I’ve asked him to do, because I’ve asked him to do it, and I believe he’ll do it…. Faith is believing God will do what he said he will do. Dr. Phil Brown. Real faith can never take you beyond the Scriptures. There is no benefit in simply saying, “I believe,” no matter how hard you say it. Belief or faith must have a foundation in Scripture.

It’s not how much I believe but in what I believe. Edsel Trouten Doctrine of prayer

Matt. 14:28 YOU

Conclusion - By Jesus' command and Peter's little faith he was able to tread the water. I want you to know this morning that only the Just can live by faith.

Has God been calling you to do the impossible? Get out of the boat and start stepping in faith

Do you feel far from Jesus - step out in faith and come to Him he is right here saying Come Come