WALKING ON WATER
Matthew 14:22-33
INTRODUCTION: R. Kent Hughes, in his book, James—Faith That Works, shares this story. "It is said that Napoleon, while looking at some papers, let slip the bridle of his horse, which reared so that the Emperor was in danger. A corporal of the grenadiers leaped forward and caught the bridle, bringing the horse under control. Napoleon saluted the corporal and said, "Thank you, Captain." "Of what company, Sire?" asked the corporal. "Of my guards," replied Napoleon. The young corporal picked up his musket, hurled it aside, and walked across the field toward the emperor’s staff, tearing of his corporal stripes as he went. When he took his place among the officers, they asked him what he was doing. He replied that he was a captain of the guards. "By whose order?" queried one of them. "The Emperor’s order," he replied. A man of less faith might have picked up his musket, stepped back into the ranks, and boasted for the rest of his life that Napoleon had called him a captain. This describes the difference between mental assent and true faith, which takes God at His word and acts upon it"
{If we want to walk on water …}
I. WE MUST SEEK THE LORD’S WILL FOR OUR LIVES
A. Many have suggested that Peter was issuing a challenge by his question, "If it is you Lord, command me to come to You in the water." But I believe that to be wrong and very unfair to Peter and his faith.
1. Now, Peter was a rash person, often letting his mouth overload his plate. "I will not deny you Lord…Let us build three tabernacles…You will not wash my feet…wash me all over." Just to name a few.
2. Peter was an impetuous fells, but he was not stupid. He knew who Jesus was, and by that knowledge be knew better than to challenge God’s Son.
3. Rather, I am convinced that Peter want to be where Jesus was, and if that meant asking for a command to do something beyond his safe zone he would do it. And he did.
4. Peter’s question was the equivalent of saying, "Lord, if you are here in my life, tell me what I must do to come to you."
B. That question, that mentality, must be ours as his followers today. There is so much more to being a disciple than baptism and sitting on a pew 1, 2 or even 3 times a week.
1. "What do you command us to do Lord?" What is your will for our lives? What must we do to truly be your followers? Tough questions for some with even tougher answers. Some for consideration are:
2. Love one another – John 13:34, "as I have loved you"
3. Forgive one another – Matthew 6:14-15
4. Rescue the Perishing – Galatians 6:1
5. Treat all other people right – Matthew 7:12
6. Carry the Gospel to every man, woman & child – Matt 28:19, Mk 16:15
7. Be honest in all we do – Matthew 5:27
C. These are merely the hem of the garment – only the basics. Yet for many of us, many of you, they pose serious challenges to the way life is often lived. When God challenges us, it is a good thing. It is the right thing and that brings us to the next lesson.
{If we want to walk on water …}
II. WE MUST GET OUT OF THE BOAT
A. I think it is safe to say that Peter was a seasoned fisherman. He was what we might call an old salty sailor, one who was as familiar with the sea as we are with our homes.
1. He knew the dangers and he knew the pleasures. He knew the joys and he knew the horrors of what the sea could do. And this situation was not one of the pleasurable, joyful ones.
2. There was a storm raging on the Sea of Galilee – a horrible storm – to the point that the disciples feared for their lives. Then along comes Jesus walking on the water, treading the waves that swamped the boat.
3. Peter asks, "Lord, if that is you, command me to join you on the water." Peter got his answer in one simple word, "Come!" Here is the great event of the story – Peter went!.
4. He got out of the boat and into the tempest-tossed sea. He was far safer in the boat. Men do not walk on water much less the rolling waves of a gale. Yet, he went and by so doing gained one of his life’s greatest experiences – He walked on the water with Jesus.
B. Now, are you ready for this? If we want to walk with Jesus we have got to get out of the boat! We must expunge ourselves from our safe zones and take the leap of faith.
1. The question is this, "What is your boat?" "What is your safe zone?" We all have them and for every one of us our boat(s) hold us back. They hinder our walk with Jesus on the water.
2. Family – Luke 14:26
3. Friends – I Corinthians 15:33
4. Social Position – Matthew 23:11-12
5. Money – I Timothy 6:10
6. Power and Influence – Acts 26:25
7. Indifference – II Thessalonians 1:7,8
8. Fear – Acts 24:25
C. There are many, many more boats in our lives and each one of them holds us back. They keep us from fulfilling the Lord’s command – His will – for our lives. We must get out of the boat!
CONCLUSION:
