The Divine Story of Jesus and You: All Is Well
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: The Divine Story of Jesus and You: All Is Well
Date: 18 August 2024
Speaker: Pastor Emeritus Dr. Stanley Long
Sermon Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Sermon Reflections: The Divine Story of Jesus and You: All Is Well
Date: 18 August 2024
Speaker: Pastor Emeritus Dr. Stanley Long
Sermon Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Sermon Quick Summary
The scripture text for today is from Matthew 14:22-33. In our scripture sermon text, Jesus taught about the miracle of Jesus walking on water, Peter following Jesus on the water, and the eleven disciples who through fear of the storm did not get out of the boat. Jesus taught this lesson on what it is like to live in fear of the environment and storms of life. While following God’s guidance, it is still possible to encounter storms. Jesus sees us, and Jesus challenges our fears. A misunderstanding of our reality can fill our hearts with fear. Three things we can do to keep our hearts from fearful torment: (1) Acknowledge and name your fears. (2) Examine your assumptions based on fear, in the light of the facts. (3) Attack your anxiety with positive action. There is the power of courage in prayer and trusting that God is with us, despite difficult circumstances around us. As we chase fears away and trust God with us, all is well!
Scripture Text: Matthew 14:22 – 33
“22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’
28 And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29 He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
Jesus taught lessons on what it is like to live in fear of the environment and storms of life
Popular preaching on this scripture text has focused on the miracle of Jesus walking on water and Peter following Jesus out of the boat. Jesus had just fed 5000 men plus women and children. The conversations regarding Jesus leading the revolt to overthrow Rome were becoming more popular with every passing miracle. The text uses the word “Jesus made” which is not often used by Jesus in relationship to his disciples. Yet in this case there is an urgency to remove the disciples from the thinking and responses of the crowd.
This message will focus on lessons applying to our life journey about the eleven disciples who did not get out of the boat. When the disciples are about four to six miles from shore they encounter a storm. The scriptures suggests that the storm is significant in that the wind and the waves are affecting their ability to move the boat from where it is to where they desire it to be. Some of us call strong winds of a storm “the Hawk.” The Hawk was blowing the waves across the boat and the disciples were struggling.
Some of us have experienced neighborhood fear, from being fearful of the environment in which we live. For example, a neighbor got stabbed, but the blood is never cleaned up. The blood not cleaned up elicits fear of the environment in which we live. We might live that fear by vowing never to let our children grow up in that environment.
While following God’s guidance, it is still possible to encounter storms
Living a Christian life and maintaining a positive attitude does not guarantee a storm-less existence. Ask Joseph, ask Job, ask Paul; throughout scripture there are examples of godly people doing the right thing yet living with and through storms.
Jesus sees us, and Jesus challenges our fears
The text says Jesus saw his disciples, and somewhere between 3:00 and 6:00 in the morning: He walks toward them to help. Jesus saw them in their struggle. Jesus sees you in your struggles. When Jesus sees you, He has either already showed up to help you or help is on the way. In any event, Jesus sees you.
A misunderstanding of our reality can fill our hearts with fear
Jesus shows up, but the disciples perceive their reality incorrectly. They think Jesus is a ghost, and fear grips their spirit. The scripture text says that they were fearful and terrified.
Fear is an anxiety or distress caused by one's concern over perceived danger. The truth is that we are all afraid of something. Examples include that some of us are afraid of getting old, getting sick, not having enough money to make ends meet, dying or a loved one dying, not having the capacity to handle our concerns and so on. Fears unchecked can become phobias. In fact, over 700 phobias exist, most of which are not based on reality.
Three things we can do to keep our hearts from fearful torment:
Acknowledge and name your fears
You cannot conquer your fears if you cannot name it. Once you acknowledge your fears, you can face them. Lean into your fears, instead of running away from them. We can extinguish our fears by stepping toward them. When we do, we train our minds not to be afraid.
Examine your assumptions based on fear, in the light of the facts
Facts help us realize that maybe we don't need to be as afraid as we tend to be. For example, a common fear today is the fear of crime. However, if you examine the facts, you will find that the data demonstrates that crime is down by nearly half since the late 1980s and early 1990s. The murder rate is at its lowest level since 1964.
Attack your anxiety with positive action
Fears are almost always meant to produce some kind of action in us. In our fears, God means for us to act, seek, and draw closer to God. If we have a legitimate fear doing nothing still leaves us fearful. However, the moment we start acting toward our fears they begin to dissipate, since our fears were meant to move us into action. That's precisely what Peter did. In spite of his fears, Peter stepped out of the boat and started to walk on water toward Jesus.
There is the power of courage in prayer and trusting that God is with us, despite difficult circumstances around us
Different drugs meant to quiet our fears are ineffective. God’s people learn through prayer and trusting in God, despite all that is happening around us. God is with us.
God’s Word tells us not to be afraid. Over 140 times in scripture, we are told not to be afraid; almost always the reason is because God is with us. The more we cultivate an awareness of God's presence through scripture and prayer, the more we grow in awareness that all is well.
As we chase fears away and trust God, all is well!
Prayer and trust in God can make you realize that in spite of what is going on around you, all is well.
It takes the same energy and the same mental work to imagine the worst outcome as to imagine that God is walking with us. We are tempted to use our imagination to imagine possible threats with negative outcomes; we can use that same power to imagine that God is walking with us, no matter what happens.
As we act, pray, and trust God, we surrender and leave the remainder in God’s control. We stop pretending not to be afraid. We affirm our trust in God, with our life journey belonging to God, and glorify God in worship and praise. Because my life journey is inner joy and peace in God, all is well!
Conclusion
Let’s conclude by viewing this video of lyrics to Jehovah Sabaoth (God of Angel Armies):
The scripture text for today is from Matthew 14:22-33. In our scripture sermon text, Jesus taught about the miracle of Jesus walking on water, Peter following Jesus on the water, and the eleven disciples who through fear of the storm did not get out of the boat. Jesus taught this lesson on what it is like to live in fear of the environment and storms of life. While following God’s guidance, it is still possible to encounter storms. Jesus sees us, and Jesus challenges our fears. A misunderstanding of our reality can fill our hearts with fear. Three things we can do to keep our hearts from fearful torment: (1) Acknowledge and name your fears. (2) Examine your assumptions based on fear, in the light of the facts. (3) Attack your anxiety with positive action. There is the power of courage in prayer and trusting that God is with us, despite difficult circumstances around us. As we chase fears away and trust God with us, all is well!
Scripture Text: Matthew 14:22 – 33
“22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’
28 And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29 He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
Jesus taught lessons on what it is like to live in fear of the environment and storms of life
Popular preaching on this scripture text has focused on the miracle of Jesus walking on water and Peter following Jesus out of the boat. Jesus had just fed 5000 men plus women and children. The conversations regarding Jesus leading the revolt to overthrow Rome were becoming more popular with every passing miracle. The text uses the word “Jesus made” which is not often used by Jesus in relationship to his disciples. Yet in this case there is an urgency to remove the disciples from the thinking and responses of the crowd.
This message will focus on lessons applying to our life journey about the eleven disciples who did not get out of the boat. When the disciples are about four to six miles from shore they encounter a storm. The scriptures suggests that the storm is significant in that the wind and the waves are affecting their ability to move the boat from where it is to where they desire it to be. Some of us call strong winds of a storm “the Hawk.” The Hawk was blowing the waves across the boat and the disciples were struggling.
Some of us have experienced neighborhood fear, from being fearful of the environment in which we live. For example, a neighbor got stabbed, but the blood is never cleaned up. The blood not cleaned up elicits fear of the environment in which we live. We might live that fear by vowing never to let our children grow up in that environment.
While following God’s guidance, it is still possible to encounter storms
Living a Christian life and maintaining a positive attitude does not guarantee a storm-less existence. Ask Joseph, ask Job, ask Paul; throughout scripture there are examples of godly people doing the right thing yet living with and through storms.
Jesus sees us, and Jesus challenges our fears
The text says Jesus saw his disciples, and somewhere between 3:00 and 6:00 in the morning: He walks toward them to help. Jesus saw them in their struggle. Jesus sees you in your struggles. When Jesus sees you, He has either already showed up to help you or help is on the way. In any event, Jesus sees you.
A misunderstanding of our reality can fill our hearts with fear
Jesus shows up, but the disciples perceive their reality incorrectly. They think Jesus is a ghost, and fear grips their spirit. The scripture text says that they were fearful and terrified.
Fear is an anxiety or distress caused by one's concern over perceived danger. The truth is that we are all afraid of something. Examples include that some of us are afraid of getting old, getting sick, not having enough money to make ends meet, dying or a loved one dying, not having the capacity to handle our concerns and so on. Fears unchecked can become phobias. In fact, over 700 phobias exist, most of which are not based on reality.
Three things we can do to keep our hearts from fearful torment:
Acknowledge and name your fears
You cannot conquer your fears if you cannot name it. Once you acknowledge your fears, you can face them. Lean into your fears, instead of running away from them. We can extinguish our fears by stepping toward them. When we do, we train our minds not to be afraid.
Examine your assumptions based on fear, in the light of the facts
Facts help us realize that maybe we don't need to be as afraid as we tend to be. For example, a common fear today is the fear of crime. However, if you examine the facts, you will find that the data demonstrates that crime is down by nearly half since the late 1980s and early 1990s. The murder rate is at its lowest level since 1964.
Attack your anxiety with positive action
Fears are almost always meant to produce some kind of action in us. In our fears, God means for us to act, seek, and draw closer to God. If we have a legitimate fear doing nothing still leaves us fearful. However, the moment we start acting toward our fears they begin to dissipate, since our fears were meant to move us into action. That's precisely what Peter did. In spite of his fears, Peter stepped out of the boat and started to walk on water toward Jesus.
There is the power of courage in prayer and trusting that God is with us, despite difficult circumstances around us
Different drugs meant to quiet our fears are ineffective. God’s people learn through prayer and trusting in God, despite all that is happening around us. God is with us.
God’s Word tells us not to be afraid. Over 140 times in scripture, we are told not to be afraid; almost always the reason is because God is with us. The more we cultivate an awareness of God's presence through scripture and prayer, the more we grow in awareness that all is well.
As we chase fears away and trust God, all is well!
Prayer and trust in God can make you realize that in spite of what is going on around you, all is well.
It takes the same energy and the same mental work to imagine the worst outcome as to imagine that God is walking with us. We are tempted to use our imagination to imagine possible threats with negative outcomes; we can use that same power to imagine that God is walking with us, no matter what happens.
As we act, pray, and trust God, we surrender and leave the remainder in God’s control. We stop pretending not to be afraid. We affirm our trust in God, with our life journey belonging to God, and glorify God in worship and praise. Because my life journey is inner joy and peace in God, all is well!
Conclusion
Let’s conclude by viewing this video of lyrics to Jehovah Sabaoth (God of Angel Armies):
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-In what ways is Peter a good example for the eleven other disciples and for us today who remained in the boat in the midst of the storm? In this circumstance in the midst of the storm, how is Peter a bad example for us today?
Scripture Text: Matthew 14:22 - 33
-After the storms ceased, what were the actions of those who had remained in the boat? What is the importance of praise and worship?
Jesus taught lessons on what it is like to live in fear of the environment and storms of life
-When in your life journey have you lived in fear from the environment around you or other difficult circumstances akin to a storm in your life?
While following God’s guidance, it is still possible to encounter storms
-Like the examples of Joseph, Job, and Paul, when have you been in the center of God’s Will for your life, while you live with and through storms or suffering?
Jesus sees us, and Jesus challenges our fears
-While in the midst of a struggle, what indication do you have that Jesus sees you and provides help to you?
A misunderstanding of our reality can fill our hearts with fear
-What difficulties give you fear? What are the fears that are unchecked so that the fears become phobias?
Acknowledge and name your fears
-Why is it important to acknowledge your fears?
Examine your assumptions based on fear, in the light of the facts
-Why is it important to examine the truth of facts related to your fears?
There is the power of courage in prayer and trusting that God is with us, despite difficult circumstances around us
-In what ways have you matured spiritually through increased awareness of God’s presence with you?
As we chase fears away and trust God with us, all is well!
-As you act, pray, and trust God, in what ways have you concluded that all is well?
Conclusion
-What lyrics from the song Jehovah Sabaoth are most meaningful to you in applying this message to your life?
Sermon Quick Summary
-In what ways is Peter a good example for the eleven other disciples and for us today who remained in the boat in the midst of the storm? In this circumstance in the midst of the storm, how is Peter a bad example for us today?
Scripture Text: Matthew 14:22 - 33
-After the storms ceased, what were the actions of those who had remained in the boat? What is the importance of praise and worship?
Jesus taught lessons on what it is like to live in fear of the environment and storms of life
-When in your life journey have you lived in fear from the environment around you or other difficult circumstances akin to a storm in your life?
While following God’s guidance, it is still possible to encounter storms
-Like the examples of Joseph, Job, and Paul, when have you been in the center of God’s Will for your life, while you live with and through storms or suffering?
Jesus sees us, and Jesus challenges our fears
-While in the midst of a struggle, what indication do you have that Jesus sees you and provides help to you?
A misunderstanding of our reality can fill our hearts with fear
-What difficulties give you fear? What are the fears that are unchecked so that the fears become phobias?
Acknowledge and name your fears
-Why is it important to acknowledge your fears?
Examine your assumptions based on fear, in the light of the facts
-Why is it important to examine the truth of facts related to your fears?
There is the power of courage in prayer and trusting that God is with us, despite difficult circumstances around us
-In what ways have you matured spiritually through increased awareness of God’s presence with you?
As we chase fears away and trust God with us, all is well!
-As you act, pray, and trust God, in what ways have you concluded that all is well?
Conclusion
-What lyrics from the song Jehovah Sabaoth are most meaningful to you in applying this message to your life?
Posted in The Divine Story of Jesus and You
Posted in all is well, Matthew 14:22-33, walking on water, storm, fear, afraid, action, anxiety, Jesus sees, misunderstand reality
Posted in all is well, Matthew 14:22-33, walking on water, storm, fear, afraid, action, anxiety, Jesus sees, misunderstand reality
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