Matthew 14:22-33

Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Mat 26:27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. Mat 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Mat 26:29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

Making It Through the Storms of Life Title Slide: Making it Through the Storms of Life—Matt.8:24-27; 14:22-33; John 6:15-21 Matthew 8:24-27 Matthew 14:22-33 John 6:15-21

Making It Through the Storms of Life Mat 14:22-33 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." 28 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?“ 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Title Slide: Making it Through the Storms of Life—Matt.8:24-27; 14:22-33; John 6:15-21

We Are Going to Have Storms! Enjoy the good times and be thankful! Prepare for storms before they come! Storms often come on the heels of success! Beware of shallow theology! Remember six things … 1Co 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, We are Going to Have Storms! (Jam.1:2; 1 Cor.10:13) Enjoy the good times and be thankful! Prepare for storms before they come! Storms often come on the heels of success! Beware of shallow theology! Remember six things… James 1:2; 1 Corinthians 10:13

Remember Who Is in Control Ecc 9:11 I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. Job 1:9-12 So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" 12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. When storms arise—we need to turn to the sovereign Lord. Matthew 8:25-27 Psalm 89:9 God may not have appointed the storm—but He does allow it. Job 1:9-12 Ecclesiastes 9:11 Psa 89:9 You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. Mat 8:25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" Mat 8:26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Mat 8:27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" #1. Remember Who is in Control… When storms arise (and they will), we need to turn to the sovereign Lord. Matt.8:25-27—Jesus calms the stormy seas. Psa.89:9—God rules over all things (2) God may not have appointed the storm—but He does allow it. Job 1:9-12--Satan was testing Job—not God! Eccl.9:11—circumstances of life happen to everyone!

Remember There Is a Purpose Rom 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat. Matthew 14:22 Storms can bring about growth, strength and patience. Psalm 4:1 James 1:2-6 Romans 5:3-5 Psalm 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. Mat 14:22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. #2. Remember There Is a Purpose… Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat. Matt.14:22—He knew the storm was coming, what He would do, and what they needed! Jesus calms the stormy seas. (2) Storms can bring about growth, strength, and patience. Psa.4:1; Jam.1:2-6; Rom.5:3-5. These lessons are not always easy, and we do not always understand while we are receiving them; but they can make us better if we put our trust in Him!

Remember There Is a Purpose Through faith, storms can refine us, purify us, and bring about the salvation of our souls! 1 Peter 1:6-9 #2. Remember There Is a Purpose… (3) Through faith, storms can refine us, purify us, and bring about the salvation of our souls! 1 Pet.1:6-9 (see next slide…)

Remember There Is a Purpose “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” #2. Remember There is a Purpose… 1 Pet.1:6,7 (see next slide…)

Remember There Is a Purpose “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.” #2. Remember There Is a Purpose… 1 Pet.1:8,9 (see next slide…)

Remember There Is a Purpose Things I Learned That Day I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chattered all the way; But left me none the wiser For all she had to say! I walked a mile with Sorrow, And never a word said she; But, oh, the things I learned that day from her When sorrow walked with me! Unknown #2. Remember There is a Purpose… Poem…comment…

Remember Jesus Is Our Intercessor Jesus had gone up into the mountain to pray. Matthew 14:23 Sometimes we may wonder where Jesus is. John 6:17 Joh 6:17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. Mat 14:23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. #3. Remember Jesus Is Our Intercessor… Jesus had gone up into the mountain to pray. Matt.14:23—He knew the storm that was coming in His life! (2) Sometimes we may wonder where Jesus is. Jno.6:17. Jesus is where He always is—there to help us!

Remember Jesus Is Our Intercessor Heb 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." 6 So we may boldly say: "THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?" We need to know that Jesus is working for us. Hebrews 7:25 Romans 8:34 He will never leave us— NEVER! Hebrews 13:5,6 Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Rom 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. #3. Remember Jesus Is Our Intercessor… (3) We need to know that Jesus is working for us. Heb.7:25; Rom.8:34—Who better to be in our corner? (4) He will never leave us or forsake us—NEVER! Heb.13:5,6 Blessed assurance that is priceless and precious!

Remember, You Can’t Make It on Your Own The disciples rowed for three or four miles against a strong and contrary wind. Matt 14:24,25 John 6:19 Mat 14:24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. Joh 6:19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. #4. Remember You Can’t Make It on Your Own!… (1) The disciples rowed for three or four miles against a strong and contrary wind. Matt.14:24,25; Jno.6:19—Yet, they could not, by their own actions, change the danger in which they found themselves!

Remember, You Can’t Make It on Your Own Can’t you hear the disciples saying, ”row harder;” ”work harder.” Ephes 2:8-10 We need Jesus! Matthew 8:25 John 14:6 Mat 8:25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. #4. Remember, You Can’t Make It on Your Own!… (2) Can’t you hear the disciples saying, “row harder;” ”work harder”—but to no avail! Eph.2:8-10; Jam.2:14-24 (3) We need Jesus! Matt.8:25; Jno.14:6. We must do what we can, but we must understand our limitations. Turn over to God what you can’t do yourself. This will require trust in Him!

We may not recognize Him. Jesus will come to calm our fears. Remember, Jesus Is Near He is always close by. Matthew 8:24,25 We may not recognize Him. Matthew 14:26 John 6:19 Jesus will come to calm our fears. Matthew 14:25-27 John 6:19,20 Mat 8:24-25 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" Joh 6:19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. Joh 6:20 But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." Mat 14:26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. Joh 6:19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. Mat 14:25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." #5. Remember Jesus Is Near!… He is always close by. Matthew 8:24,25 We may not recognize Him! Matt.14:26; Jno.6:19 Jesus will come to calm our fears. Matt.14:25-27; Jno.6:19,20 Our Lord cannot help us if we don’t have confidence in Him and call on Him in time of need…Heb.4:16

Remember, Jesus Has Power Over Storms He has power over the wind and the sea. Matthew 8:26,27 When Jesus is in our lives, there is peace. Matthew 14:31-33 Mat 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Mat 8:26 But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Mat 8:27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" #6. Remember Jesus Has Power Over Storms!… He has power over the wind and the sea. Matthew 8:26,27 With Jesus in our lives, there is real peace! Matt.14:31-33.

Remember, Jesus Has Power Over Storms We will reach our intended destination if we, by faith, trust and obey the Lord. Matthew 14:22 John 6:21 I may not know your problem, but I know the answer! Mat 14:22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. Joh 6:21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. #6. Remember Jesus Has Power Over Storms!… (3) We will reach our destination if we, by faith, trust and obey the Lord. Matt.14:22; Jno.6:21 (4) I may not know your problem, but I know the answer and who has it!!

Riding out the Storms of Life Remember who is in control. Remember, there is a purpose. Remember, Jesus is our Intercessor. Review…

Riding out the Storms of Life Remember, you can’t make it on your own. Remember, Jesus is near. Remember, Jesus has power over the storms. Review…

Riding out the Storms of Life The real question is how will we face them? We are going to have storms! Summary…

Riding out the Storms of Life Summary… God has not promised us a storm- free journey, but He will provide the faithful with a safe landing!

The greatest storm of all is coming for those who fail to trust and obey the Lord! 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2Th 1:7-9 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, Summary… Are you ready? 2 Corinthians 5:10 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

The Preparations Needed Hear the word of God—Romans 10:17 Believe—John 8:24 Repent—Acts 17:30 Confess—Acts 8:37 Baptism—Colossians 2:12 Continue to grow—1 Corinthians 15:58 Erring Christian—James 5:16 Preparations—Invitation…