Get Out of the Boat Print

Pastor David Koop

Jesus will challenge us to leave the comfort of the "boat" and step out and do the impossible by faith.

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Matt. 14: 22 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people.

Matt. 14: 23 With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Matt. 14: 24 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves.

Matt. 14: 25 At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water.

Matt. 14: 26 They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.

Matt. 14: 27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."

Matt. 14: 28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."

Matt. 14: 29 He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus.

Matt. 14: 30 But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

Matt. 14: 31 Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"

Matt. 14: 32 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down.

Matt. 14: 33 The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God's Son for sure!"

How to get out of the boat:

  1. Be willing to _____________________.

  2. __________ the __________________.
    1. 1 John 4: 1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.

  3. Put your trust in _________________ _______________.
    1. Know the difference between obedience and thrill seeking. Don't tempt God.
    2. Matt. 4: 5-7 For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone." Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't you dare test the Lord your God."
    3. Remember the past victories. Jesus had turned water to wine, healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, fed 5,000, and even calmed the storm in the past (Matt. 8: 23-27).

  4. Stay focussed on Jesus not your _______________________.
    1. Heb. 12: 2 ... looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

  5. _______________ for help when you ________________.
    1. Peter took his eyes off Jesus, but Jesus never took His eyes off Peter.
    2. 2 Tim. 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful.

  6. Receive ________________________. Learn from your mistakes.
    1. When Jesus said, 'Little faith', it meant a burst of faith.

  7. Remember the _____________ is worth the _____________________.
    1. Peter walked with Jeus on the water - a great experience of faith to pass on.
    2. The storm stopped.
    3. The whole boat benefitted.
  • What is Jesus calling you to do today?

  • Are you willing to take the risk?