Live Right

 

“Live Right”

Philippians 4:9 

SUBJECT: ANXIETY

THEME: Part of the Secret to Victory Over Anxiety is Right Living, coupled with the “God of peace” to guide us and the “Peace of God” to shield us emotionally and intellectually through periods of worry.                              

RELEVANCE: Often, we forfeit the joy of the Lord through worries that plague our minds and hearts. Fears, worries, uncertainties, and even people can literally rob us of our joy, leaving us anxious.

INTRODUCTION:

What does the Bible says about dealing with anxiety, and fears that assume the worst things may and can happen? What strategies enable us to face life’s stress? Really the opposite of anxiety is “peace.” God’s brand of peace overcomes worry. Let’s focus more on this idea.

The great apostle yearned for the “God of peace” to dwell with these believers. He wanted God’s inner tranquility—encompassing peace with God and internal peace of mind—to characterize these believers. That is exactly what God wants for you as a believer instead of anxiety!

More importantly, the Lord wants us to have a heart that is joyful and uninfluenced by the many uncertainties life will throw at us as we maintain trust in Him. We can have great peace when we Pray, Think, and Live right, but we must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet these conditions.

MESSAGE:

RIGHT LIVING; PEACE THROUGH A CORRECT LIFESTYLE.  (Phil. 4:9)

Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”. Paul urges believers to put into practice the teachings they have received and witnessed in his life, as a path to experiencing God’s peace.  

A. THE LINK BETWEEN PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE.

We cannot separate outward action and inward attitude. Sin always results in unrest (unless the conscience is seared), and purity ought to result in peace. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” (Isa 32:17). “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17). Right living is a necessary condition for experiencing the peace of God. To be clear, living in alignment with God’s will is not merely a path to peace, but is its very work, a predictable outcome of peace because of practicing righteousness.

When we turn away from sin towards God through repentance, the inner turmoil caused by guilt and a conscience troubled by misconduct is removed. The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome negative patterns and rest in Christ’s work, which naturally produces inner quietness and peace. The fundamental nature of God’s kingdom is not about dietary restrictions or outward rituals, but rather about a transformed inner life characterized by being right with God, experiencing peace, and finding joy through the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  

B. THE BLESSINGS OF A GREAT EXAMPLE!

A great spiritual example inspires positive godly change by establishing clear behavioral standards, fostering trust and respect, boosting motivation and productivity, and creating a positive and unified church culture. The encouragement to follow committed leadership is restated multiple times in the NT.

Phil 4:9, Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 Cor 4:16, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

Phil 3:17, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Col 2:6, As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

1 Thess 4:1, Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Great spiritual examples show commitment to values, encourage collaboration, bridge the gap between theory and practice in instructions, and demonstrate self-discipline and holy resilience. 

Great Leaders Provide Great Examples:

• They Foster Trust and Respect: Leaders who set a positive example earn the trust and respect of the people, making people more likely to follow their lead and feel invested in common goals. 
• They Motivate and Inspire: Positive role models inspire others to embrace passion, dedication, and similar positive behaviors, leading to higher motivation and engagement. 

Certainly, we are challenged to be good example of peace for the benefit of other Christians and to influence others to trust Christ completely.

C.  THE HEARING AND OBEYING OF GOD AND HIS WORD.

Paul balances four activities: “learned and received” and “heard and seen.” It is one thing to learn a truth, but quite another to receive it inwardly and make it a part of our inner man (see 1 Thess 2:13). Facts in the head are not enough; we must also have truths in the heart.

By internalizing and accepting truth we embark upon lasting personal change. Such transformation involves a shift in our core beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, this is a “renewing of the mind” (Rom. 12:1-2). Beloved, we have great need to humble ourselves and come into connection with the power God to fully realize his truth in us and through us. 

In Paul’s ministry, he not only taught the Word but also lived it so that His listeners could see the truth in his life. Paul’s experience ought to be our experience. We must learn the Word, receive it, hear it, and do it. “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

D. THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR INVOLVEMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH GOD.

Again Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”.

Reflect on this perspective of a cooperative relationship between divine action and human effort. I am saying that while each believer must fulfill their responsibilities and strive for God-given goals, God will provide support, wisdom, and power. This is especially true when we demonstrate our commitment through faith and obedience to His will. In this respect believing in Him and following His guidance, with the understanding that true effectiveness comes from being ‘attached to God’ and relying on His strength rather than our own. 

Each of us must invest ourselves in maturation to realize greater freedom and agility in the Lord. God does not operate alone in our lives; he wants our cooperation and effort. It is true that the good out of our experiences are His productions, but he desires that we take the journey with Him. It is not a solo act on God’s part or ours, but an interactivity between the divine and human. This is what God intended in the very beginning of the creation of mankind.

In John 15:5, Jesus echoes: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”. This vine and branches metaphor illustrates that believers must remain connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit, as we are powerless to do anything significant apart from Him.

Philippians 4:19, reads, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. God promises He will provide for our needs from his plentiful, magnificent storehouse, through Jesus Christ. God will do His part!

E.  THE TEST OF OUR WALK WITH THE LORD.

“The peace of God” is one test of whether we are in the purpose of God. Again, we want the peace Christ gives to protect us like a referee in our thoughts and emotions. If we are walking with the Lord, then the peace of God and the God of peace exercises influence over our core ideas. Whenever we disobey, we lose that peace and we usually come to realize we have done something wrong.  

The peace of God should act as an umpire in our hearts. If in anything we are in doubt, we should ask ourselves the questions: “Does it make for peace?” or “Would I have peace in my heart if I went ahead and did it?”

This verse is especially helpful when seeking guidance from the Lord. If the Lord really wants you to embark upon a certain course of action, He will most assuredly give you peace about it. If you do not have that peace, then you should not proceed. As has been said: “Darkness about going is light about staying.”^[a]

And even though Abraham (Gen. 22) did not feel good about offering up his son, Isaac, as a burnt sacrifice, he headed to Mt. Moriah anyway trusting guidance God had clearly given over his personal feeling or questions. God’s direction made the call!

CONCLUSION:

Right praying, right thinking, and right living: these are the conditions for solid peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living; or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. Again, worrying is sin! We have the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us!

Again, many are motivated to protect their ‘peace,’ and they navigate through circumstances and conditions while making decisions to protect their own brand of ‘peace.’ Usually such pursuits demand avoiding drama, disorder, confusion, and chaos generated by anyone else. This vein of activity also saves money, time, and energy. They consciously select an external environment occupied with quietness, tranquility, predictability, calmness, and some boredom which is admirable in many regards. But, in contrast, we can be thankful that God’s brand of “peace” provides internal protection for us! His “peace” keeps us…garrison about us and protect us like a soldier from excessive anxiety regardless of the external conditions. Certainly, we must make correct decisions also, but we wisely place yourself in His capable hands and we are free of anxiety.

Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. We yearn for our spoken words, and internal thoughts to be pleasing and acceptable to our Lord. So, we fully embrace the connection between our inner thoughts and outward expressions. We seek alignment between our external speech and internal reflections and want harmony with God’s will and character. There is an inner longing for an entire life of integrity, where thoughts and words are rooted in God’s eternal truth, bringing honor to the Lord as our strength-giving constant Rock and Redeemer. Beloved, this is our prayer to our Father.  

Lastly, please note Romans 15:33, “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” In this concluding blessing, the Apostle Paul prays for the “God of peace” to be with these believers. He desires God’s tranquility, unifying presence, encompassing peace with God, internal peace of mind, and unity among believers. Now read again Philippians 4:9 which states, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”. This “God of Peace” is who I want for all believers as well instead of anxiety. Life with our Lord is so much better for us all regardless of the circumstances. One key to success over anxiety is accurate living, joined with the “God of peace” to direct us and the “peace of God” to shield us emotionally and intellectually through those periods we are inclined to worry.

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^[a] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2011.

Awakened by Holy Stimuli

1 Peter 1:17-21

                   Spiritual Stimulation Involves Holy Considerations.

A fear of God is largely missing in our society, but that is not the saddest reality. Far too many Believers have little to no measurable respect for God as Father or Judge. From the appearance of things not many Christians cherish deeply the extraordinary price paid for our redemption. The result is a generation of professing Believers who have little or no desire to sustain holy and godly lifestyles. Immorality, sex outside of marriage, lying, cheating, coveting, and materialism are more a part of Believers’ lives then the Word of God and walking in the Spirit. We need a special blend of holy stimulation to awaken godly desires deep within the recesses of our souls. Here are some helpful considerations:

A.     Consider how God is the Father and the Impartial Judge; continue your journey with the utmost respect for Him (17).

                                                   i.      Get Serious About Combating Sin.  Interactivity with a father and a judge demands respect! As God’s children, we need to respect Him by being serious about refusing sin and pursuing holiness. Our Heavenly Father is a holy (John 17:11) and righteous Father (John 17:25). He will not compromise with sin. He is merciful and forgiving, but He is also a loving disciplinarian who cannot permit His children to enjoy sin. After all, it was sin that sent His Son to the cross. If we call God “Father,” then we should reflect His nature.

                                                 ii.      Don’t Worry About Punishment for Sins. 

1.      What is this judgment that Peter wrote about? It is the judgment of a believer’s works. It has nothing to do with salvation, except that salvation ought to produce good works (Titus 1:16; 2:7, 12). When we trusted Christ, God forgave our sins and declared us righteous in His Son (Rom. 5:1–10; 8:1–4; Col. 2:13). Our sins have already been judged on the cross (1 Peter 2:24), and therefore they cannot be held against us (Heb. 10:10–18).

2.      The Fathers judgment of His own in this life is chastening and corrective, not eternal punishment; He has committed the judgment of sinners to the Lord Jesus (John 5:22). The prospect of God’s corrective measures should awaken holy respect in the heart of God’s people.

3.      Lincoln writes: “He is looking on, taking notice of all, whether there is integrity of purpose, intelligence of mind, and desire of heart to please Him.”

                                                iii.      Prepare for the Judgment Seat of Christ.  But when the Lord returns, there will be a time of judgment called “the Judgment Seat of Christ” (Rom. 14:10–12; 2 Cor. 5:9–10). Each of us will give an account of his works, and each will receive the appropriate reward. This is a “family judgment,” the Father dealing with His beloved children. The Greek word translated judgeth carries the meaning “to judge in order to find something good.” God will search into the motives for our ministry; He will examine our hearts. But He assures us that His purpose is to glorify Himself in our lives and ministries, “and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Cor. 4:5). What an encouragement! –Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary

                                               iv.      Live Daily with a Healthy Fear of God.

1.      We are to pass the time of our stay on earth in fear. As we realize the extent of His knowledge and the accuracy of His judgment, we should live with a wholesome fear of displeasing Him.

2.      Christians are not at home in this world. We are living in a foreign country, exiled from heaven. We should not settle down as if this were our permanent dwelling. Neither should we imitate the behavior of the earth-dwellers. We should always remember our heavenly destiny and behave ourselves as citizens of heaven (MacDonald, W.).

B.     Consider how Christ is our Redemption Sacrifice; place your faith and hope in God (18-21).

                                                   i.      Remember Your Bondage (1:18).  Redeem means to buy back someone from bondage by the payment of a price; to set free by paying a ransom. “Redemption” was a technical term for money paid to buy back a prisoner of war. Here it is used of the price paid to buy the freedom of one in the bondage of sin and under the curse of the law (i.e., eternal death, cf. Gal. 3:13). The price paid to a holy God was the shed blood of His own Son (cf. Ex. 12:1–13; 15:13; Ps. 78:35; Acts 20:28; Rom. 3:24; Gal. 4:4, 5; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:11–17).

                                                 ii.      Do Not Lead a Full, But Empty Life (1:18).  We were not redeemed with perishable money (18).

1.      Before our conversion, we were the same as the rest of the world (1:18). Our talk and walk were as empty and trivial as everyone else around us. Our unconverted days are described as vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers. Peter’s focus is not on any specific action, but on the way of life that we inherited from our ancestors. Those old ways were futile, empty of power and incapable of securing salvation. Like Peter’s readers we all needed to be snatched from our hopeless condition. 

2.      But now we have been ransomed from that futile existence by a tremendous transaction. We have been rescued from the slavery of world-conformity by the payment of an infinite ransom. No, it was not with silver or gold that we kidnap victims have been freed (see Ex. 30:15)!

                                                iii.      Note the Cost of Your Redemption (1:19-21).  We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (19-21). Peter describes Christ as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, who is offered in our place to pay the price for our sins. God’s way of salvation is contrasted to human attempts at gaining salvation through the use of earthly means (v. 18).

1.      Nothing Compares To His Perfection (19).  Christ is a lamb without blemish or spot, that is, He is absolutely perfect, inwardly and outwardly.

a.       Precious blood: a lamb: The analogy here may be a reference either to the Passover lamb (see Ex. 12:3–6) or to the many lambs without blemish that were offered as part of the Old Testament sacrificial system (see Lev. 23:12; Num. 6:14; 28:3).

b.      If a believer is ever tempted to return to worldly pleasures and amusements, to adopt worldly modes and patterns, to become like the world in its false ways, he should remember that Christ shed His blood to deliver him from that kind of life. To go back to the world is to re-cross the great gulf that was bridged for us at staggering cost. But even more—it is positive disloyalty to the Savior.

c.       “Reason back from the greatness of the sacrifice to the greatness of the sin. Then determine to be done forever with that which cost God’s Son His life.” –MacDonald: Believer's Bible Commentary

2.      Nothing Compares To His Predestination (20). “Foreordained” indicates that God has known (v. 2) the One who would bring salvation, even as He has known those to whom that salvation is offered and secured (see Rom. 11:2).  Christ’s death was planned, not and accident or unexpected turn of events.  God designed it with us in mind!

3.      Nothing Compares To His Manifestation (20b).  “But was manifest,” this phrase contrasts with the first half of the verse. What was known only to God before the creation of the world is now made known to us. The payment for sin was planned before the Creation of the world and revealed for people’s sake through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. (The present Age is these last times [1:20] whereas the coming Age is “the last time” [v. 5].)

4.      Nothing Compares To His Resurrection (21). 

a.       Peter made it clear that Christ’s death was an appointment, not an accident; for it was ordained by God before the foundation of the world (Acts 2:23). From the human perspective, our Lord was cruelly murdered; but from the divine perspective, He laid down His life for sinners (John 10:17–18). But He was raised from the dead! Now, anyone who trusts Him will be saved for eternity.

b.      When you and I meditate on the sacrifice of Christ for us, certainly we should want to obey God and live holy lives for His glory.

5.      Nothing Compares To His Glorification (21). The Father indicated His complete satisfaction with Christ’s redeeming work by raising Him out from among the dead ones and honoring Him with the place of highest glory in heaven. The result of all this is that our faith and hope might be in God. It is in Him, not in the present evil world system, that we live and move and have our being.

a.       That our faith and hope might be in God (21).  It is through Christ, whom the Father resurrected (1:3) and glorified in His Ascension (John 17:5; Heb. 1:3) that people may come to know and trust in God. As a result of God’s eternal plan and priceless payment for sin, faith and hope can be placed in Him.

b.      Loyalty to the Lord Jesus is further demanded by the fact that it is through Him we have come to believe in God. He is the One who has revealed the Father’s heart to us. As W. T. P. Wolston says: “it is not by creation nor providence nor law that man knows God, but by Christ.” 

Conclusion:

We can cultivate stronger desires to live holy by believing, embracing, and acting on strong biblical and theological truths. Allow the holiness of God and the price of redemption to deeply impress your innermost being! Find stimulating hope in the Revelation of Jesus Christ! Make a point of living holy in practical ways each day of life. Christ died for you and me that we should live for Him! Is your desire to live holy spiritually strong, or is it beginning to weaken under the pressure of worldly appeals to conform? Are you fully persuaded to lead a devoted life? Is it your defining aim to please Christ? Have you prepared for living differently by placing the grace of Christ return before you?  Have you decided to be an obedient child living holy because God, your Father, is holy?  Can you think deeply upon the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ and still harbor casual attitudes toward sin? Allow these questions to awaken and alert you to where you are presently in your walk with the Lord. While you are at it, have a large mug of God’s holy java!

The Inspiration of Storm-Walkers

MATT. 14:27-29

Subject: Trials/Testing

Theme: Dynamic and triumphant living recognizes the presence and power of Christ, even in the storms.

Matt. 14:27-29,
 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 

Introduction:  

Fears: intimidation fears, fear of pain or of being hurt, fear of the unknown, and general timidity can lead to serious frustration and a mediocre lifestyle of simply playing it safe. Life has become a quest to find the "comfort zone" or stay with the familiar even though they are bored to tears with life. The incredible thing is so many expect extraordinary things for their lives or their loved ones.... Yet, they refuse to really take on legitimate challenges or opportunities.

Fear is a thief and it has effectively stolen many believers desire to live the impossible life. Sometimes a series of hard experiences can leave us broken and afraid.... Believers are even afraid of the plan of God for them because it may require sacrifices or challenges, or difficulties. Hardness has resigned them to the dull ‘boat life’—just surviving. Though they are storm-tossed, thrashed, and often overwhelmed, they have come to believe the "safe life" is normal. They have lost their sense of adventure and their dreams of winning over life’s challenges have faded into oblivion. They do not realize that acknowledging Christ’s Presence in the Storm is the difference between discouragement and dynamic living. In fact, the presence and power of the Lord Jesus is the source of our inspiration. What do you fear? Is it yourself...failure…success…sacrifice…the unknown…making mistakes…what people may say or think?

Actually dynamic faith is what we all need. That is, we need confidence in God's love, wisdom, grace, and power to become people who dream of executing His will for us in a big way. This is Faith that overcomes fears, obeys Christ’s commands, attempts the impossible, and experiences Christ great enabling power to triumph is God’s desire for every believer. If you are saved then this includes you. In the incident of Peter, the disciple, it is the presence of Jesus that moved him from fear to faith.  Are you relying on the Presence of Jesus in your storms?  How can we be transformed by recognizing the presence of Christ during life’s challenges? How can we become “Storm-Walking Christians?”

Relevance: Recognizing the Lord’s Presence in the Storm will inspire faith, generate security, embolden the timid to attempt the impossible, and avail Christ’s power to triumph over the storms of life.

Thesis: To become “Storm-Walking Christians” we must Hear Christ’s Command, Attempt the Impossible, and Experience His Power.

Message:

                 Attempt the Impossible in the Storm (Matt. 14:29)

Now our center of interest shifts to Peter. Before we criticize Peter for sinking, let’s honor him for his magnificent demonstration of faith. He walked not only on water, but He walked on a raging storm at sea! Though he was a normal human being, he actually believed he could do the impossible. It was in fact his idea to walk on the storm to go to the Lord Jesus. Peter was inspired by the realization that Jesus was actually with them in the storm. On many occasions he had witnessed the power of the Lord Jesus in his own life and the lives of many others. Peter knew in his soul that Jesus could enable him to walk on the storm. He dared to be different and refused to be mediocre. Beloved, anybody can sit in the boat and watch. But it takes a person of real faith to leave the boat and walk on water...to walk on an incredible storm at sea. God really does expect us to live for Him even through the Storms! But, how can we attempt the impossible? What will motivate us to become storm-walking believers? 

Consider the following observations...

1. Respond to Christ’s Command During the Storm!

Matthew 14:29, And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

1.      Leave the Boat of the Status Quo.  You will never walk on the waters of your trials unless you get out the boats of status quo, and complacency.  This requires obedience, responsiveness, willingness to risk, and faith!  Only Christians who respond to Christ’s commands walk on the waters of their storms! This is clearly our part during the stormy times, we must do the following:

1. Turn to God, putting your eyes squarely on Him and not on the storm, nor yourself.
2. Ask God, “What do You want me to do?” Ask, “Am I to use my faith against this storm? Am I to grow in trust by riding out this storm?”
3. Do what God tells you to do. The acid test of faith is always obedience. It is not enough to hear God’s command in the storm. We must obey His command.

2.      Trust God to guide as you look to him in the midst of the storm. Psalm 32:8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Purpose to act upon his directives in your life. 

2. Don’t Listen to People, Listen to God in the Storm!

            Often we receive conflicting messages in the storm adding more confusion and horror to our experience. Unfortunately many of these conflicting ‘words of wisdom’ come from God’s “Boat People.”  These have learned to ‘survive’ and ‘play it safe’ in the storms, but they know nothing about “water walking faith.” Consider briefly three things about these folk.

1.      The Condition of Boat People.

a.       First of all they are still is the storm tossed boat! Because their fears are greater, their faith is weaker. Because they fix their attention on the storms, they seem unable to remain focused on the Lord. They ignore Christ presence or devalue it.

b.      His commands seem ‘unreasonable’ and ‘too extreme’ to them. Their experience is a mundane and mediocre storm tossed life—they know nothing of spiritual empowerment and inspiration. Their Christian experience is totally boring.

2.      The “Commonsense” of the Boat People.

a.       They have their ‘logical reasons’ for remaining in the boat:

                                                                                       i.      Some are in the boat of bitterness from past hurts and storms of unfair mistreatment; they feel they have a right to be in the boat of bitterness.

                                                                                     ii.      Some are in the boat of disappointment; they have been frustrated so many times they refuse to hope again for fear of another letdown. Instead of trusting, they are suspicious of anyone who attempts to inspire hope.

                                                                                    iii.      Some are in the boat of quitters; they are weary from the storms and have been worn out by the never-ending challenges. The stress and anxiety of trying to walk on water has finally overwhelmed them and they have decided to retire in the boat.

                                                                                   iv.      Some are in the boat of mediocrity; they have been there most of their Christian lives. While they are glad heaven is their future, they hesitate at any ministry opportunities or responsibilities. They don’t like the word ‘commitment!’ They seem content with weak faith like everybody else and are unwilling to change.

b.      The common factor with all of them is a failure to recognize the presence of Christ and the power of his Word in their lives.  They are skilled in offering their common sense rationale as an excuse, but they will never know the joy of walking with Christ and leading the impossible life with Him.

3.      The Counsel of the Boat People

a.       Since they are held captive by their circumstances in spiritual defeat and monotony they resent those who perceive a different outcome for themselves. They will discourage others from getting out of the boat.

                                                                                       i.      They may say, “Oh, I know you are excited about spiritual things, but it will wear off soon.”   With a rather condescending tone.

                                                                                     ii.      They will ask, “What’s wrong with being a boat people? I mean look at me, I’ve been a boat member for 99 years.”  And they are proud of this????

                                                                                    iii.      They will tell you, “Sit down, you are rocking the boat!” or perhaps they’ll say, “I love God too, but don’t go overboard.”

                                                                                   iv.      They will say, “You can’t walk on the water yet because you have not taken “Water Walking 101.”

                                                                                     v.      They might reason, “Have you ever walked on the water before?” “Well, have you ever seen anyone else walk on the water before?” “Then what makes you think you’re so special that you can walk on water?”

b.      The mistake of many believers is that they listen to the boat people instead of listening to the Lord who said “come.”  Don’t listen to boat people, listen to God!

3. Discern His Voice in the Storm

1.      How Do We Recognize the Voice of the Lord Over all the Storm Related Noise?

a.       It will always be consistent with the Bible’s teachings.

b.      His Commands will contradict worldly wisdom and conventional rationale.

c.      Christ's voice will not accommodate the carnal fleshly desires.

d.      He Will Challenge You to Grow in Faith

                                                                                       i.      Jesus said to Peter after Peter walked on the water and then started to sink, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matt. 14:31). Jesus clearly expected His followers to have faith, to use it, and to grow in their faith.

                                                                                     ii.      We grow in faith when we hear from God, obey what He says to do, and then recognize and acknowledge God's faithfulness to His word in our lives. If we are not hearing from God, it is virtually impossible for us to grow in faith.  

e.      Jesus will Call You to Have Courage

                                                                                       i.      If you are being asked to move against the tide of conventional human wisdom and act in contradiction to your fleshly nature, and if you are challenged in your faith, you are going to feel as though you are taking a risk in obeying God.

                                                                                     ii.      Any time you take a risk for God’s purposes, you are going to need courage. Such 'risks' have the quality of a real step of faith. 

2.      Remind yourself daily of what God said to you, stay close to Him, and refuse to allow yourself to give in to fear or discouragement (Ps. 27:14; 31:24; Phil. 1:27–28; 2 Tim. 1:7.).

Conclusion: Christ designs our storms to give us opportunity to face our fears with confidence in Him. He is able to handle and storm and He will never forsake us in the storms. His power and His presence inspires us to become storm-walking believers.

Yes, God will help us grow through such storms. We can grow in our experiences with the Lord Jesus, grow to overcome the challenges that have historically intimidated us, and grow in our understanding of God plan. This was the whole purpose of the storm, to help the disciples grow in their faith. God desires the same for us. He deserves faithful, fearless, bold servants who daily advertise His grace in their lives to a watching world. We must learn to trust Him implicitly.

Jesus came with unexpected help and encouragement during the disciples’ time of desperate need. Their need was real; their fears were real. But in the presence of Jesus, fear must give way to faith. 

When Jesus arrived, he made a huge difference! Because of Jesus—all he taught, all he did—your life is different now! You're not alone. You have a heavenly Father, a living Savior, and a Comforter. All the problems that beset you are now theirs as well. In the face of every problem, every heartbreak, every troubling diagnosis . . . Here Christ’s Command, Attempt the Impossible, and Experience His Power!

The first result of walking with God is great joy, abounding joy, and secondly, a great sense of security, of abiding peace.—R. A. Torrey