Introduction

  • Matthew 14:22-32; Mark 6:45-51; John 6:15-21
  • Early in the morning, Jesus walks on the water in view of the disciples.
  • Peter asks to join and Jesus allows is.
  • Peter becomes afraid and begins to sink, but Jesus saves him.
  • The storm stops.
    • John 9:8; Psalms 77:19; 89:8-9; 107:23-30

Faith

  • “Little faith”
    • Means to be incredulous
    • Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 16:8; 17:20
  • God calls us to have faith in:
    • John 3:36; Romans 6:8
  • Can one’s faith be misplaced?
    • I Timothy 6:17

Doubt

  • Matthew 28:17; 21:21; James 1:6
  • Romans 4:18-22
  • What can we be tempted to doubt but should not?
    • God’s promises and assurances – II Peter 1:3-4; 3:3-4
    • Veracity of the Bible – Psalms 19:7-11
    • James 1:6, 8
  • When is it appropriate, if ever, to have second thoughts?
    • Re-evaluating our judgments based on applications of God’s word.

Fear

  • “He was afraid”
    • Fear is a natural response and can be helpful.
    • Fear can paralyze – Matthew 25:25
    • Luke 5:10
    • Mark 4:40
    • Matthew 17:6
  • Can fear be appropriate for a Christian?
    • Acts 10:1-2; I Peter 2:17
  • Of what can we be wrongly afraid?
    • Fear of man’s mistreatment of us. Matthew 10:28; John 7:13; 9:22; 12:42-43; Hebrews 13:6; I Peter 3:14
    • Isaiah 29:13
  • Do doubt and fear outweigh your faith?