Changes In Character 2 Series

Encounter with God Series

Part 5

Character Changes (Continued): Fear to confidence

A video version of this sermon can be found at https://youtu.be/IcnSfC6a_pA

Good morning.

We have reached the fifth part of this series where we are studying Encounters with God. We have seen several important insights into God encounters over the past four parts of the series. What we learned include

1. If we are not watchful, we might miss the opportunity to have an encounter with God

2. It is up to us to seek and have the encounter, because the first party of the encounter is always there and always willing

3. God encounters are for everyone, it does not depend on your past or heritage or qualifications

4. God encounters are an everyday affair. It is not a one time experience

5. God encounters are intensely personal. It one to one with the maker

6. God encounter will result in changes in us, whether it is dramatic like Paul or subtle like Jacob, but change will happen.

7. The changes could be in three areas Vision, Character and Relationships

8. Encounters with God will change and enhance our vision and will make it aligned with God’s vision for us, as we saw in Paul’s case.

9. Encounters with God will change our character, for example from being proud to being humble, as we saw in Peter’s case.

Today, in the fifth part of the series, we are going to continue to look into the Character change aspect. Today we will look at another character flaw that many of us go through and see how an encounter with God will change it.

Last week we looked specifically at the pride aspect of Peter’s Character. We also looked at some of the other attributes used to describe Peter. Those attributes included brave and bold among many others. Afterall, Peter is the one bold enough to jump into the water when Jesus called him out. It was Peter who bravely took out the sword and cut off the ear of the High Priest’s servant. So, we won’t be entirely wrong of we say that Peter was bold and brave. Or can we? If we analyse Peter’s behaviour deeply, we will come to the conclusion that Peter harboured deep fear inside him.

When we speak about Peter and fear, one of the first instances that come to our minds is in the familiar settings of Peter’s profession, or when they are at sea. The first one is recorded in Matthew 8:23-26. This incident is described in all the three synoptic gospels. This is where the boat is tossed about so badly that the disciples think that they are done. “perishing” is the word Matthew, Mark and Luke use to describe their emotions. Here Peter is not named individually but we can safely assume that he was among the disciples when they got afraid. The next incident is narrated in Matthew 14:22-33. They were in a boat, this time without Jesus and the boat is being tossed around a bit. This time it is not the storm that makes them afraid, but the sight of someone walking on the water. 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 (Matt 14:25-26, NKJV). And when Jesus assures them that It is Him, Peter in his characteristic style goes overboard and challenges Jesus, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water (Matt 14:28).” I am sure that Jesus knew the end result, but decides to play along with Peter. He says, “Come”, and Peter gets out of the boat and starts walking on water. Courageous act indeed, until he looks around and realises what a foolish thing he had done. The fear grips him and he starts to sink. Once again he realises his utter helplessness and cries out “Lord, Save me” (Matthew 14:30).

While these two instances do show up the fear that Peter had in him, my analysis is that this was not a bad type of fear. Yes, there is good fear and there is bad fear. We need to be afraid of things that could cause ourselves and others harm, like rash driving for example. In the corporate circles when I teach about fear, this is what I refer to as positive fear. A positive fear is when you are focused on your actions, and it results in effective behaviour. This is what happened in this case to Peter. And here Peter was dealing with what Insurance companies refer to as “Acts of God”. Storm , tempest, waves etc. Insurance companies do not cover you against such events. So, Peter’s fear was justified in these two instances we saw. And the Bible tells us that Peter did the right thing when faced with this fear. He cried out to the Lord and the Lord saved him (and the other disciples). Positive fear, effective behaviour and a great end result.