Jesus' Words Still Our Storms

JESUS’ WORDS STILL OUR STORMS (Outline)

MARK 4:35-41 - June 19, 2005 - PENTECOST 5

INTRO: Once again today we are vividly reminded that our trust and confidence is placed our almighty God. In a society that emphasizes self-trust and reliance on no one else—trust in God is sometimes a very rare commodity. It is all the more important to closely examine the blessings you and I and every believer possesses because of God’s grace. "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe"(PROVERBS 28:26). This text from Mark reveals the power of Jesus to control nature itself, all for the benefit of his followers.

JESUS’ WORDS STILL OUR STORMS

I. God’s Law could easily overcome us

II. God’s Gospel constantly preserves us.

I. GOD’S LAW COULD EASILY OVERCOME US

A. It is interesting to note that Jesus and his disciples left at night. Verse 35. Night travel was dangerous.

1. Jesus simply says, Let us go over to the other side. The disciples do not question, but go.

2. There is not too much preparation for the trip. Verse 36 says there were also other boats.

B. There was no lighting at night as there is today. The shore was hard to see, no motors, no radar.

1. Verse 37 points out that a furious squall came up. All were caught unaware.

2. The disciples were very concerned and a bit frightened. The boat was nearly swamped.

C. Jesus was confident of his Father’s divine care. Jesus slept in the back of the boat.

1. The disciples woke Jesus asking; don’t you care? Verse 38. The disciples were scared.

2. Jesus’ disciples felt swamped by the storm. They did not know what to do.

D. Sin can easily have the very same effect on each one of us. When we honestly look at our thoughts, words and deeds we see countless sins against our Lord. They continue to add up day after day after day, every day. There is no escaping sin. The world may try to explain it away. The world may even deny sin. Sometimes the world even changes sin into a sickness or disease. Sin is still sin. God’s Law re-minds us of that fact. "For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son--both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die"(EZEKIEL 18:4). People cannot and do not escape death because sin is alive and well in this world.

E. God’s Law shows us our sin. Sin is not pleasant to look at. Sin is simply a slap in the face of God. The truth it, no one really wants to slap God in the face. But every terrible thought, wicked word and evil action is just that—slapping God in the face with our wickedness and rebellion. It is the law of God that reminds mankind there is no escape. "Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed"(GALATIANS 3:23). God’s law holds us prisoners to our sinful nature.

F. We dare never think that we have sinned just a little. We dare not think that there is such a thing as a small sin or big sin. Sin is sin. Worst of all, we are reminded that our sins are numerous. Every waking moment our lives are completely tainted by the effects of sin in this world. Reread the first few chapters of Genesis to see the devastating consequence of sin. "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away"(ISAIAH 64:6). God’s law is very, very clear. ALL of are unclean. ALL our righteous acts are like filthy rags. Our sins sweep us away like a powerful wind blowing a dried up leaf every which way.

TRANS: JESUS’ WORDS STILL OUR STORMS. It is all too true that God’s Law could easily over-come us just like a furious squall can easily swamp a boat. It is also true that II. God’s Gospel preserves.

II. GOD’S GOSPEL CONSTANTLY PRESERVES US.

A. It is very interesting to notice how quickly the attitudes of the disciples changed.

1. Jesus’ disciples get into the boat to sail to the other side, at night, without question.

2. When the furious squall threatens to swamp the boat they ask Jesus, Don’t you care?

B. Verse 39 details just how much Jesus cares. Jesus wakes up from his slumber.

1. Quiet! Be still! Once again everything changes. The storm stops, the sea is completely calm.

2. Verse 40. There is no reason to be afraid. They have faith and they are to use it—trust.