Living In Unnecessary Fear

1. His Defect of Impulsiveness - He always went straight into the situation. Just like Peter wanted to go to Jesus straightway (John 21:7), and would have gone directly on the water. But because of the impossibility of walking on water he wisely waits for instructions from Jesus, and at His word, Peter walked on water.

2. His Desire of Involvement

- If that is Jesus, I had rather be out there than in this boat!

- Sometimes if we are going to have the presence of God, we are going to have to get out of our comfort zone and go to Jesus1

- While the others were afraid in the boat, Peter asked the Lord to let him come to Him.

- His faith may not have been that strong, but it was greater than those cowered in the boat! At least he spoke out and acted!

3. His Doubt of Instability - Yes, he was unstable, but had enough sense to cry out to the Lord. Though impulsive, he was not without some faith.

B. The Allowance of the Act of Faith - vs. 29, Notice the simple Word of the Lord: “Come.” - If Peter were wrong, would the Lord given permission?

James 1:13 "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"

We must seek the presence of God, go to where He is!

V. The Defining Moment -vs. 32-33

A. A Presence that Change the Outlook - the storm was over

1. The Skeptical Christians (vs. 26 - troubled) found Victory!

2. The Sinking Christian (Peter) found Victory

The Timing of Jesus is best, no matter what we think!

B. A Praise that was Compelled by a Confidence

1. Those that were in the ship worshiped

2. Outside of the ship, this worship was not enjoyed.

Go back to verse 22, Jesus “constrained” or compelled them to get into the boat. What if they had not obeyed? The reason many of us never have a defining moment in our Christian life is because we live in disobedience, all the time expecting the benefits of obedience!

Concl. Vs. 32-33 - God’s Solution to our fear

Are you fearful of your current situation? Of the Future?

1. Recognize Jesus’ presence in your situation (Ps 37:28)

2. Respond to Jesus’ call - The Call for Salvation (John 7:37)

- The Call for His Presence - vs. 29 Jesus told Peter to come where, at the time, did not make sense! But what did make sense was that Jesus was there!

3. Remain focused on Christ - Heb. 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

We need have no fear when we belong to the Lord. There is no need to fear when you are dwelling in the presence of God.

Disclaimer: A man once told me that if it is true, it is not new. If it is new, it is not true. We all know there is nothing new under the sun. With that said, I glean ideas for my sermons from God’s Word, my own thoughts and work, and many other sources. Any similarity to my sermons and others, where credit is not given, is either coincidental, or an unintentional mistake on my part. As none of us have a corner on the wisdom and teaching of God’s Word, it is my desire that any of my outlines be an encouragement, a help, and hopefully a motivation for others to preach God’s Word clearly. Please feel free to use any portion of my sermons if they can be of help to you and your ministry. It is all for His Glory.