INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Master’s Resolve
2. The Master’s Rebuke
3. The Master’s Reprove
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, we will discuss the theme: “Where is your faith?” This question Jesus asked His disciples, after rebuking the wind and the Sea, for its raging as they passed to the other side of Galilee, in a ship. Both Matthew and Mark also wrote of this miracle in their gospels. This miracle established Jesus’ authority over nature (the wind and Sea). Immediately, we might ask, how could these disciples have been frightened while being in the ship with the Master? They had witnessed his healing of the sick; casting out demons, and he gave unto them the power to do the same. Why were they afraid? They were on the ship with Jesus. We might ask this same question: "Why are we afraid? Jesus is with us?" He promises: "I will never leave you, nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:17.
2. First, we will consider the Master’s resolve to teach and preach His message regarding the kingdom of God. His works preceding this event find Jesus in a ship teaching and preaching to the multitude. To the people, He spoke in "parables," but, unto His disciples, He spoke, explaining the meaning of His words regarding the kingdom of God. The Lord gave unto His disciples' clarity unto them the reasons for His teaching methods to the people. He cites the prophet Isaiah who wrote: “That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:12; Isaiah 6:9-10; Acts 3:19.
3. Second, we will discuss the Master’s rebuke of the wind and the water. Luke continued: “But as they sailed, He fell asleep: And there came down a storm of wind on the Lake, and (the ship) was filled with water, and they were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, Master, master, we (are about to) perish. Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a (great) calm,” Luke 8:23-24. Even the wind and seas obey Him; yet the highest of His creation: man will not listen to, hear, nor obey the king of glory even though He promises to be: "The author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him," Hebrews 5:8-9. After quieting the storm, He allayed their fears. Jesus asked about their faith. Such an event like this storm will strengthen one’s faith in God.
4. Lastly, we will investigate the Master’s reprove of His disciples’ faith. Luke concludes: “And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another: What manner of man is this! For He commandeth even the wind and water, and they obey him,” Luke 8:25. This storm, without a doubt, was an extraordinary event in the life and teaching of Jesus unto His disciples. These men were terrified! Fearful that they all were about to perish. The Lord in this miracle demonstrates His power over nature. Earlier, we witnessed His authority over sickness, disease, and sin. Jesus said: "But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he (the man with palsy) arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:10-12. Why, then, could He not command the wind and the waters, and they obeyed Him? Now, with this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE MASTER’S RESOLVE
A. Let’s go to the other side. Luke wrote: “Now it came to pass on a certain day that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake,” Luke 8:22.
1. We cannot fully know why at this time; Jesus wanted to pass to the other side of the Lake, into the country of Gadarenes. However, we know that to Him, it was necessary. What are the lessons to be taught unto His disciples? What good works does He plan for those on the other side? What miracles would He perform there? How would the country receive Him?
2. There was a great multitude at the seaside, eager to hear Him preach and teach concerning the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God was the theme of the Master's preaching.
3. Mark, the nephew of Barnabas, Colossians 4:10. The first of two disciples’ who wrote their gospels declaring the work and miracles of Jesus. Mark describes Jesus’ preaching of the kingdom in this fashion: "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. And saying: The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14-15. His message was that the fulfillment of the prophet's writings of the kingdom of God is “nigh at hand.”
a. The word “fulfilled” in Gr., is pleroo or play-ro'-o, which means: to make replete, i.e., to furnish, satisfy, execute, or to finish (a period or task), to verify a prediction: —to accomplish, (be made) complete, to end, to expire, or to be fulfilled.
b. In Daniel’s prophecy, it meant the time for it being fulfilled is at hand. Or i.e., the time of God's will (revealed in the Law, Prophets, and the Psalms) should be heard, believed, and obeyed, that the promises of God revealed unto them might be received, Luke 24:44-49.
c. Therefore, Daniel’s prophecy of God’s kingdom of God was near, and its prophecies are soon to be fulfilled. The kingdom of God “is at hand.” Consider, Daniel’s prophecy--
4. He wrote: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever,” Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14. This is the time for the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy of God’s kingdom.
5. Kingdom at hand. Daniel spoke of the kingdom of God in the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Jesus needed to inform all that the blessings of God found in His kingdom were soon to be revealed and received. It was near at the time of His preaching, and it was nearer after His death, burial and resurrection, and it was soon to be fulfilled, at His ascension into the heavens, Acts 1:8-11. It came to pass after Jesus was received in the heavens and sat down at the "right hand of God," Acts 2:30-35; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8.
a. Jesus stated that: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand,” Mark 1:14; Luke 21:31. The Lord said: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand or near."
b. The adverb, “at hand” in Gr., is engys or eng-goos' which means, to be near (a place or time): —at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready. The time is imminent and soon to come to pass.
c. The kingdom Daniel spoke of, and Jesus’ promises, came on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:41-47. The first Pentecost after the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, into the heavens, Acts 1:8-11. He sat down on "David's throne," Acts 2:30. Jesus now sits in heaven on His throne of glory, where: "Angels, authorities, principalities, and powers are all being made subject unto Him,” 1 Peter 3:22; Ephesians 1:20-23.
d. The kingdom of God was, after this day, preached as being in existence, and baptized believers could obtain entrance into it through their obedience to the gospel of Christ. Luke wrote: “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women,” Acts 8:12.
NOTE: For more information regarding the Kingdom of God, download our lesson: "Thy Kingdom Come!" From SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It explains this truth more thoroughly, "the kingdom of God is at hand," Mark 1:14. He promised His disciples that: “Some shall not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come with power,” Matthew 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27. This was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost! Luke continued--
B. They set sail. “And they launched forth,” Luke 8:22. After casting off, the Master went to the ship's stern, found a pillow, laid down, and went to sleep. The disciples undoubtedly thought nothing about this; because he had been preaching all that day, and the evening is now dawning upon them. He needed rest. A better picture of this entire setting can be had by reading Matthew and Mark’s account of Jesus’ resolve; to preach the kingdom of God in the country of Gadarenes, Luke 8:26. Observe—
a. Matthew, the first of two apostles’ gospels, penned: “And when He entered into a ship, His disciples followed (Him) into the ship.” The disciples were eager to follow Jesus into the ship. As they made their way to the other side, there came upon them a great storm, threatening them and putting the boats and mariners in great peril.
b. In Mark’s account, he wrote: “And the same day, when the (evening) came, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” Jesus proposes to pass over the Sea to the other side to bear witness of the kingdom of God there. Observe--
1) And when they (His disciples) had sent away the multitude, “they took him even as he was into the ship.” The Master his just concluded preaching unto the multitude onshore and other listeners that wherein their ships near the shoreline, hearing Him.
2) And there were also with Him “other little ships,” Mark 4:35-41. In the other accounts, the writers did not mention these ships.
3) Conclusion: It appears that the disciples sent the multitude away. They then entered the ship with Jesus (all twelve). They had made no provision for this voyage (a coat or blanket to keep Jesus warm). The Lake would become cold and windy as the night wore on. There were also other ships accompanying Jesus unto the other side of the Sea. They, too, shall be in the same peril as Jesus’ disciples.
c. Atmospheric Convection. This is a meteorological process by which masses of relatively warmer air rise into the atmosphere, often cooling and forming storm clouds, with a downward movement of cooler air and precipitation. We see these conditions in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean every year. Due to climate change, they are becoming more frequent and worse in their destruction everywhere. Consider--
1) These climatic changes will form hurricane-like conditions over the surface of the waters. As the Sea of Galilee cooled due to the sun's setting, the warmer air rising off the water’s surface made contact with the cooler air in the upper atmospheres over the Sea of Galilee.
2) These were prime conditions for a storm or tempest that can quickly develop and produce the high winds and raging waters, currently threatening the ship and the smaller crafts crossing the Sea, in our text.
3) This was a normal atmospheric condition over the Sea of Galilee. However, these conditions have placed Jesus and His disciples in jeopardy. Along with the other mariners accompanying Jesus and His disciples.
C. He (Jesus) fell asleep. “But as they sailed: He fell asleep,” Luke 8:23. The rigors of preaching in the hot sun all day were tiring to the Lord, the Son of Man. Immediately after entering the ship, he found a place in the stern and laid down to sleep while the disciples sailed across the Lake to the other side. The other writers gave a similar account of Jesus' repose in the ship. Observe--
1. Matthew wrote: “And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep,” Matthew 8:24. Jesus quietly slept in the back of the ship as the storm arose and until it violently threatened the ship; and, the other smaller crafts journeying across the Lake with Him. Mark gives a similar account of His sleeping during the storm that is now raging.
2. He wrote: “And he (Jesus) was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow,” Mark 4:38. It might appear now unto His disciples that He was removed from what was occurring on the Lake.
3. David wrote: “I will lift my eyes unto the hills…He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth you will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep,” Psalms 121:3-4. Our Lord is so ever vigilant watching over His people.
4. Conclusion: It might have appeared unto His disciples that the Master was asleep. But the Son of God was on His watch over His little ones, Matthew 18:14. His falling asleep signifies the humanity of the Lord. He was tired, and His body needed rest. We must not forget that He was entirely man and God. Paul wrote: “In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,” Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-11. And John wrote: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory…) …full of grace and truth,” John 1:14.
D. A great storm. “And there came down a storm of wind on the Lake, and they were filled with water and were in jeopardy,” Luke 8:23. Luke now directs our attention to the "great storm that has quickly arisen; and, began to trouble the wind and the waters. The other two gospels speak of this storm in this fashion. Observe--
1. Matthew wrote: “And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves,” Matthew 8:24.
2. Mark wrote: “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full,” Mark 4:37.
3. Conclusion: These disciples and other believers are now in jeopardy from a violent wind attack (a storm) and a great tempest (Gr., seismos) in the Sea. This event might have appeared like an everyday occurrence until the ship began to fill with water, and now, putting the disciples and other mariners in jeopardy (great peril).
a. There will be storms in our lives, maybe even great perils, but as long as Jesus is with us in the ship, we will reach the other side. Paul told the centurions, in a similar storm: “Except you abide in the ship, you cannot be saved,” Acts 27:31. There is safety in the ship during any storm when Jesus is on board. I wish I had some help in this lesson.
b. The disciples, because of their fear of perishing, waken Jesus to inform Him of their current conditions. They went to Jesus for help.
c. NOTE: Illustrate travel to Vietnam on the USS Garrett, April 1967. The vessel went through a great storm, tossing it “to and fro.” The ship’s crew and all its occupants endured turbulent winds and waves in the Pacific Ocean. The Lord was on board, and we arrived at the port of Cam Ranh Bay safely after 22 days. Notice, the disciples’ reactions--
E. They awaken Jesus. “And they came to him, and woke Him up, saying: Master, master, we perish,” Luke 8:24. The other writers shared a similar experience.
1. Matthew wrote: "And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying: Lord, save us: we perish,” Matthew 8:25.
2. Mark wrote: “And they awake him, and say unto him, Master, Carest thou not that we perish?” Mark 4:38.
3. Lord carest thou that we perish? The record explains that the disciples woke up Jesus, and they asked the Lord, “Doth thou carest that we perish?”
a. What an unkind and selfish remark to say unto the Lord.
b. These disciples accused Jesus of not caring for them: “Lord, don’t you care that we perish?”
c. We must ever be careful not to “charge the Lord foolishly.”
d. That we never are guilty of “sinning with our lips.” Consider Job’s trial.
4. The trial of Job. Job suffers great trials and terrible hardships while exhibiting Christ-like behavior during his test. He acknowledges his trust and devotion to God. Notice,
a. First, “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshipped. And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly,” Job 1:20-22. Job did not sin with his lips! On the other hand, his wife did. Behold her attitude,
b. Further, “Then said his wife unto him: Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die. But he said unto her: Thou speakest like foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips,” Job 2:9-10. Keep your heart and mouth from false accusations unto God.
c. Finally, in our trials, maybe we have also said: Lord, why have you allowed this evil to come upon me? Not all things that come upon us come because of the Lord's doing. Sometimes it's because of our foolish behavior, disobedience, and sins, and we do indeed "receive justly for our offenses.” Let’s notice Jonas’ “transgression and disobedience, and God’s recompense of reward,” Hebrews 2:1-4. Observe--
5. Jonas’ disobedience. God commissioned him to go to Nineveh and warn them. But, Jonas: “Rose to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: So, he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD,” Jonah 1:3.
a) But the Lord: “Sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like(ly) to be broken,” Jonah 1:4. Now, this storm was sent by God!
b) Then the mariners: “Were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the Sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship, and he lay and was fast asleep. So, the shipmaster came to him and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God, if so, be that God will think upon us, that we perish not…and of what people art thou?” Jonah 1:5-8.
c) Jonas’ confession: “And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the Sea and the dry land…And they said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD because he had told them. Then were the men exceedingly afraid…Then said they unto him: What shall we do unto thee, that the Sea may be calm unto us? For the Sea wrought, and was tempestuous,” Jonah 1:9-11. Sound like the situation these disciples are facing in the Sea of Galilee? Which one of these disciples needed to be thrown overboard? I can think of one! The son of perdition, John 17:12.
d) Jonas’ solution: “And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the Sea; So, shall the Sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not…Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, has done as it pleased thee. So, they took up Jonah and cast him forth into the Sea: and the Sea ceased from her raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights,” Jonah 1:12-17; Matthew 12:40.
e) Jonas’ complaint: "You threw me into the depths of the ocean, and I sank to the heart of the Sea. The mighty water engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves," Jonah 2:3. The Lord preserved him by preparing a great fish to swallow up and spuing him out on the land after three days, Jonah 2:1; Jonah 2:10.
1) Jonas made a three-day journey to Nineveh in “one day,” Jonah 3:3-4.
2) According to our text, these disciples had not been disobedient to the Lord.
3) Was this a trial for them? And if so: for whom?
6. Disciples’ obedience. Recall, it was Jesus that said: “Let us go over unto the other side of the Lake. And they launched forth," Luke 8:22. It was not because of disobedience they are now in peril, but because they obeyed the Lord. They got into the ship and pressed for the other side. Our heavenly Father will never punish us for doing His will. He will reward us for our obedience.
NOTE: Illustrate the storms of life. We are either coming into one, in the midst of one, or just coming out of one.
a. The storms of life will also come upon the children of God, just as the good comes upon the evil ones also crossing to the other side. Jesus said: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and do good to them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust,” Matthew 5:43-45; Matthew 5:10-12. However, the outcome will be different for those: “That hear and obey His words.”
b. The “Sermon on the Mount.” In the Lord’s concluding remarks in this sermon, He said—
1) To the obedient: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the wind blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”
2) To the disobedient: “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
c. The people’s reaction: “And it came to pass when He had ended these sayings; the people were astonished at His doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes,” Matthew 7:24-29. James’ warning--
7. He wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let, not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways,” James 1:2-8.
a. James’ conclusion: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him,” James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 2:9. The crown comes after we endure our trials and temptations. Don't complain about them; pray, for our crown comes after we have persevered. So--
b. Endure and persevere during the storms of your life. Never forget: Jesus is in the ship with us, and He is not asleep but ever vigilant to bring us safely to the other side.
c. David exclaims: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want… He maketh me to lie down… He leadeth me… He restoreth my soul… He leadeth me…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou are with me…Thou preparest a table before me…thou anointest my head…my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” Psalms 23:1-6.
1) David penned again: "He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bands in sunder," Psalms 107:10-14; Ephesians 5:8. God will break the bonds of our persecutions and trials in due time, Acts 16:25-34. We have been called: “Out of darkness into His marvelous light" by the gospel of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 2:9; John 8:12; 2 Timothy 1:10.
2) Luke inscribes Jesus’ work, is: “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace,” Luke 1:79; Isaiah 60:1-3.
3) Luke again: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor…He has sent me to heal…to preach deliverance…and recover sight to the blind, to set at liberty…To preach the acceptable year of the Lord," Luke 4:18-19.
d. We have God’s promise: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able (to bear); but, will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it,” 1 Corinthians 10:13. Paul reminds us--
8. He composed: “Therefore, being justified by faith…By whom also we have access by faith into this grace...And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience. And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us,” Romans 5:1-5. Rejoice in your adversities: “For ye have put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Romans 6:22; Ephesians 4:24.
a. Paul notes further: “For which cause (reason) we faint not; but though our outward man perishes; yet, the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal,” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:18.
b. Paul concluded: “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,” 2 Corinthians 5:1; Philippians 3:20-21. Hear the apostle, Peter--
1) He penned: “The Lord hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us. We who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time,” 1 Peter 1:3-5; 1 Peter 1:22-23.
2) James wrote: “Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures," James 1:18; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
3) Paul completes this truth, that Christ, "Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification," Romans 4:25. Because He lives, and we are His, we shall make it to the other side: regardless of the cyclone or storms in our lives, we have hope in Christ: "For Christ in us, is the hope of glory," Colossians 1:27.
4) Conclusion: God has not called us, washed us, sanctified us, and justified us: to abandon us in our storms. He brought us too far to abandon us now. He is ever-present with us; He will never leave us nor forsake us. We need only to do what David suggests, when--
c. He wrote: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD,” Psalms 27:14; Psalms 37:34; Proverbs 20:22. We will discuss this further as we continue in this lesson. Let’s consider our next point, the master’s rebuke.
II THE MASTER’S REBUKE
A. Jesus arose. “And rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm,” Luke 8:24. The disciples woke Jesus out of His sleep. To demonstrate His authority over the elements: He stood up and rebuked the wind and the raging water.” The other disciples wrote of His actions in this fashion. Observe--
1. Matthew wrote: “And his disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish,” Matthew 8:25. How quickly they forgot his words: “Let us go to the other side.” With the Lord in the ship, regardless of the storm’s raging, winds howling, and wave crashing: we are safe in the ship with the Lord of heaven and earth.
a. These disciples were not in danger. How could any saint worry that they might perish while they are in the boat with the Lord? Listen to Jesus—
b. He said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man can pluck them out of my Father's hand. My Father and I are one,” John 10:27-30; John 18:37.
c. David wrote: “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh, not his saints; they are preserved forever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off,” Psalms 37:28.
d. Solomon wrote: “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day,” Proverbs 4:18. And, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief,” Proverbs 24:16.
e. Paul noted: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28. He outlines God’s love--
1) First, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren,” Romans 8:29. God has given unto us “the divine nature of Christ,” 2 Peter 1:3-4.
2) Second, “What shall we then say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32.
3) Third, “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth,” Romans 8:33. It is God that has justified us; who can accuse God’s elect?
4) Fourth, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us,” Romans 8:34.
5) Fifth, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:35-39.
NOTE: We are in a terrible pandemic. The Lord promised: “For then (there) shall be great tribulation(s), such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake, those days shall be shortened,” Matthew 24:21-22. God will shorten these days for His children's sake. Your obedience to your Health, Medical, and Spiritual leaders shall preserve us, the nation, and the world. Let's be again reminded of Paul's parting words to Timothy.
f. His parting words: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
2. Mark wrote: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind,” Mark 4:39. The Lord stood up amid this storm and rebuked the wind. Where are the voices of reason, cooperation, and obedience? Our pulpits have been too silent during this terrible pandemic. It is high time--
a. That the servants of the Lord (ministers, evangelists, preachers, and leaders) to stand up and rebuke the winds of false, mis- and disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.
b. All of which is entirely false! Shamefully, some governors, political leaders, and TV/Cable Networks are downplaying the dangers of this virus while thousands are dying from it every day. Beloved of the Lord: pay attention to the CDC, health departments, and medical professionals' instructions and guidance on protecting yourself and your family. Follow the directions of your spiritual leaders, i.e., elders, evangelists, ministers, and deacons. They will correctly inform you of the "delta variant's" virulence to cause infection, sickness, and death.
c. Any information from anyone not consistent with the health and safety advice: issued by health and medical professionals should not be followed. We need men to stand up and rebuke the winds of false, dis-, and misinformation. We have a charge from God to guide and shepherd the church of God. Some spiritual leaders are behaving cowardly, fearing men more than the word of the Lord. The Master warned Peter about his weakness.
3. He said unto him: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren,” Luke 22:31-34. He still has fears years after the storm. Peter betrays the Lord just days before His crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.
a. Peter’s denial of Christ, from fear of persecution or death: caused him to turn from the Lord. He behaved cowardly in his hour of trial, Luke 22:33-34.
b. Many leaderships and ministers are behaving cowardly during this pandemic, John 14:1. They are failing in their responsibilities to properly instruct their memberships regarding the dangers of the COVID-19 virus. Jesus is saying to us: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be cowardly," John 14:27; (The NRSV; and The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament), page 382. Peter behaved "cowardly that night," but he returned to the Lord, John 21:15-17. And Jesus restored him to his place of authority.
1) However, he still feared misinformed and deceitful brethren, Galatians 2:11-21. Paul had to rebuke him to his face, Galatians 2:11. We will speak more of this later in the lesson.
2) Some of our brethren need a stern rebuke regarding their fear of evil men and false brethren.
3) “That the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified. And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith,” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-4. There are false teachers and leaders walking among the saints. Men like those of James!
c. I pray for these ministers and leaderships: "When you are truly converted (having to turn yourselves again to the Lord): that you lovingly inform and strengthen the church where you preach or shepherd the flock of God: “Seeing we have purified our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
1) Love requires that we faithfully and correctly inform the children of God of their duties before God and men.
2) Christians must obey the “higher powers” that God has ordained to be in favor with Him, Romans 13:1-4; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17.
3) We are the servants of God, and, not of men, Party or political standing! Our faith and trust reside in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-7. Paul outlines our work as servants of the Lord.
4. He noted: “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth are no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, (that you) may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-15. Here is our work in the ministry. Christ gave the church these three things to accomplish His work. They are--
a. Divinely appointed officers: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” We are God’s gift to the church to instruct it in righteousness and how to “walk circumspectly before God and men,” Ephesians 5:14-17.
b. Divinely instituted operations: “For the perfecting (equipping) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” To help perfect the saints to accomplish the Lord's divine operations: evangelizing the world and edifying (building up the body of Christ). We are not doing this work without measurable standards. We have also--
c. Divinely established objectives: “Till we all (the entire church on earth):”
1) First, “Come (together) in the unity of the faith.” That we see things alike and have committed ourselves unto the truth, "the common faith," the one faith in Christ Jesus, Jude 1:3; Ephesians 4:1-6. Paul is not speaking about denominations here. Sadly, they do not desire unity among believers. Even some of the Lord’s assemblies espouse similar divisions and separations between the saints of God. I weep intensely for these congregations. Paul continues--
2) Further, “Come into the knowledge of the Son of God.” That we grow into a complete knowledge of Christ: Who now lay asleep in this storm, and when awaken, He rose and spoke to the wind and the Sea, and they obeyed Him.” The disciples said: “What manner of man is this?” Many today confess faith in Him but do not comprehend both His humanity and divinity. I wish I had some help in this house! Paul again—that we may grow up,
3) Next, “Unto a perfect (full-grown) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” That the church may grow up into a full-grown man, “Having its senses exercised to be able to discern between good and evil,” Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10.
4) Another, "That we henceforth are no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine: by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” That the believers no longer behave like little children, being tossed to and frow; being carried about with every wind and doctrine (teaching, philosophy, beliefs, and falsities); by the sleight (trickery) of men; and cunning craftiness: whereby they lay in waiting and scheming, with intentions to deceive (the gullible, unlearned, disbelieving, and disobedient people), Colossians 2:8-10; Mark 7:3-13; Romans 16:17-18.
NOTE: I charge all politicians, governors, business professionals, and religious leaders to stay in their lanes. Let the Health Department, the CDC, and the medical community guide us regarding the virus and other health-related issues that face this nation and the church. Quote the authorities and not your political party or religious position. These have caused thousands of deaths, and none shall escape the judgment and condemnation of the Lord. Church leadership and ministers are charged to--
5) Finally, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Standing for truth, goodness, honesty, and righteousness; is not always popular, but it is always right. There is no middle ground in serving the Lord. Jesus said:
a) One, “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad,” Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23.
b) Two, “Ye cannot serve two masters,” Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13.
c) Three: “And Jesus…said unto them (the Pharisees): Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand,” Matthew 12:25. If the house of God is divided against itself; in faith, doctrine, and religious practices. It cannot stand as that light: “A city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden," Matthew 5:14.
d) That's the problem with many spiritual leaders: they serve their Party, base, and political leaders rather than the Lord. Take a stand, be a Joshua: “Choose you this day whom you will serve,” Joshua 24:14-15. Be no longer "halted between two opinions," 1 Kings 18:21.
NOTE: Download our lesson, What Doth God Require? From SermonCentral.com. It describes the Christian’s stand during times like these.
5. Conclusion: The Lord stood up amid this terrible storm to rebuke the wind and the water. See the picture, the wind is wailing; the waves of the Sea are raging; the disciples are terrified and panicking; but the Lord stood up in the ship during the storm: to rebuke the wind and command the elements to behave. What a mighty Lord we serve. I pray to God that all here will obey Him, as did the wind and the water. Behave yourself “in the house of God,” 1 Timothy 3:15. The Lord now reveals His power over nature (the elements). Luke continued--
B. He rebuked the wind. “And the raging of the water,” Luke 8:24. The other writers spoke of it in this manner. Observe--
1. Matthew recalled: “Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea,” Matthew 8:26.
2. Mark, by inspiration, wrote: “And said unto the Sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm,” Mark 4:39.
3. Conclusion: Observe our Savior’s disposition after being awakened out of His sleep. He did not rebuke them but turned His attention to the problem at hand and took immediate action. He rebuked the wind. It was the wind that was causing this terrible storm. He lovingly said unto the Sea: Peace, be still. Parents at times have to speak with authority to the children to "settle down" when they are making too much noise. You children, "be quiet." Jesus told His creation, "to settle down and behave." What the Lord had made: "He can command it to behave." O' I wish the highest of His creation would learn to hear, believe and obey! Luke further penned--
C. And they ceased. “And there was a calm,” Luke 8:24. The other gospel writers wrote of this calming of the Wind and Sea. We call this: "the Harmony of the Gospels." Notice--
1. Matthew wrote: “And there was a great calm,” Matthew 8:26.
2. Mark wrote: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the Sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm,” Mark 4:39.
3. Conclusion: Each of these writers said: “there was a calm; after the Master spoke to the sea.” Two wrote, there was a "great calm." He can bring a great calm into our lives when we are facing our storms of life. And there will be storms for all; and for some, many storms: because we refuse to heed God's instruction regarding our folly, disobedience, and sin.
D. David’s distress: “O Lord, God of my salvation. I have cried out day and night before you. For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to the grave…You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths…Your wrath lies heavy upon me, And you have afflicted me with all your waves…Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off. They came around me all day long like water. They engulfed me altogether,” Psalms 88:1-18. (I have collapsed the text to shorten the reading). At times it seems—
1. Our lives might appear unto us like David. Trouble and sorrows on every side. We cry unto the Lord day and night. And it appears He’s nowhere to be found. David wrote elsewhere: “The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate,” Psalms 34:22.
2. David assures us:
a. One, “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles,” Psalms 34:6.
b. Two: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry,” Psalms 34:15.
c. Three: “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles,” Psalms 34:17.
3. David finally: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all,” Psalms 34:19.
4. Peter’s final words: “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil,” 1 Peter 3:12.
5. Conclusion: The Lord is ever watching over His people. His ears are open unto their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against the evildoers. Regardless of the time, God is attentive to His children's needs, afflictions, and sufferings even in the midnight hour. And He will:
"Come down and deliver us also,” Exodus 3:7-8.
E. O LORD, God of host: Listen to David as he describes the Lord, God of Host!
1. He composed: “O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? Or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Thou rulest the raging of the Sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them,” Psalms 89:8-9. He recorded further,
a. The Lord stilleth: “The noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people," Psalms 65:7. God can quiet all the storms and trials of our lives, and he is ruler over all of His creation and savior of His saints.
b. Come and see: “The works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. He turned the Sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him,” Psalms 66:5-6.
c. The flood: “O LORD, have lifted their voice; the floods lift their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the Sea,” Psalms 93:3-4.
d. For He commandeth: “And raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof… Then they cry (the mariners) unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still,” Psalms 107:25-29.
e. Conclusion: What an incredible and mighty God we serve. After the Lord had quieted the storm, he comforted His disciples. He rebukes the elements and then reproves His disciples. Let's consider our last point, the master's reprove (reprimands and admonishes).
III THE MASTER’S REPROVE
A. His reprove. “And He said unto them, Where is your faith?” Luke 8:25. This is where the instruction of the Lord begins unto His disciples. Maybe, Luke's question does not fully state the real meaning of His reprove? By looking at the other writer's comments on this question, we can obtain a clearer understanding of what Jesus is asking them. Observe--
1. Matthew wrote: “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 8:26. Matthew shares more information regarding Jesus' question with His disciples. He asks: Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith?" It does not appear that they lost their faith. But that they had so little of it. It is easy to serve and trust the Lord when the ship is undergoing smooth sailing. When our ship encounters the storms, we need to demonstrate our faith, not merely claim that we have it. I will speak to this later towards the conclusion of this lesson. Observe Mark's recollection of Jesus' question.
2. He scribed: “And he said unto them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:40. Jesus asked the disciples: “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Again, he mentions their fears. And indicates that they “have no faith.”
3. Jesus’ reprove. The Lord did not rebuke them as He did the wind and the water but inquires of their faith. This question was a mild "reprove." It is necessary to consider the word “reprove” before proceeding. In the Gr., the word is elegcho or el-eng'-kho, which means to confute, admonish: —convict, convince, or to tell someone of their fault(s), Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1. It entails calling one into account, to show a fault or transgression, to demand an explanation of ones’ behavior. Theirs’ was a lack of faith; during this terrible storm. I am not judging them in their lack of faith, at this time of their ministry with Jesus.
4. The Master’s work. These disciples had forgotten the Master’s healing of the man with palsy earlier in His preaching in Capernaum, Mark 2:1-12. How his friends bore his bed to Jesus, overcoming every obstacle that faced them, putting him down in the presence of Jesus: after tearing open the roof of the house, where He was preaching. I’m sure someone was not happy right about now, because of their act of faith! But Jesus was encouraged by their actions.
a. Mark, give unto us the response of Jesus to his friends, that carried the man with palsy unto Him: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee,” Mark 2:5. Notice, Jesus saw the faith of his friends and their desire that he be healed. He saw their sacrifice of faith! And their confidence in Him to heal their friend.
b. Where was these disciples’ faith? Where was their confidence in Jesus?
c. What concern did they exhibit for the mariners in "the little ships?"
d. What Jesus heard after being awakened from His sleep from His disciples was:
1) “Master, master, we perish,” Luke 8:24.
2) “Lord, save us: we perish,” Matthew 8:25.
3) “Master, Carest thou not that we perish?” Mark 4:38.
4) They were only concerned about themselves. Was there any thought for the others at Sea going through the same storm with them?
e. They were men, “weak in faith,” not understanding the power of Jesus over both sin and the storms of life. It would be a while before they would understand: “That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Matthew 16:16; Acts 2:36; Acts 4:10-12.
5. Conclusion: They had enough faith (or fear) to awaken Him, but not enough to believe that He cared about their safety and the lives of those in the smaller crafts navigating this storm, in the same perils of the Sea. O you of little faith! Could you have prayed to God for yourself and these others? Where is your faith? It could not be seen due to their terrifying fear of perishing. They lacked faith in Him: “That He carest not that they perish.” Nor had they any concern for the other mariners, traveling with Him to the other side. Luke and the other writers rightly judged: "They were afraid." Being paralyzed with fear for their safety, they cared not for the safety of others. Luke continued--
B. They were afraid. He wrote: “And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this!” Luke 8:25. Now, Luke turns our attention to another fear. Their fear of Jesus and His power over His creation.
1. Matthew wrote: “But the men marveled,” Matthew 8:27.
2. Mark wrote: “And they feared exceedingly,” Mark 4:41.
3. Conclusion: They are now terrified of Jesus and His ability to control the wind and water. Unlike the people in the man with palsy's healing: "They were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion,” Mark 2:12. Jesus now shows them and us, His power over the heavens and the earth. Luke concluded that the--
C. Elements obeyed Him. He noted: “For He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him,” Luke 8:25. The subjects of Jesus (the elements) were obedient to His command. Consider the other gospels,
1. Matthew wrote: “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Matthew 8:27.
2. Mark wrote: “And said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:41.
3. Conclusion: Instead of rejoicing, they were even more afraid, no longer of the storm, but now of Jesus' authority over the elements (the wind and the water). Observe--
a. Moses wrote: “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day,” Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6.
b. David penned: “For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The Sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker,” Psalms 95:3-6; Jeremiah 10:11-13.
c. John penned: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was at the beginning with God, and he made all things; and without Him was not anything made that was made,” John 1:1-3; John 1:14.
d. Paul inscribed: “And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the Sea, and all things that are therein,” Acts 14:15; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:28-31.
e. It as this God of heaven and earth, that was in the ship with them. However, they did not know fully of Him at this time, and their faith was not yet perfected. He will send them out to witness also of God’s kingdom, Mark 3:13-19; Matthew 10:1-8; Luke 9:1-6. He would send seventy others also, for the “harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few,” Luke 10:1-12. How surprising, whoever the Lord sends: preaches the same message as He? We too must: “Speak and mind the same thing," and that is "sound doctrine (wholesome teaching),” Philippians 3:16; Titus 2:1. We are charged by the Holy Spirit: “To speak the same thing, and to have no divisions among us,” 1 Corinthians 1:10; Psalms 133:1.
D. The power of faith. At this present time, these disciples are just beginning their work and learning from Jesus Christ. They had not been fully instructed on the kind of faith that moves mountains; it will come later in their lives, Luke 17:1-6. He will teach them to be men of faith before He returns to heaven. Jesus recognized all people’s faith. Observe—
1. A great faith. The woman of Canaan came to Jesus wanting, Him to cast out of her daughter a demon vexing her. She was a Syrophoenician Woman. After a short discourse, Jesus said unto her: "O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour,” Matthew 15:21-28. The centurion’s faith, Matthew 8:5-13.
2. A weak faith. Paul wrote to the church in Rome regarding the weak brother. He penned: "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations,” Romans 14:1. For those who struggled over diet, days, and drink, Paul described them as being weak in the faith. He admonished that: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves," Romans 15:1. God grants us time to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 3:18. The stronger brother should not put a stumbling block in the weaker brother's way, Romans 14:13; Romans 14:21-23.
3. A doubting faith. Thomas, one of the twelve, doubted that Jesus was raised. He said to the disciples who had seen Jesus: “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach thy finger hither, and behold my hands; and reach thy hand hither, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed,” John 20:24-29.
4. A little faith. Jesus' walking on water and bids Peter to come unto Him. After Peter stepped out of the boat: “When he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they came into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God,” Matthew 14:22-33. Coming now to the conclusion of this lesson, let’s consider faith in 3D.
E. Faith in 3D. Some have made the mistake of minimizing the terms of God's “pattern of conversion.” To God, this is His test to the sincerity and strength of our: “Faith and obedience to His will.” We are not permitted to dictate unto God how we desire to be saved; we must obey His terms of pardon. In every act of faith under the Old Testament of those that pleased God, along with their faith, there was an enjoining act of obedience on their part.
NOTE: Illustrate Faith in 3D. 1) Faith defined, Hebrews 11:1; 2) Faith directed, Hebrews 11:6; and 3) Faith demonstrated, Hebrews 11:7ff. Concluding, we will consider three examples that will illustrate this truth now before us. Each mentioning of faith had a binding action, or act of obedience, Hebrews 11:7. Consider,
1. By faith Noah. “Found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” Genesis 6:8. He lived a life pleasing to Jehovah! He was a man of faith. Paul wrote of Him:
a. “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet.”
b. “Moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house.”
c. “By which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith,” Hebrews 11:7. Noah became a preacher of righteousness, 2 Peter 2:5.
d. Faith resulted in the act of obedience (on Noah’s part). His faith and obedience pleased the Lord. In turn, God saved Noah and his house; and declared him righteous through his faith and obedience. It was Noah's faith and obedience at work – which culminated in the salvation of his house, "by which he condemned the old world, and he became an heir of the righteousness which is by faith," Hebrews 11:7.
e. Peter refers to this event and describes baptism as a “like figure to the ark,” 1 Peter 3:20-21. Still another example--
2. By faith Abraham. "When he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure," Heb 11:17-19. Observe--
a. Summary of Paul's account. Abraham was justified by faith and work. Paul's review of this event: "By faith Abraham when he was tested:"
1) “Offered up Isaac, whom he had received by promise.”
2) "His son, his only begotten Son."
3) "Whom it was said: In Isaac, your seed shall be called."
4) “He concluded that God was able to raise him:"
a) “Even from the dead.”
b) “By which he had also received him in a figure,” Hebrews 11:17-19. Do you see a “type” of Christ in this text?
c) Conclusion: Paul wrote regarding the events on the mount. Abraham was "justified by works" when he offered up Isaac on the altar, as God had commanded him; this he did it in faithful obedience to God. If you want a definition of "faith and works," it is this: "faithful obedience."
i. He believed that if he took the lad's life, God would similarly raise him, in which he had received Isaac, his son beforehand, in a figure. Abraham's faith was working through obedience to the voice of God.
ii. Jehovah said: "Now I know that you fear me, you have NOT withheld thy Son, thy only Son from me. In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed: because you have obeyed my voice," Genesis 22:15-18.
iii. We are now at the seeming conflict of Paul and James’ account of Abraham’s “faith and works,” Romans 4:1-2.
b. Abraham's faith was enjoined with an act of obedience, and that act was his offering of Isaac.
NOTE: For a more exhaustive study of Abraham’s offering of Isaac, download our lesson entitled: “Justified by faith only?” You can obtain this lesson from SermonCentral.com.
c. James wrote: “Ye see then how that by works (ones’ obedient deeds, doings, or acts of faith unto God) a man is justified, and NOT by faith ONLY,” James 2:24; James 2:26. Observe--
1) Abraham justified by works. James wrote: "Was not Abraham...justified by works when he had offered Isaac, his son upon the altar?" James 2:21. James begins with a question to his audience. That is, was not Abraham justified by works when: He offered Isaac his only Son? Was Abraham's offering of Isaac a profession of faith and obedience? How else can we describe this act of sacrificial faith?
2) Abraham's faith made perfect: "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works (obedience), and by works (his) faith was made perfect?" James 2:22. James uses the phrase: "how faith wrought with his works." We must look at this word also to ascertain its meaning in Greek.
a) The word “wrought” in Gr., is synergeo or sün-er-ge'-o, which means to be a fellow-worker, i.e., co-operate: —help, to (work) with, work (-er) together. It means that "faith" has put forth power together with "works" and thereby assist in "making one's faith perfect."
b) The word synergeo forms our English word: “synergism.” It is a medical term, “synergistic effect.” In medications: “the dose of one medication taken in conjunction with another; has a synergistic effect, in the treatment of an illness or disease.”
c) James wrote: Abraham’s faith and works (of obedience) wrought together to make his faith's working perfect unto God.
3) Conclusion: Having faith without works, deeds, or acts of faith in compliance: such faith is incomplete; it is dead being alone. Therefore, faith alone cannot save; no more than words of Peace and comfort alone, feed and fill a hungry belly. Faith without works, deeds, or acts of obedience is dead being alone. True faith must work (be active) "through genuine love and obedience," Galatians 5:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:13. Now our last example--
3. Faith of Israel. Their passing: “Through the Red sea as by dry land (were saved): which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned,” Hebrews 11:29.
a. Israel was saved on the other side. By faith, they passed through the Red Sea. The Lord, “saved Israel that day,” Exodus 14:30-31. Paul called this “passing” a baptism unto Moses!
b. Israel was baptized unto Moses: “Under the cloud and in the sea,” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
c. Here we see Israel being saved through faith and obedience (baptism), as they moved by faith through the Red Sea.
1) Faith and baptism saved Israel “that day.”
2) Just like faith and baptism save us today, Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:20-21.
3) After Israel’s passing through the Red Sea by faith, they were delivered from their enemy, Pharaoh.
4) When we pass through the "waters of baptism," we are delivered from our enemy, sin. Baptism is done: “To wash away our sin,” Acts 22:16. Or for the “forgiveness of sin,” Acts 2:38.
4. Saved by Grace. Paul told the Ephesians: "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast," Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5. He calls this a Gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. Observe--
a. First, the questions that lay before us at this time to be asked after reviewing all the statements; examples; and scriptures on faith? Could Ephesians 2:8-9; be teaching: "That salvation is by faith – only?" If we are honest, we must conclude “no.”
b. Further, "Is being saved by grace through faith – by grace only?" The answer to this question is also “no.” Neither of these positions is correct.
c. Finally, "Is it through our faith only we are saved by grace?" The answer is a resounding "no." Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were saved by "grace through the faith in Christ," Ephesians 2:8. Brother Johnson states it more clearly.
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: "Lest they might forget the doctrine that he...preached, he reminds them...that they were saved by God's grace shown in the gospel; that their salvation was obtained through the faith (in Christ). The definite article is found before faith in the Greek, showing that the faith, or the gospel, is meant ... (Salvation) is not due to ourselves, but is God's gift. The grammatical construction of the Greek does not allow us to make “faith” the subject of the last clause. It is not “faith,” but salvation through the faith, which is the gift of God. So says John Wesley in his Notes: “This refers to the previous clause: That you are saved, etc.,” Page 472.
e. Conclusion: Therefore, Paul was reminding the Ephesians, it was God’s grace reveal unto them through his preaching of “the faith” or the “gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24; Galatians 1:23-24; Romans 1:16
5. The will of man in his relationship to God. I want to make it clearly understood that man's salvation is not possible without his willing obedience. "God's will is that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth," 1 Timothy 2:3-7. But not all desire to be saved. Here are some examples where the will of men was necessary for cleansing, salvation or to do the will of God:
a. “Wilt thou be made whole?” The man at the pool of Bethesda, John 5:1-6.
b. “What wilt thou have me to do?” Paul asked of the Lord. He replied, “Go into the city, and it will be told thee what thou must do," Acts 9:5-6.
c. "Men and brethren, what shall we do? This question was asked of the believers on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:37.
d. The Jailer: "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said: Have faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house," Acts 16:30-31.
e. Jesus: "Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven," Matthew 7:21-23. Hear Jesus regarding "hearing and doing," Matthew 7:24-27.
f. The people: “Then said they unto him: What shall we do, that we might work the works of God. Jesus answered and said unto them: This is the work of God: that you believe on Him whom He hath sent,” John 6:28-29. And that is on Jesus.
1) If any man will do his will, he shall know the doctrine, John 7:16-17. (One can do, has done or doeth the will of God), Mark 3:35; Hebrews 10:35-36; 1 John 2:15-17.
2) One can do the will of the devil. “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lust of your father ye will do,” John 8:44. How surprising; one can do the will of the devil! But cannot do the will of God!
3) Summary: These verses indicate that one must "will to be cleansed, to be saved and to hear the word of the Lord." To ignore this clear truth of scriptures is to fly off foolishly against God's divine will for man's eternal salvation.
6. Conclusion: How does all this relate to one being "justified by faith" or "saved by grace?" I know we went the long route to this conclusion. But it was necessary. Faith and obedience justify and saves. Obedience is that work of faith: "justifies by faith" and "saves by grace." All must believe (pisteuo) the preaching of the faith (pistis) - with a corresponding act of obedience - "baptism into Christ," Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-27. We are now at the conclusion of this lesson. Here’s what we have discussed…
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Master’s Resolve
2. The Master’s Rebuke
3. The Master’s Reprove
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the Master’s resolve to teach and preach His message regarding the kingdom of God. His works preceding this event find Jesus in a ship teaching and preaching to the multitude. To the people, He spoke in "parables," but, unto His disciples, He spoke, explaining the meaning of His words regarding the kingdom of God. The Lord gave unto His disciples' clarity unto them the reasons for His teaching methods to the people. He cites the prophet Isaiah who wrote: “That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them,” Mark 4:12; Isaiah 6:9-10. Compare Mark 4:12 with Acts 3:19.
2. Second, we discussed the Master’s rebuke of the wind and the water. Luke continued: “But as they sailed, He fell asleep: And there came down a storm of wind on the Lake, and (the ship) was filled with water, and they were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, Master, master, we (are about to) perish. Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a (great) calm,” Luke 8:23-24. Even the wind and seas obey Him; yet the highest of His creation: man will not listen to, hear, nor obey the king of glory even though He promises to be: "The author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him," Hebrews 5:8-9. After quieting the storm, He allayed their fears. Jesus asked about their faith. Such an event like this storm will strengthen one’s faith in God.
3. Lastly, we investigated the Master’s reprove of His disciples’ faith. Luke concluded: “And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another: What manner of man is this! For He commandeth even the wind and water, and they obey him,” Luke 8:25. This storm, without a doubt, was an extraordinary event in the life and teaching of Jesus unto His disciples. These men were terrified! Fearful that they all were about to perish. The Lord in this miracle demonstrates His power over nature. Earlier, we witnessed His authority over sickness, disease, and sin. Jesus said: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he (the man with palsy) arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.” Mark 2:10-12. Why, then, could He not command the wind and the waters, and they obeyed Him?
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
To: "Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors.
1. I recommend the [Neal – Wallace Discussion on “The thousand Years Reign of Christ”] by Foy E. Wallace, Jr., Publication, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Copyright 1933. This discussion was conducted at Winchester, Kentucky, during the dates January 2 to 6, 1933.
2. God's Prophetic Word, by Foy Wallace, p. 347-349; cf. Lion and the Lamb on Planet Earth, by Rodney Miller.
3. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
4. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
5. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
