How Great Is Your Faith?

INTRODUCTION.

A.        There are many people who do not truly understand how faith is seen. Many times, you will admit to faith and will even attend services. However, when your faith is truly tested, will your faith be seen?

B.        An excellent example of faith and the lack thereof is seen when Peter walked on the water. It is the purpose of this lesson to see what lessons we can learn from Peter’s unique opportunity.

C.        Read Matthew 14:22-33

I.         WHY COULD PETER WALK ON THE WATER?

            A.        Peter believed in the power of Christ. We too can believe in the power of Christ.

                        1.         Christ has been given all power and authority. (Matthew 28:18-20)

                        2.         Christ has the power to forgive sins. (Matthew 9:1-8)

                        3.         Christ is the son of God with power. (Romans 1:1-4)

                        4.         Christ has the power over the elements of the earth. (Luke 8:24-25)

                        5.         Christ has the power to save. (Romans 1:16-17)

            B.        Peter had faith in Christ. We too can have faith in Christ.

                        1.         One becomes a child of God by his faith in Christ. (Galatians 3:26,27)

                        2.         Christ will be in us if we have faith in Him. (II Corinthians 13:4-5)

                        3.         One is justified by his faith in Christ. (Galatians 2:16)

                        4.         Christ dwells in our hearts by our faith. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

II.       WHY DID PETER SINK?

            A.        Christ told Peter that the reason Peter sank was because of his “little” faith. (Matthew 14:31) Please take notice that Peter did not have a lack of faith, but he had “little faith.”

            B.        What causes “little faith?”

                        1.         Those who worry about things that God will provide. (Matthew 6:25-30)

                        2.         Those who worry about things they have no control over. (Matthew 8:23-26)

                        3.         Those who look at the troubles brought on by the world and not at the safety provided by Christ. (Matthew 14:30-31) Consider again what distracted Peter from keeping his focus on Jesus.

            C.        How can we increase our “little faith?”

                        1.         We must first be willing to have our faith increased. (Luke 17:5-6)

                        2.         Faith comes by our hearing the word of God. (Romans 10:14-17)

                        3.         By hearing God’s word, we know what to hope for, what to believe in, and what to obey. (Hebrews 11:1-3)

            D.        We must increase our faith in order to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

CONCLUSION.

A.        How great is your faith? If you had been in Peter’s shoes, would you have had the faith to walk on the water? While the Lord will not ask you to walk on water, He requires something much greater: He is telling you to walk a faithful walk through the various storms of life that we face.

B.        Peter’s faith and “little faith” were seen in his walking on the water and sinking in the water. Which is being seen in your life: Great faith or little faith?

C.        While there is much more that could be said on the subject of faith, this lesson is offered up for your consideration.

C.        Remember:

Faith makes the up look good,

The out look bright,

The future glorious.

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How Great is Your Faith? -- April 7, 2002 -- File # 956

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton ,OK