Stepping Out in Faith

Matthew 14:22-33

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.”

Today’s message concludes our “Renewed Faith” series. We will focus on the transformative power of faith in action, as illustrated by the story of Peter walking on water. Life often presents us with turbulent waters that test our faith and resolve. We will revisit the account of Peter stepping out in faith and walking on water, exploring how this extraordinary story can be applied to our lives. Our goal is to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and trust Jesus fully.

Stepping Out in Faith (Matthew 14:22-29): We begin with Peter’s bold act of faith as he steps out of the boat during a storm to walk towards Jesus. This moment symbolizes the courageous leap of faith that each of us must take in our spiritual journey—whether it involves starting a new ministry, confronting a personal issue, or answering God's call in unexpected ways.

Reflection: Take a moment to consider your current circumstances. Are there areas in your life where you feel called to step out in faith? What fears or reservations might be holding you back from taking this important step?

Navigating Doubts and Fears (Matthew 14:30-31): When we take bold steps of faith, doubts, and fears can often arise, just as they did for Peter. Remember that Jesus immediately reaches out His hand when Peter starts to sink. This situation shows us that Jesus is always ready to support us, even when our faith begins to waver.

Reflection: Have you experienced moments in your life when you felt like Peter, sinking in a sea of doubts? How did you reach out for Jesus' hand during those times?

The Trust Factor: Leaning on God (Proverbs 3:5-6): Taking a step of faith requires trust. Just as Peter trusted Jesus' command to step out of the boat, we, too, must trust the Lord wholeheartedly, even when we can't see the full picture. Relying on God's wisdom and guidance helps bridge the gap between stepping out in faith and managing our doubts. 

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to trust God? How can you consciously lean on His understanding instead of relying solely on your own?

Living by Faith, Not Sight (2 Corinthians 5:7): The core message of living by faith rather than by sight is exemplified in Peter’s experience of walking on water. When Peter took his focus off Jesus and turned to the storm around him, he began to sink. This serves as a powerful reminder to concentrate on Jesus and not be influenced by the ‘storms’ we face in our lives, highlighting the importance of trusting God in our daily experiences.

Reflection: Can you identify the ‘storms’ in your life that distract you from focusing on Jesus? How can you keep your eyes on Him despite these challenges?

The Reward of Faith: Pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6): The ultimate expression of faith in action is that it pleases God. When we step out in faith, manage our doubts with trust, and keep our focus on Jesus, we bring joy to God. Remember, without faith, it is impossible to please Him. The story of Peter encourages us to deepen our faith, connect with God, and strive to please Him.

Reflection: How do your actions of faith reflect your desire to please God? In what ways can you deepen your faith to earnestly seek Him?

The story of Peter walking on water provides valuable lessons about the power of faith in action and the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, especially during life's storms. It invites us to step out in faith and trust God completely. As we face the challenges that life presents, let us remember to step out of our boats, focus on Jesus, and navigate the waters of our trials with faith. It is essential to recognize that faith, when coupled with action, pleases God and can lead to miraculous outcomes.

As we conclude our exploration of these sermon outlines on "renewed faith," I hope the narratives and reflections they inspire resonate with you. The stories of faith—from Abraham's trust to Thomas's transformation and Peter's courageous steps into the storms—invite us to look deeper within ourselves, confront our doubts, and strengthen our faith. I pray that these stories continue to encourage and enrich your faith while uplifting your spirit.