Faith

I’ve asked you to look that those difficulties, but don’s linger. Because, I want you to know that our gaze—our focus—needs to be firmly fixed on something—someone else.

During the second day of Bible reading this week, you come across this story in Luke 8.

Text

Luke 8:22–25 ESV

22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

This account is also recording in Matthew 8 and Mark 4.

What was on the other side of the lake?

Man possessed by many demons needing deliverance.

A woman sick for twelve years needing healing.

A girl who died needing life.

Disciples commissioned to bring deliverance and healing.

What is on the other side for you?

I am not talking about heaven. I am asking about what is God calling you to do tomorrow or next week?

What is on the other side for you? God may be preparing something for you.

Did you know that as believers in Christ we are called by God to help others?

The Kingdom of God and His grace is not just about life after death, and it is not just about our comfort or wellbeing—it is about bringing life to hurting people today.

Main Idea

Point 1: Kingdom living and fulfilling God’s call in our life begins with, is maintain by, and is completed through...

The Call: Faithful Obedience

Luke 8:22 ESV

22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out,

So they set out.

There is no movement toward the way of Jesus without faithful obedience.

God has a plan—it involves his people—the the people must act.

Throughout the Bible we discover the common refrain of God calling people—and people responding.

Abraham called to go to a land God would show him.

Moses called to lead Israel out of slavery.

Joshua called to lead the people to the promised land.

David called to be the king.

Nehemiah called to encourage the people toward revival.

The disciples called to help people experience God’s deliverance and healing.

God is still calling people to be an extension of His grace.

So, if God calls us, what can stop us?

Point 2

The Threat: Debilitating Fear

Luke 8:23–24 ESV

23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.

This was no ordinary breeze blowing-this was life-threatening storm!

Luke writes here that the storm was so bad that the ship was full of water.

Mark wrote in his account of this story that the waves were beating the ship that it was full of water.

Matthew in his account said that the waves covered the ship.

They had a crisis on their hands.

The ship was full of water, the waves were as high as the boat and they were headed for the bottom of the sea unless the storm ceased.

Two observations:

Disciples were afraid.

Jesus was asleep.

And, sometimes, that is what life feels like.

The storm is raging—our life feels under significant strain, our life hanging in the balance.

We are afraid—terrified—wondering how we will survive this tempest.

God seems asleep—distant—unaware of our suffering.

The disciples were consumed with fear and doubt. Seeing Jesus asleep, the Gospel of Mark records their sentiments: “do you not care if we parish?”

Have you wondered if God really cares?

Does God really care? Is He really in control?

It is during these times of hardship that we can struggle to believe and trust in God.

What are you facing in your life—in your experiences—we are you struggling to believe and trust God?

NOTE: What the disciples were facing at this point in the story is critical for their spiritual and emotional development in order that they may confidently fulfill God’s plan in their lives!

It is the next step—the next part of this story that is critical in helping us understand the compassion and authority of Jesus Christ.

Point 3

The Intervention: Instructive Mercy

The Instructive mercy of God.

Luke 8:24–25 ESV

24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Jesus immediately took care of the visible problem.

He demonstrated in front of His disciples His divine authority. (…and they ceased, and there was a calm)

It was very important that the disciples witnessed Jesus’ authority over nature. The Creator-God was in full control.

But Jesus does not just have authority over nature, and demons, and sickness, and death—but He also is the authority over the spiritual and emotional activities of our lives.

As they witnessed His power—they then heart His rebuke: “Where is your faith?”

The disciples were no longer afraid of the wind and wave—they were now afraid of Jesus—or more specifically, a new found respect and holy awe—and His words and divine authority and his power!

PROBLEM: We have become more emotionally responsive to the problems around us rather than responsive to the Holy God and governs our lives!

Friends! Something has to change!

If we are more focused, more moved, more emotionally driven by our circumstances rather than the great and awesome God who deserves the highest praise and honor—something is seriously wrong.

When we cease to believe that God is in control, that he can move the mountains, that He can heal the sick and deliver people from bondage, when we fail to believe God is mightier and greater than any foe, then how can we be in a position to minister deliverance and healing this world so desperately needs.

We need to get our eyes on Jesus again.

If our eyes are focused on anything else, it is idolatry!

We need to REPENT and BELIEVE again!

Repentance and trust in Jesus builds our faith. It is faith in Jesus that sets people free. And, that is our mission!

If we lose sight of our mission—maybe it is a sign that we have lost sight of God.

May we keep our eyes on Jesus—no matter what!

Conclusion

There is a hymn that was sung in the church when I was a child.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

May that be the song of our life.

Prayer

Salvation

Rededication

Restoration and recovery

Questions for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion

The disciples witnessed Jesus and His power. Why do you think they were afraid, even though they were in close proximity to Jesus?

Why do we sometimes doubt that God is in control and is able to fulfill His purpose in our lives?

What should we do to keep your eyes on Jesus?

What are ways that can help us trust and obey God in every aspect of our lives?

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