Brief Summary
This sermon focuses on the story of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14:22-33, using it as a metaphor for stepping out in faith and pursuing God's extraordinary call. It identifies four key attributes of "Water Walkers": recognizing God's presence, sensing a call from God, leaving their comfort zone, and understanding that failure is not final. The sermon encourages listeners to identify their "boat" (comfort zone) and to trust God even when circumstances seem daunting, emphasizing that God often calls people to step out in faith without revealing the entire plan.
- Recognizing God's presence in the midst of storms.
- Sensing a divine call to something beyond the ordinary.
- Leaving the comfort zone to fulfill one's destiny.
- Realizing that failure is not final and that God's grace is always available.
Introduction: Power in the Name of Jesus
The sermon begins with a prayer asking God to speak through His word, change the listeners from the inside out, and inspire them to be doers of the word, not just hearers. The passage for the day is Matthew 14:22-33, focusing on Jesus's message and the speaker's personal experiences related to the scripture.
The Story of Peter Walking on Water
The pastor reads Matthew 14:22-33, which recounts how Jesus sent his disciples ahead in a boat, then walked on water to meet them during a storm. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus reassured them. Peter asked Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water, and Jesus invited him to come. Peter initially walked on water but began to sink when he became frightened by the wind. Jesus rescued him and questioned his doubt.
Water Walking Faith
The sermon introduces the concept of "water walking faith," distinguishing it from "water sinking faith." Peter is presented as an admirable figure known for his boldness, confidence, and significant successes, despite also experiencing defeats. The speaker expresses admiration for Peter being the only human to ever walk on water, encouraging listeners to aspire to do great things for God and not settle for an average Christian life.
Attribute #1: Recognizing the Presence of God
The first attribute of Water Walkers is recognizing God's presence, especially during storms. Peter recognized Jesus in the storm, unlike the other disciples. Storms can be corrective or perfecting, and it's important to ask what God wants one to learn from the situation. God uses storms to deepen trust in Him and does some of His best work during these times.
Attribute #2: Sensing a Call From God
Water Walkers have a deep sense that God is calling them to do something great and don't want to live a mundane life. Peter asked Jesus to command him to come, demonstrating a willingness to obey God completely. The challenge is whether individuals are willing to put themselves in a position where they fully rely on God's direction.
Attribute #3: Leaving the Comfort Zone
Water Walkers leave their comfort zone to fulfill their destiny. The sermon defines "boat" as anything representing safety and security apart from God. Listeners are challenged to identify their "boat" and consider whether it's keeping them from joining Jesus. The speaker shares his personal testimony of leaving a successful investment career to become a pastor, despite initial resistance and financial setbacks.
Personal Testimony: Leaving a Lucrative Career
The speaker shares his personal journey of leaving a 25-year career as an investment advisor to become a pastor. Despite achieving significant financial success, he felt an increasing emptiness and a call from God to step out of his comfort zone. He initially resisted, but after a financial crisis and confirmation from Dr. Tony Evans, he sold his business and started a church.
What is Your Boat?
The speaker challenges the listeners to identify their "boat," which represents their comfort zone and anything they are holding onto that prevents them from fully embracing God's call. He also asks them to consider their "water," which symbolizes the challenging path that leads to their destiny.
Attribute #4: Failure is Not Final
The final attribute is realizing that failure is not final. Although Peter began to sink, he still walked on water, accomplishing something extraordinary. The speaker argues that it's better to attempt something great and fail than to remain in the boat, too scared to act. He identifies three types of people: those on the shore, those in the boat, and the Water Walkers.
Three Types of People
The sermon describes three types of people in relation to faith: those on the shore (not committed to Christ), those in the boat (followers but unwilling to leave their comfort zone), and Water Walkers (those who step out in faith and pursue more of Jesus).
Challenge to Walk on Water
The sermon concludes with a challenge to those feeling stirred by God to step out of their "boat," whether in career, relationships, or discipleship. It encourages listeners to trust God even without all the answers and to embrace the journey of faith, knowing that failure is not final.
