The Boat or Jesus?
Sermon Series
Sermon Study Guide
Scripture
Mark 6:45-52;
Matthew 14:22-33
Speaker
Pastor Joey
Sermon Study Guide
Q1: Icebreaker: What is the risking thing you’ve done? What gave you that courage to take that risk? What is the risking thing you’ve done out of obedience to God?
Q2: Following Jesus Into Storms: It turns out that following Jesus is not always promises of smooth sailing. But Jesus’ Presence comes in the midst of this, giving us courage, peace, and hope. What expectations should Christians have when following Christ?
Q3: Getting Out of the Boat: The boat is also symbolic of the comforts, traditions, systems, mindsets, and cultural norms in our life. In what ways does following Jesus challenge these things, even to the point of getting out of them?
Q4 “Save Me”: Have you ever been in a situation where you had to cry out “save me” to someone? What happened? What is your usual solution or method of escape for those situations? How do you wrestle with situations in the world where it seems God saves some but not others?
Q5: Peter’s Example: Jesus calls Peter to “Come!” and Peter walks on the water, but then sees his surroundings, doubts, and begins to sink. This is both an example of faith and lack of faith. If you were Peter, would you share this story with others? Do you find it helpful or more authentic when Christians share their stories of faith and also lack of faith?
Q6: Focus on Jesus: How do you focus on Jesus in the midst of trials? The One who has overcome the world, and has authority over the waters and the deep? Or do you find yourself focusing more on the difficulty, the emotions, the pains, and others? How do you wrestle with this part of your journey of faith?
Q7: Summary: Which of the 4 misconceptions are most applicable to you? The idea of smooth sailing, the seeking of comfort, the focus on the self, or the captaincy of your boat? Which of the 4 truths are most reassuring to you? The Presence of God, the call of obedience, the focus on Jesus, or the surrender of your boat to God?
Q8: Take-Home: What part of this sermon on Jesus and Peter walking on water was most helpful? How will this help you in your walk with God?
