Matthew 14:24-33

Introduction:

1. Though sometimes overzealous, Peter was a man of courage.

2. Today we seek to adopt the courage of Peter in our service.

Discussion:

I. Courage Defined

A. “Ability to do something that frightens you” (Dictionary.com)

B. “Strength in the face of pain or grief” (Ibid)

C. “Being scared to death but saddling up anyway” (John Wayne)

II. Courage Needed and Commanded

A. Serving the Lord has inherent dangers (Matthew 10:16-18, 21-22, 34-36; John 3:20; 15:18-19; 17:14; 2 Timothy 3:12).

B. Faith over fear is God’s call to His own (Joshua 1:6-9; Haggai 2:1-5; Matthew 10:26-28; 1 Peter 3:14; Revelation 2:10; 21:7-8).

III. Courage Demonstrated by Peter

A. He proclaimed Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16).

B. He risked his life trying to save Jesus’ life (Matthew 26:50-52).

C. He stepped out of the boat onto a stormy sea (Matthew 14:24-33).

D. He boldly preached the risen Savior on Pentecost (Acts 2).

E. He ultimately died for his bold proclamation of the gospel of Christ (John 21:18-19; 2 Peter 1:13-15).

IV. Courage Supplied by God

A. God supplies the courage He demands.

B. Promises always accompany the command (Joshua 1:3-5, 9).

C. The same assurance remains to this day (John 14:27; 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Hebrews 13:5-6).

D. This assurance is enjoyed in Christ alone (John 16:33; Ephesians 1:3; 6:10-11; Philippians 4:7).

Conclusion:

1. God calls us to service despite opposition (Luke 10:3; Acts 14:22).

2. Let’s step out of the boat like Peter (Matthew 14:28-29), but let us fix our eyes on Him, so we will never sink (Matthew 14:30-31; Hebrews 12:1-2).