Message Notes

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL 15 November 2020

Text: Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:15-21

Subject: “Do not be afraid”

INTRODUCTION

1. The problem of “Fear” 

2. It is a deep-seated problem 

3. Fear is noted in many instances:

a) When angels appear to man

i) Zacharias’ fear when the angel Gabriel appeared to him (Luke 1:12)

ii) The Shepherds’ fear when they saw angels (Luke 2:9)

b) Fear of dying experienced (Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 8:23-27; Luke 8:22-25)

i) Fear of perishing

ii) This fear was rebuked

iii) The lack of faith was noted by the Lord Jesus Christ

4. Fear will hurt the Faith we have in the Lord

a) Fear needs to be understood

b) It needs to be dealt with

c) It can be overcome

ANOTHER STORM EXPERIENCED

1. Context

a) After the Feeding of the 5000

b) The Lord Jesus withdrew into the mountains to pray (Mark 6:46)

2. The weather was stormy (Matthew 14:24)

a) Strong winds

b) Tossed by the waves

c) The Disciples were straining to row (Mark 6:48)

3. The Lord Jesus was walking on the Sea towards them

a) It was on the fourth watch of the night (3.00am- 6.00am)

b) This was unexpected

c) Fear arose once again

4. Expressions of fear

a) It is a ghost (Matthew 14:26)

b) Supposed it was a ghost (Mark 6:48)

c) They were troubled (Mark 6:49)

d) They were afraid (John 6:19)

WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT WE FEAR DEEPLY?

1. Disciples

a) Death

b) Ghosts 

2. What do we fear?

a) Failure

b) Future (The unknown)

WHAT CAUSED THE DISCIPLES TO FEAR AS THEY DID?

1. A lack of understanding (Mark 6:52a)

a) They had seen the Lord Jesus feed the 5000

b) They did not understand the significance of that miracle

2. Their heart was hardened (Mark 6:52b)

a) It was hardened

b) It had remained hardened

PETER’S CHALLENGE TO THE LORD

1. Peter’s word to the Lord Jesus

a) Lord, if it is You

b) Command me to come to You on the water (Matthew 14:28)

2. The Lord’s reply

a) Come (Matthew 14:29a)

b) This was an immediate response

3. Peter’s walk on the sea

a) He walked on the water to go to the Lord (Matthew 14:29b)

b) He saw that the wind was boisterous (Matthew 14:30a)

c) He was afraid and began to sink (Matthew 14:30b)

d) He cried out, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30c)

4. The Lord’s word to Peter

a) He caught him

b) And He said

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt” Matthew 14:31

i) The same problem

ii) A little faith (Matthew 8:26a)

iii) Doubt prevailed 

iv) Faith took a bad hit

HOW DO WE OVERCOME FEAR?

1. A candid look at Fear

a) Personal fear

b) Deep-seated fear

c) Unaddressed fear

2. Faith is going to be of great importance

a) Faith in the Person of the Lord Jesus

b) Faith in His presence

c) Faith in His promises

d) Faith in His power

3. Note the real state of our faith

a) Little faith

b) Little understanding

c) A hardened heart

d) Doubts

i) Heart

ii) Mind

ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE LORD

1. Courage

a) Be of good cheer (Matthew 14:27a)

b) Have courage (Mark 6:50)

(Same word… Translated differently)

2. The Person and Presence of the Lord

“It is I.” Matthew 14:27b

3. No need to fear

“Do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:27c

THE CULTIVATION OF FAITH

We need to give attention to the following:

1. Knowledge

2. Experience

3. Growth of faith

4. Application of faith