"DOWN FROM THE BOAT" Matthew 14:29 I. Introduction. A. The connection of disciples with Sea of Galilee and their occupation. B. This gives occasion to learn/teach many lessons. C. We are in the "Sea of Life" and can parallel the experiences. II. Body. A. Read and analyze Matthew 14:22-33. B. Note from the passage: 1. The disciples followed Jesus' instructions. 2. There was an experience of fear. 3. Jesus tried to relieve their fears. 4. One disciple showed boldness. 5. Following Christ's instruction, Peter left the boat and walked on the water. 6. Fear caused Peter's faith to waver. 7. Jesus rescued him and pointed out his "doubt." 8. The disciples' reaction: v. 33. C. The experiences on the "Sea of Life" can be like the experiences on Galilee. 1. The future is an uncertain adventure. a. Never know whether calm or stormy. b. Conditions can change rapidly. c. This may be a blessing. d. But--for most--there is a future! 2. The "Sea of Life" can become "contrary." v. 24. a. Ability to weather depends on several factors. (1 Faith. (2 Knowledge. (3 Strengths. (4 Support. (5 And many others. b. Have controls over some things: little, if any control over other things. (1 One deals with what can be changed when needed. (2 Learns to not worry(be anxious) over non controllable forces. 3. In the midst of unpleasantness, one may experience other fears: v. 26. a. Close examination(better knowledge) can ease fears: v. 27. b. One in a state of anxiety can multiply other fears.(Illustrate: darkness) 4. One must be willing to seize the opportunities available: v. 28-29. a. And yet--there will be moments of doubt: v. 30. (1 One must turn to proper help. (2 Place dependence upon the Lord. b. If doubt prevails: sink! D. One will step "down from the boat" when: 1. Entering life. a. As Peter, uncertain but determined to go ahead. b. Potentials, opportunities, etc. exist: along with the fears. c. Role of those who influence. 2. Becoming an adult. a. A giant step--needs preparation. b. Some try without righteous principles: immediate sinking. 3. Becoming a Christian. a. God's way for all since Pentecost. b. The storms of life do not cease when obey gospel. c. As Christ gave Peter the means to rise from sinking, so the word of God stabilizes the disciple. 4. Securing an occupation. a. One steps into responsibility and opportunity. b. Peter did not blissfully step in the water: he asked the Lord to "bid" him into the Sea. 5. Embracing marriage. a. Heard it said, "sea of matrimony?" b. Some people seem to make more preparations for a fishing trip than marriage. c. Who knows the calms and the tumults, the storms --that will come. d. Peter needed Christ: a marriage needs the Lord. 6. Rearing children. a. An uncertain future faces them(who knows what temptations will arise?). b. They need to learn to live life with Christ as the guide. c. Too many are pushed into the water and left to flounder. d. The small, troublesome, inquiring "brat" you see may someday be a great servant of God. 7. Entering the final years of life. a. The "experts" can plot your probability--they cannot plot your certainty. b. As one steps from the boat of past years, one needs to think of the present and the future. c. One does not know the future any more than as a youth. d. Plan final years with(and for) the Lord. III. Conclusion. A. One need not fear to step "down from the boat" into the Sea of Life when living as a faithful disciple. B. However great the "waves"; however intense the "storm"; however deep the "water"--one can survive the Sea of Life when Christ is near.-jy