Sermons on Matthew 14:28-29
The various sermons below interpret Matthew 14:28-29 with a shared emphasis on faith and action, yet each offers unique insights. They collectively highlight the importance of acting on God's word, whether it is the "rhema" or spoken word, as seen in Peter's response to Jesus' command to "Come." This act of faith is portrayed as a metaphor for stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing the gifts and calling God has given. The sermons also underscore the necessity of internal security in one's identity in Christ, suggesting that Peter's ability to walk on water stemmed from his confidence in who God said he was, rather than the external storm. This internal assurance is crucial for discerning and responding to divine calling amidst life's challenges.
While these sermons share common themes, they also present contrasting perspectives. One sermon emphasizes the pioneering nature of faith, urging believers to act without guarantees and to trust in God's promises despite uncertainty. Another sermon focuses on the internal security of identity in Christ, suggesting that true freedom and the ability to step out in faith come from knowing who God says we are. Meanwhile, a different sermon highlights the contrast between merely existing and truly living, encouraging believers to step out of their comfort zones and use their God-given gifts to make an impact.
Matthew 14:28-29 Interpretation:
Embracing Ridiculous Faith: Trusting God Boldly (Radiate Church) interprets Matthew 14:28-29 by suggesting that Peter was not merely walking on water but was walking on a word from Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that Peter's faith was based on the command "Come" from Jesus, rather than the physical act of walking on water. This interpretation highlights the importance of acting on God's word and promises, rather than waiting for guarantees of success. The sermon uses the Greek terms "logos" (written word of God) and "rhema" (spoken word of God) to differentiate between the types of words from God, suggesting that Peter acted on a "rhema" word.
Breaking Free: Discernment and Divine Calling (Highest Praise Church) interprets the passage by focusing on Peter's internal security and his ability to recognize Jesus' voice amidst the storm. The sermon emphasizes that Peter's ability to walk on water was a result of his internal security in who God said he was, rather than external circumstances. This interpretation highlights the importance of knowing and trusting in one's divine calling and identity in Christ.
Embracing Our Gifts: Faith, Action, and God's Timing (André Butler) interprets Matthew 14:28-29 as a call to step out in faith and embrace the gifts God has given us. The sermon emphasizes that Peter's request to walk on water was a longing to do the impossible, inspired by Jesus' example. The act of stepping out of the boat is seen as a metaphor for taking a leap of faith in one's own life, trusting in God's word and power to support and enable us to achieve what seems impossible.
Matthew 14:28-29 Theological Themes:
Embracing Ridiculous Faith: Trusting God Boldly (Radiate Church) presents the theme that faith requires action without guarantees. The sermon emphasizes that faith is about pioneering new paths and listening to God's voice, even when the outcome is uncertain. It challenges believers to act on God's word and trust in His promises, rather than waiting for certainty.
Breaking Free: Discernment and Divine Calling (Highest Praise Church) introduces the theme of internal security in one's identity in Christ. The sermon highlights that true freedom and the ability to step out in faith come from being secure in who God says we are, rather than being contained by external circumstances or the enemy's lies.
Embracing Our Gifts: Faith, Action, and God's Timing (André Butler) presents the theme of living a life of faith versus merely existing. The sermon suggests that many people live safely within their comfort zones, but true living requires stepping out in faith, much like Peter did. This involves using one's God-given gifts to fulfill one's calling and make an impact for the kingdom of God.
Matthew 14:28-29 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Embracing Ridiculous Faith: Trusting God Boldly (Radiate Church) provides context by explaining the surrounding events in Matthew 14, such as the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus' teaching in parables. The sermon notes that Jesus often withdrew to spend time alone with God, highlighting the importance of rest and solitude in spiritual life.
Matthew 14:28-29 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Ridiculous Faith: Trusting God Boldly (Radiate Church) references Hebrews 4:14-16 to explain why believers can trust Jesus. The passage is used to illustrate that Jesus understands human weaknesses and has faced all temptations, providing a basis for trust in His ability to help in times of need.
Embracing Our Gifts: Faith, Action, and God's Timing (André Butler) references several biblical stories to support the message of stepping out in faith. The sermon mentions Moses parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14), Abraham leaving his homeland (Genesis 12), and David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17) as examples of biblical figures who took leaps of faith, trusting in God's promises and power to achieve the impossible.
Matthew 14:28-29 Christian References outside the Bible:
Embracing Ridiculous Faith: Trusting God Boldly (Radiate Church) references a book titled "The Nine Myths That Will Destroy Your Marriage" as an example of doing what others won't to achieve different results. This reference is used to illustrate the idea of pioneering new paths in faith.
Matthew 14:28-29 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Embracing Ridiculous Faith: Trusting God Boldly (Radiate Church) uses the analogy of trusting an engineer when driving a car and trusting a chair to hold one's weight to illustrate the concept of trust in God. The sermon emphasizes that trust is the currency of faith and challenges believers to trust God in all areas of life, not just for salvation.
Embracing Our Gifts: Faith, Action, and God's Timing (André Butler) uses the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" as an analogy for taking a leap of faith. In the movie, Indiana Jones must step out over a chasm, trusting that an invisible bridge will support him. This is used to illustrate the concept of stepping out in faith, trusting that God will provide support even when it is not immediately visible.