NEW THINGS!
Matthew 14:22-33
INTRODUCTION: Sing: God Will Make a Way!
I. NEW FAITH MUST PRODUCE NEW ACTIONS!
Our Lord Jesus knew that faith and obedience must be expressed in new actions for maturing believers if we are to continue to grow in our faith! Matthew 14:29-31. As we move into new experiences with our Lord they will require a higher level of faith and obedience. It is the only way to see the Lord faithful to His Word so we can add new actions to our new faith that will lead us to even more faith and obedience to our Lord.
II. JESUS BLESSED THOSE WHO RISKED NEW ACTIONS!
Our Lord Jesus honored people who were willing to risk shame, frustration and disappointments in coming to Him by faith: Matthew 15:21-28. We must continually ask ourselves “Am I willing to take a risk to see my God work great things for me and those I love?”
III. IF WE WILL NOT CHANGE WE RISK LOSING EVERYTHING!
Our Lord gave us an example of a young man that would not risk his wealth in order to gain eternal life: Matthew 19:16-26. Please don’t let your fear of change rob you out of the great things God wants to do in you and through you!
IV. IS IT TIME FOR YOU TO MAKE A MOVE FOR GOD?
Many times before our God will move us forward in faith He will call us to step out on the faith we already have: Genesis 12:1-4. Most people fear change but if the Lord has truly promised to make a way for those who will trust in His promises, we need to become more like Abraham and move out when the Lord says it is time to move: Romans 4:16-25. Our Father sees us even when we cannot see Him. We must learn to trust His promises: Deuteronomy 33:26-27.
V. WE NEED NOT FEAR THE CHANGES OF LIFE IF WE TRUST THE AUTHOR OF LIFE!
Our Lord Jesus called the apostles out of their vocational and family security to become full time fishers of men: Matthew 4:17-22. We may not know all the changes our Lord has in mind will bring to our lives but we do know the character of our leader who does not change: Hebrews 13:8. We simply must remember that where our Lord leads us He promises to provide for us: Philippians 4:19.
VI. MOST WILL COUNT THE COST AND NOT CHOOSE TO CHANGE!
Jesus our Lord knew that the majority of believers would remain unwilling to change in order to follow Him: Luke 12:22-32. When we fear change God tells us that fear did not come from Him: 2 Timothy 1:7.
VII. ARE YOU READY TO LOSE YOUR LIFE SO YOU MIGHT FIND HIS LIFE IN YOU?
Jesus wanted people to see greater things through their new ministries: John 12:24-26;
2 Chronicles 16:9. If we are not willing to surrender our comforts and the familiar things of this life we will never grow and see God’s new things in our lives! Jacob lived by sight, but his son Joseph chose to live by faith. Where did Joseph’s faith come from? Romans 10:17; Isaiah 26:3; Jeremiah 6:16; Romans 1:17 KJV. Remember your faith will move God to make a way for you! Hebrews 11:1-2. Is it time for you to step out of your comfort zone and trust God to do the impossible?