INTRODUCTION

1. The training of the Disciples

a) Calling

b) Choosing

c) Correcting

d) Cleansing

e) Changing

2. The Testing of the Disciples

a) In unexpected circumstances

b) The natural responses of the Disciples

c) They reveal the true state of their Faith

 

A GREAT AND SUDDEN TEMPEST

23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.

24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Matthew 8:23-24

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. Mark 4:37

1. A great tempest

2. A great windstorm arose over the sea

3. Their boat was covered with the waves

 

TWO CONTRASTING RESPONSES

25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” Matthew 8:25

38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him,

“Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38

1. The Panic of the Disciples caused them to cry out

a) “Lord, save us!” Matthew 8:25a

b) “We are perishing” Matthew 8:25b

c) “Lord, do You not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38

2. The Peaceful Heart of the Lord Jesus

a) He was not perturbed in the least

b) He was calmly resting

 

ADDRESSING THE DISCIPLES

But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Matthew 8:26

But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:40

1. Why were the Disciples so fearful?

2. Why were they possessing so “little faith?”

3. Why did some possess “no faith?”

4. They had learned so much from the Lord but their faith was still lacking!

5. The problem of “little faith” or “no faith”

a) This needs to be addressed

b) The lack of Faith is deplorable

c) Faith is often assumed

d) It is harder to establish faith than admitted

THE LORD AROSE TO CALM THE STORM

Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26

“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”

Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41

1. Calmly the Lord Jesus arose

2. Confidently He rebuked the storm

3. Cessation of the storm as immediate!

4. Control of the elements was well within the grasp of the Lord!

 

THE ASTONISHED RESPONSE OF THE DISCIPLES

26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”

Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:26-27

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” Mark 4:41

1. The Disciples marvelled

2. They feared exceedingly

3. They spoke to each other in awe and wonder

a) Who can this be?

b) Even the winds and the sea obey Him!

 

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To examine the true state of our faith

2. To evaluate why we lack faith

3. To seek to cultivate faith

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,

6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,

7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9