June 9 Faith Fails: Focus Failure Alice Drive Baptist Church Podcast

·       The exclusion dilemma: I choose something, I exclude other options. 

·       22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was
against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out
to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I.
Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter
replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said.

·      If Jesus needed to pray this much, what’s your excuse?

·      Our minds are limited, but do not let your mind limit God. 

·      Is your faith bigger than your fear? 

·       You grow your faith by doing what you have not done before.

·       Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw
the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were
in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

·       You can only focus on one thing. 

·       Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all these things will be added to you.

·       What is one thing that takes your focus off Jesus? 

·       Father, Help me focus on your son Jesus.

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Starter Question: Describe someone you know whose life is scattered.  What makes his or her life that way?

1.      Read Matthew 14:22-29a

2.     Why do you think Jesus choose to walk on water toward the disciples?

3.      The disciples are terrified by the sight of Jesus walking on the water.  When God does the unexpected, what emotions do you experience?

4.     In the first moments Peter walks on water, what do you think he is feeling?

5.      Read Matthew 14:29b-33

6.      What causes you to take your eyes off Jesus?  Why do those things have such power?

7.      Jesus saves Peter, and then tells him he has little faith, then asks him why he doubted.  In your opinion, why does Jesus say these words to Peter?  Are they words
of encouragement or discouragement?  How would you react if Jesus spoke these words to you?