June 27, 2021

Community Group Questions

Pastor Laurie Stuck

Matthew 14:22-36

"When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast.

When the tempter would prevail, He can hold me fast!" ~Ada Ruth Habbershan

1.  When this week, or recently, have you felt your faith failing? Or temptations or trials, extra difficult? How has Christ held you fast?

Pastor Laurie shared 3 points with us regarding this passage:

• Jesus is not a genie.
• You are not a genie.
• Our God is able.

2.  When or how have you resorted to using God as a genie or yourself as genie, thereby becoming ungrateful for all Christ gives you?

3.  How would those closest to you describe your faith?  Would they say that you believe God is able to calm any storm in your life?  

4.  Jesus had just fed the 5000+ people in Matthew 14:13-21; He immediately "made the disciples get into the boat" and dismissed the crowd Himself.  Jesus, then, went to pray.  Why do you think He did these things?  What do you think He was praying about? 

5.  What was new information to you?  That this was the second storm that Jesus and His disciples faced in Matthew? That the Sea of Galilee was known for sudden, frequent storms? That in Matthew 8, Jesus used the term: "epitimao", which was a term used to thwart evil spirits?

6.  What gives you wonder about the miracle of Jesus walking on water?  Or the miracle of landing in Gennesaret? What was wondrous about the disciples' response?

7.  In Matt. 14:27: Jesus says: "Take heart; it is I."  What are some other "I Am" statements in Scripture that help us know who Christ is and help us take heart?

8. What comforts and encourages you about Peter and his response? This was "training ground for Peter".  Look at 1 Peter 1:6-9, written 30 years after this experience. For what trial that you're going through now, can you "rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9)

9.  The people of Gennesaret's faith in Jesus was evident by their need to only touch the "fringe of His garment."  Matt. 14:36 comments: "And as many as touched it were made well."

• What is your faith in today?
• How is your faith adequate to teach truth?...extend grace?...help change lives?
• For what will you ask your group to pray that Jesus Christ will "increase your faith"?