WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

WEATHER THE STORM
Matthew 8:23-27 (Part 1)

I. FEAR

1. The passage begins by informing us that the disciples followed Jesus into a ploion {ship}. Most likely this vessel was a small fishing boat. D.A. Carson says, “A ploion ‘boat’ was a vessel of almost any size and description (v. 23). Here it is doubtless a fishing boat, big enough for a dozen or more men and a good catch of fish, but not large, and without sails.”
2. Luke tells us that Jesus instructed the disciples to go over to the other side of the lake (Luke 8:22). Most scholars agree that they were on the Sea of Galilee also known as Lake Chinnereth.
3. As they sailed across the lake they were frightened by the roaring winds and the raging waves. This storm was not your average storm (v. 24). Jesus described it as a megas seismos {great tempest}. The Greek word seismos is found fourteen times in the New Testament. It is translated “earthquake” thirteen times and tempest only one time.
4. Some of the disciples were expert fishermen and had experienced stormy seas in the past. However, they had never encountered anything as turbulent as this storm. John MacArthur, Jr. gives us this insight into the location of the storm. He says,

The Sea of Galilee lies just over 600 feet below sea level, near the northern end of the Jordan River. Mt. Hermon rises 9,200 feet to the north, and strong northerly winds often plummet down the upper Jordan valley with great force. When they meet the warmer air over the Galilee basin, the intensity is increased. Hitting the cliffs on the eastern shore, the winds swirl and twist, causing the waters beneath them to churn violently. The fact that they come quickly and with little warning makes the storms all the more dangerous and frightening.

5. Needless to say, the storm sent the ship rocking and reeling in the midst of the sea. The crushing waves came down on the vessel paralyzing the disciples with fear.

6. Our text tells us that the storm was so severe that “the ship was covered with the waves” (v. 24). The word kalupto {covered} is also translated “hidden” by many scholars. In other words, the waves of water covered the ship to the point that you could not see the vessel. As a result, the disciples were gripped with deilos{fear}.

II. Application

 Perhaps you have been smitten with this kind of fear in your personal life.
 Maybe you have been betrayed by an unfaithful spouse who has deserted you and devastated your family.
 Or, possibly you are currently in the eye of the storm of infidelity and adultery. Your life has been ripped apart leaving you scared and lonely.
 The fear of the unknown has robbed you of security and personal sanity. Just like the disciples you’ve experienced the crashing waves and stormy seas. You have been blown away by terrible fear.
 Furthermore, you feel like a tortured prisoner in bondage to trepidation. You desire to be free from the chains of fear, but you really don’t know how to break free.

III. Breaking Free

Let me share with you two ways to break free from the bondage of fear.

1. First of all, you must understand that followers of Jesus Christ should not always expect smooth sailing.

 Far too often believers equate Jesus and Christianity with the fantasy of prosperity theology. Meaning, if I serve Jesus, then life will be filled with health, wealth, and prosperity. Yet, this is totally contrary to the teachings of scripture. Isaiah described the Messiah (Jesus) as a man who was despised and rejected by men.
 Furthermore, the prophet informed us that Jesus was a man of sorrows acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). Even Jesus warned the disciples, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you (John 15:18). It didn’t take the disciples long to discover that association with Jesus brought persecution, hostility and opposition (Matthew 5:11-12). It is totally ludicrous for the believer to embrace the concept of affluent grandiosity!

Example

Smooth sailing is not always God’s will. Look at the life of the apostle Paul. Apart from Jesus, Paul was the most prominent person in the New Testament. Yet, he certainly did not live a life of ease and comfort. Review his personal testimony,

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with
rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in
the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by
mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the
wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and
painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and
nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:24-28).

Paul suffered for the cause of Christ! Yet, he was in the very center of God’s perfect will
for his life. Serene sailing is not always God’s will.

2. Secondly, how can I break free from the bondage of fear? By faith I must believe that Jesus is with me during my storm (vv. 23-24).
 This passage tells us that Jesus was in the ship with the disciples. In other words, He was with them “in” and “through” their storm. Faith in the presence of Christ can conquer my fears.
 Trusting in an omnipresent Savior will break you free from the yoke of fear. Perhaps you have been blown away by an untimely death. The grief and fear are unbearable. Have faith in the inspired words of David who said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). As you journey through the valley of death and despair, claim the presence of the ever living One!
 Maybe the hellish storm of immorality has ripped through your marriage and has devastated your family. The fear of the unknown has completely overwhelmed your heart. You feel like an emotional paralytic! Your heart is numb and lifeless. It’s almost like your emotions have been injected with Novocain.
 Thoughts of desertion, abandonment, and rejection cripple your mind. Your internal organs become nauseated with fear. Your psyche becomes the pit of the abyss. Deep within your mental Hades you cry out for peace, but peace cannot be found. In the midst of your despair you begin to feverishly search for the key that unlocks the chains of fear and hopelessness. It seems as if you have gone as low as you can get. You try to go to God, but somehow you just can’t make it into his presence. You spiritually struggle with Him. You wrestle with Him. You even question His goodness.

Conclusion

Have you ever been there? I have personally discovered in my spiritual journey that when I am too weak to go to God, He comes to me.
 Do you remember the story of Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14: 24-33)? What prompted our loving Savoir to defy the elements of nature and walk on the sea?
 The text explicitly explains that Jesus walked on the water in order to go to the disciples who were terrified by the storm. Notice the phrase “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea” (v. 25).
 Jesus walked right into the eye of the storm to be with His disciples. Since the disciples could not get to Jesus, He went unto them.
 He walked on the water for them. He performed this miracle for them. Jesus conquered the raging sea in order to be with His disciples in the midst of their storm. Praise God!
 Jesus will walk on the water to be with you in the middle of your storm. Mark it down. Take it to the bank. Faith in the omnipotent One will crush the bondage of fear. The disciples had to deal with their fears in an effort to weather this storm.

The Obedience of a Servant

Introduction:

If you were to describe yourself in just two words, what would they be? Powerful and dynamic? Gifted and visionary? How about gentle and humble? Probably for most of us, these words did not even enter our minds as an option. If those words had entered our mind, we probably would have rejected them for the sake of sounding prideful and impressive. Ironically, there are very few words that Jesus used to describe Himself. In Matthew 11:29, Christ specifically said about himself, “…I am gentle and humble.” One might expect Christ to describe Himself as all-powerful, all-knowing, or all-wise; and he has every right to describe Himself with those words, but he chose not to. These two words, gentle and humble are the blueprint of Christ’s character, a pattern that he wants us to use in our own lives as we strive to be obedient to Him.


I. SELF-DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden in light (Mt.11:29, ESV)

A. Gentle

1. The term that Matthew uses for gentle speaks of strength under control. Earlier when speaking about the beatitudes that same word is used; it was used of a wild stallion that has been tamed.

2. It is also the same word used to describe how a soothing ointment takes the sting out of a wound. What a perfect picture of Christ’s character!

B. Humble

1. The term Matthew uses for humble means “to be made low,” It refers to “the small and insignificant services by which one can help the other.”

2. Basically, this word humble is a servant word, one that has unselfishness and thoughtfulness mixed in with it.

3. Together, the qualities of gentleness and humility form the unusual image of the most powerful life ever lived. And it’s that same image that the Father is committed to forming in each one of us. Romans 8:28-29 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed into the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (ESV)


II. CASE STUDY: WASHING THE DISCIPLES FEET (John 13:1-17)

A. Background Information

1. In John 13, we find one of the most indelible pictures of Jesus’ humility and gentleness in all of Scripture.

2. The scene is set in a borrowed guest room of a 1st century home in Jerusalem. In that day, the dusty paths and dirty streets demanded a host or servant at the door to wash the people’s feet as the entered the home. On those occasions that there was no servant to do this chore, someone would often volunteer to fulfill this role.

3. As the disciples gathered in the Upper Room with Jesus to celebrate the Passover, not one of them volunteered to fulfill this role of foot-washing. It seems that Peter, John, and Matthew, and rest where arguing about who among them would be the greatest in Christ’s kingdom (cf. Luke 22:24-30)

4. Imagine Jesus’ disappointment. For 3 years he had taught them of servanthood, demonstrated it for them, and poured out his life as an example of servanthood; yet they still have not caught onto the concept that the kingdom of heaven is about serving.



B. 3 Observations about serving others

It is interesting that Jesus used something common to their culture (footwashing) to demonstrate how they were to serve others.

1. Being a servant is unannounced (13:4-10)

a. When Jesus arose from the table, he did not say, “now, I am going to get up and wash your feet.” He got up, grabbed a towel and basin and began washing the disciple’s feet.

b. True servanthood is unannounced and does not draw attention to itself with loud proclamation and gaudy actions.

c. Consider what the Pharisees used to do: “they do all their deeds to be noticed by men.” Jesus warned his disciples against following their patterns. He told his disciples, “..but the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Mt.23:5-7, 11-12)

2. Being a servant includes receiving graciously as well as giving graciously (13:8)

a. Notice Peter’s pronouncement when Jesus approached him, “Never shall you wash my feet.” (John 13:8) For Peter the thought of Christ serving Him was unthinkable. But why?

b. If we were honest, most of us would admit that it is much more comfortable to give than it is to receive. Receiving means admitting that we have a need, and that rubs our pride the wrong way.

3. Being a servant is not a sign of inner weakness, but incredible strength (13:9-17)

a. Jesus did not hesitate to tell Peter that if he did not allow him to wash his feet, then they were through!

b. Only someone with tremendous inner strength would have the courage to confront a close friend like that. And of course, we all probably remember Peter’s response, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.”

C. Admonition to the disciples

1. When Jesus finished washing the disciples feet, he sits back and asks them the question, “do you know what I have done?” The disciples, I am sure were thinking that this is a strange question, of course we know what you have done, we have watched you.

2. But Jesus question was not so simple , it was designed to be below the surface and teach them a valuable lesson.

3. The disciples probably thought, after pondering on the situation for a minute, that Jesus was going to tell them that they must be willing to wash his feet too. But Jesus comes to a different conclusion and tells them that as I have washed your feet so also you should wash the feet of others.

4. If Jesus has asked any one of the disciples to get up and wash His feet, that person would not have thought twice about it. In fact, any one of the disciples would have been honored to do that. But the lesson is that we should be eager to wash the feet of our neighbors or of those who are sick and needy among us.

D. Applying Christ’s Teaching

1. Obedience means personal involvement

Servanthood requires that we stoop down, that we get wet, that we get involved in meeting the needs of others in a person way.



2. Obedience requires Christlike unselfishness

Often times we hesitate to serve, not because we don’t know how, but because by doing so would mean risking, stepping out of our comfort zones.

3. Obedience results in ultimate happiness

The joy of serving is only for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and wash a few feet. It will not happen about theorizing about serving; we’ve got to get involved in the same gentle and humble way Jesus did.

The Perils of a Servant

(2 Kings 2-4)


Introduction:

Every calling, occupation, or vocation has its own perils. A servants perils, however,seem to be more subtle than obvious and overt. By means of introduction, we need to address some common misconceptions about servanthood. These misconceptions, in part, make the duty of being a servant very dangerous and life-threatening at times.


Misconception #1: Servants Have Special Powers in Themselves

Too often it seems that young and immature Christians tend to put spiritual mentors and popular preachers on pedestals. They look upon them as having some angelic power. Paul sets the misconception straight when he says in 2 Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”


Misconception #2: Servants Don’t Struggle With Everyday Problems

Implanted in some people’s minds is the erroneous truth that the more holy and selfless you become, the less you struggle with life’s problems. Therefore, this thinking leads a person to believe that servanthood is some sort of spiritual staircase that leads its followers to higher planes of prosperity. Paul thinks quite the opposite of true servanthood, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, ESV)


Misconception #3: Servants Are Protected Against Subtle Dangers

The logic goes like this: great servants aren’t vulnerable to the petty perils and temptations that ordinary people face. Big dangers, everyone is susceptible to those; but small dangers are no match for a true servant.Listen to the way that Paul describes his life experience, “Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you” (2 Corinthians 4:10-11, ESV). Paul faced dangers on every corner he turned. It is clear from Paul’s words that being a servant in no way protected him from dangers. Furthermore, it is those not-easily-recognizable (subtle) dangers that pose the greatest threat.


Case Study: Gehazi

In order to fully realize the perils that face servants of Christ, a case study needs to be conducted from a particular OT character. His name is Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, and his story is found in 2 Kings 2-5


I. BACKGROUND TO THE STORY

A. As we step into the world of 2 Kings, we find ourselves in a time of chaos and corruption in Israel. For generations, one wicked ruler after another has occupied the nation’s throne, leading to the people’s problems with apostasy.

B. The Lord raises up a prophet named Elijah to deliver the people from the depths of their depravity, and after he is taken to heaven in a whirlwind, the job of the prophet is laid upon the shoulders of his successor Elisha.

C. As we move into 2 Kings 4, we pick up the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman who has been very gracious to Elisha and his servant. Elisha does not know how to thank the woman, and so Gehazi suggests that Elisha make it possible for the woman to bear children. The gift is granted and the woman bears a son.

D. As the baby boy becomes a young lad, he is working in the fields with his father one afternoon and falls ill. He is immediately taken home and dies in the arms of the Shunammite woman. Naturally, the Shunammite woman thinks of Elisha and promptly sets out to find the prophet hoping to receive another miracle.


*Now the stage is set for the reader to see the dangerous perils that a servant has to face.



II. TEMPTATIONS AND REACTIONS

There are 4 specific perils that Gehazi will face; and these perils are common to all of God’s servants.

A. The peril of overprotection and possessiveness (4:27-28)

1. Gehazi is commendably committed to protect Elisha, but isn’t it quite strange that he would treat the Shunammite woman in such a harsh manner when before he was sensitive to her needs?

2. Servants can easily acquire a spirit of jealously towards the ones that they serve. They can easily become overprotective and possessive that they miss seeing the needs of others.

B. The peril of feeling used and unappreciated (4:32-37)

1. Elisha is moved with compassion for the woman and immediately devises a plan to bring the boy back to life. He sends Gehazi ahead of him with specific instructions. Upon arrival at the boy’s house, Gehazi is to lay the staff on the face of the boy – but nothing happens.

2. Elisha finally arrives and takes control of the situation. After Elisha performs another miracle and brings the boy back to life, the Shunammite woman lavishly honors Elisha while Gehazi looks on in the background.

3. Gehazi had done all that Elisha had told him to do, but what Elisha told Gehazi to do did not work. Gehazi probably thought that Elisha had sent him on a fool’s errand. Why did he do this if he was going to come and perform the miracle anyway?

4. Thoughts like these can plant a seed of destruction and discontentment in the heart of a servant. All those who serve others will eventually feel the presence of this particular peril. Gehazi’s root of discontentment grows as the story continues.

5. Elisha tells Gehazi to make stew for some of the prophets who are visiting him in Gilgal, so he goes and gathers some herbs and wild gourds that catch his eye (4:38-40). As the prophets begin to slurp up the soup they claim that the soup is horrible! (4:40-41)

6. Elisha comes in and miraculously saves the day. Once again, Gehazi probably feels that he has messed up. Gehazi is probably wondering, “when will I ever get things right?”

C. The peril of experiencing underserved disrespect and resentment (5:1-12)

1. This peril is seen as the reader is introduced to Namaan, a high-ranking Syrian soldiers who, through a series of events, comes to Elisha to be cleansed of his leprosy.

2. Namaan does not simply “come” to Elisha’s house; he “arrives” with all the pomp and splendor of someone with his status. Elisha is not impressed, and sent his servant out to communicate the method for curing Namaan’s leprosy.

3. Namaan is given the instruction to dip himself in the Jordan River 7 times and on the 7th time he will be cured. Namaan becomes furious and who do you think he takes his anger out on? You guessed it – Gehazi.

4. All servants of God will find themselves in Gehazi’s shoes at one time or another. Today, the truth that servants give will not come from the words of a prophet, but they will be from the Word of God. And regardless of how graciously the truth is communicated, a servant is likely to be caught in a painful crossfire of resentment and rejection.

5. The good news is that Namaan did settle down and did follow Elisha’s instructions. In gratitude for his miraculous healing, Namaan returns to offer Elisha a sizeable gift. Remember, Gehazi was the one who told Namaan what to do and suffered his abuse, but now it is Elisha who is offered a reward.

6. Elisha refuses Namaan’s gift, but Gehazi cannot resist the temptation. This temptation will cost him dearly.


D. The peril of hidden greed (5:21-24)

1. Gehazi’s greed was sparked by Namaan’s offer, and now he quickly rages out of control. He says to himself, “If Elisha will not take the reward, I will!” Gehazi literally runs after Namaan to claim his reward.

2. Gehazi does not have long to enjoy his reward. No sooner than he had hidden it all away, than his master confronts him: “Where have you been Gehazi?” And he simply says, “Your servant went nowhere.”

3. With those few words, Gehazi seals his fate. He has sold out his servanthood for two talents of silver and two changes of clothes. Elisha pronounces judgment on him and his descendants – which judgment was that the leprosy of Namaan would cling to him and his descendants forever. And the text says that he went out from Elisha presence as a leper, white as snow.


III. SOME LINGERING LESSONS

A. No servant is completely safe.

B. Most actions will be unrewarded initially.

C. All motives must be honestly examined.