Stepping Out of Your Fear

Pastor Mark Schwarzbauer, PhD

Family Worship Center 10/22/17

Matthew 14:22-33 NIV

Part One: The Vicious Cycle of Fear

  1. Fear is a mean-spirited thief.
  2. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky said “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
  3. The vicious cycle… fear breeds inaction. Inaction breeds fear.
  4. “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” Dale Carnegie
  5. Eleanor Rooseveltsaid “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

Part Two: Challenge Your Fears with Faith

  1. The fourth watch before dawn… when things are dark.
  1. The waves and wind were contrary.
  2. Facing the dark and contrary in your life.
  3. Terrified and crying out in fear.
  1. Take Courage.
  1. NIV – “Take Courage”, NKJV “Be of good cheer” LB- “Don’t be afraid”.
  2. - Greek word Θαρσεῖτε (Tharseite).
  3. Literally, to radiate warm confidence (exude “social boldness”) because warm-hearted.To be bold, confident, maintain a confident bearing. Take courage. Good cheer.[1]
  4. Be daring and emboldened because Jesus is there!
  5. Jesus challenged them in the present imperative active.
  1. Peter was emboldened – tharseo and took up the challenge.
  1. He walked on water!
  2. Jesus calls him out of the boat… “Come!”
  3. The fisherman walked on water!
  4. Only when he took his eyes off Jesus did he get into trouble.
  1. Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out and caught him.
  1. Remember last week from Hebrews 13:6…
  2. βοηθός (Boethos) means real help on time. “a helper bringing the right aid in time, i.e. to meet an urgent, real need.”[2] Pictures God RUNNING to your aid as you call out to Him.
  3. When you challenge your fears with faith, Jesus will be there to catch you too!

Part Three: Stepping Out of the Boat

  1. My fear of the water… swim class at age 5.
  2. Was afraid to try Boy Scouts swim test.
  3. Failed initial scuba test.
  4. Refused to submit to my fears.
  5. Became a PADI certified Master Diver.
  6. Still at times feel anxious and wonder why I challenge my anxiety. Then I pray and embolden myself with God’s help.
  7. Not missing out… see

Closing- Stepping out of YOUR Fear

Closing – Inspiring Faith – Destroying Fear

Discussion Items and Questions for Home and Small Group

  1. Can you share something you missed out on because of fear?
  2. Discuss what it means to Θαρσεῖτε (Tharseite) – take courage.
  3. Why should we honor Peter and not ridicule him for stepping out?
  4. BRIEFLY share how Jesus has been there on time for you.
  5. What area of fear do you need to challenge with active faith?
  6. When and how will you do it?
  7. Pray for each other.

[1] Kittel, G., Bromiley, G. W., & In Friedrich, G. (1964). Theological dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans.

[2]