Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

In The Storm With Christ | Mark 4:35-41 | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Gospel of Mark Series)

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, February 5, 2023

Scripture References

Mark 4:35-41John 171 Peter 4Acts 14:16-17Luke 8:22-25Acts 27Acts 23:11Psalms 112:7Psalms 107:28-29Proverbs 30:3-4Job 42

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh examines Mark 4:35-41, showing that obedience to Christ often leads through storms intended to reveal His divine identity. By trading worldly panic for a reverent fear of God, believers find peace in His absolute sovereignty.

Key Takeaways

1Obedience to God's instructions does not promise a journey free from trials; often, the storm is the path He ordained.
2Faith is not just knowing the Word; it is actively trusting the Word when circumstances suggest the Word is failing.
3A 'small view of God' leads to paralyzing fear, while a 'big view of God' leads to reverent worship that shields the heart.
4Storms are unique opportunities where God reveals facets of His character that cannot be perceived in seasons of calm.
5Jesus is not merely a teacher or miracle worker; He is the sovereign Creator (Yahweh) who holds authority over nature itself.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why is it significant that Jesus initiated the trip knowing a storm was coming? How does this change your view of your own current difficulties?
2The disciples asked, 'Do you not care that we are perishing?' When have you felt that God’s silence or 'sleeping' meant He was indifferent to your pain?
3Pastor Batarseh compared the disciples' fear to Paul's faith in Acts 27. How does having a specific promise from God (like 'you must testify in Rome') change how we view a crisis?
4What is the difference between 'unholy fear' (panic) and 'great fear' (reverence) as described in the sermon?
5How does the realization that Jesus is Yahweh (the God of Psalm 107) impact your trust in Him during daily life?
6Can you share a 'storm' in your life that led to a deeper understanding of God that you couldn't have gained any other way?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

When facing a trial, look back and ask, 'How did I get here?' If you are following God's Word, take heart that He is with you in the boat.
Practice 'preemptive faith' by studying the character of God now so that you are prepared for the uncertainties of tomorrow.
Monitor your prayers during difficulty—ensure they are requests for help (supplication) rather than attacks on God's character (accusation).
Identify 'fear evangelists' in your life and counter their messages with the firm truth of Scripture.
Recognize common grace: Give God credit for the daily blessings (food, safety, weather) that you might otherwise take for granted.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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