Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

When Jesus Walks on Water | Mark 6:45-52 | Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Gospel of Mark Series)

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Sunday, April 23, 2023

Scripture References

Mark 6:45-52Hebrews 6:10John 6:14-15John 6:16-18Luke 24:28Exodus 33:18-231 Kings 19:11Exodus 3:14Job 9:8Isaiah 50:10Matthew 8:26-27Matthew 14:32-33

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh examines Jesus walking on water in Mark 6:45-52, highlighting God's all-seeing grace during our trials. The sermon reveals how Christ uses opposition and His perceived absence to mature our faith and reveal His divine identity as the 'I AM.'

Key Takeaways

1God's character ensures He will never forget or overlook the love and service you show in His name.
2Obedience to Christ does not exempt you from struggle; in fact, it often invites opposition from the world and spiritual forces.
3Jesus uses periods of His perceived absence to mature our faith, moving us from relying on feelings to relying on His commands.
4The 'I AM' who walks on water is the same God who provides for your daily needs; He is in control of the economy and the elements.
5Trials and storms are often God's tools to soften a heart that has become calloused or indifferent during times of blessing.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1How does the promise in Hebrews 6:10 change your perspective on 'unseen' service in the church?
2Why did Jesus perceive the crowd's desire to make Him king as a temptation to be avoided through prayer?
3Compare the 'first storm' (where Jesus slept in the boat) to this 'second storm.' What was the specific lesson Jesus wanted the disciples to learn in the second one?
4What does the phrase 'He meant to pass by them' suggest about how Jesus wants us to respond to His presence during a crisis?
5Pastor Daniel mentioned that we often see 'ghosts' (fear/Satan) in our trials instead of seeing Jesus. Why is it our default to attribute struggles to the enemy rather than God's refining hand?
6How do we move from 'marveling' at what Jesus does to 'worshiping' who He is?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Commit to secluded, undistracted prayer to gain the strength needed to resist worldly shortcuts to success.
When you feel 'deserted' in a trial, remind yourself that Christ is watching you from the 'hilltop' and monitoring your progress.
If you are walking in obedience but facing darkness, trust in the name of the Lord rather than looking for 'ghosts' or fearing spiritual curses.
Evaluate your heart's response to recent blessings; if you have become indifferent, ask God to soften your heart before a storm is required.
Keep 'rowing' in the direction God gave you, even when progress is slow and the wind is against you.

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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