“Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’ But Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’ Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’ When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. ‘You really are the Son of God!’ they exclaimed.” MATTHEW 14:22-33 NLT
The Loyalist:
Reflects: God’s faithfulness
“Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God.” DEUTERONOMY 7:9 NLT
Motivation: Be safe and avoid risk
Core Sin: Fear
“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.’ MATTHEW 16:22-23 ESV
When Healthy:
- Loyalists are able to determine character in the people they encounter
- Loyalists are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, compassionate and good planners
- Loyalists desire to see the world as a safer place
- Loyalists bring a voice of caution
When Unhealthy:
- Loyalists focus on potential risks and danger; failure is inevitable
- Loyalists allow fear and anxiety to dictate their life
- Loyalists don’t trust others, causing them to avoid new experiences and sabotage relationships
How the Loyalist can be real with Self:
“…Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 1 CHRONICLES 28:20 NLT
How the Loyalist can be real with God:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;” PROVERBS 9:10-12 ESV
“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” PSALMS 91:2 NLT
How the Loyalist can be real with Others:
Work to find trustworthy people
“Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” 2 TIMOTHY 2:2 NLT
“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” PROVERBS 3:3-4 NLT
How to love a Loyalist:
- Be secure, consistent, and tell the truth
- Thank them for their loyalty to you
- Encourage them to be courageous
- Fiercely support them when they are right
- Lovingly correct them when they are paranoid
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Take a few moments and allow your thoughts and feelings to become calm. When you are ready, ask God to bring to mind things in your life that are causing anxiety. List them below.
As you look over your list, ask God to reveal what is true about these situations, and what is false, or perhaps exaggerated.
Read Psalm 46:1 (NLT): “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
As you consider this verse alongside your list below, ask God to show you what could also go right in these situations. List these as well. Are there any places where God might be calling you to act in courage and faith? If so, write down what these steps are, and ask God to give you the strength and courage to act on these.
Discussion Questions
- LEADER’S NOTE: Take the first 5-10 minutes of group time to have everyone do the Personal Reflection Guide (linked on the sermon notes). You may want to set a timer, play some soft music, etc. Once you notice people finishing up, transition to group discussion time with a short prayer, then open by asking people to share what that experience was like, if they feel comfortable.
- REAL WITH SELF: When anxiety and fear are dictating my life, God isn’t. Where am I overly focused on risk, danger, & failure?
- REAL WITH SELF: Courage isn’t something that just happens; it takes work. What practical steps can I take to become more strong and courageous?
- REAL WITH GOD: Read Psalm 37:5 (NLT). What do you tend to take refuge in when you face troubles? (It could be good circumstances, yourself, others, etc.) God promises to never leave us or forsake us; describe a time in your life where it was clear that God was with you during a difficult season. What can you do to more easily remember these moments when you are faced with new challenges?
- REAL WITH OTHERS: Why do you think loyalty, kindness, and trustworthiness is so important in relating to others? Recall an incident in which you experienced these qualities from another person. How did it feel? Who in your life do you need to be intentional about showing those attributes to this week?
- TAKE ACTION: Visualize the reality that God is always with you, loves you deeply and is protecting you. Now read Matthew 14:26-29 (NLT). Where in your life is Jesus calling you to step out of the boat? Share with the group what a positive outcome might be from trusting God in this particular area.
