The Shaping Nature of Storms

Grand Parkway Baptist Church

John 6:15-21 1. Expectation, v. 17 2. Storm, v. 17-18 Notice the mood of the text: “it was now dark” “Jesus had not come to them” “the sea became rough” “a strong wind was blowing” Has your response to difficult times changed the longer you’ve been a Christian? 3. Fear,v. 19 Fear does two things to us: a) Fear signals something beyond itself b) Fear turns all of our thoughts and words inward *fear- ‘phobeo’ to put to flight by terrifying. Four questions that fear answers for us... What do I really want? What is important to me? What do I value? What do I love? How do you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness towards you and your family? 4. Capacity, v. 20-21 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” -2 Timothy 1:7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hand, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but o power and love and self-control.” -2 Timothy 1:6-7 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. -2 Timothy 1:3-5 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. -2 Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:1-7 How is your life different after you became a Christian? What capacity do you now possess that you didn’t before you came to Christ?