A BIBLICAL STUDY
DOUBT
Teachings and
Illustrations of Christ
Matthew 14
“in the fourth watch”
|
1. |
Sea of
GALILEE - measuring approximately
8 by 13 miles in size, known for its violent wind storms. |
|
2. |
DOUBT - (Gr.
1365) to waver |
|
3. |
DOUBT - (Gr. 1252) to separate thoroughly; to withdraw from; to discriminate; to
waver. |
|
4. |
WAVERETH - (Gr. 1252)
same as above #3 |
|
5. |
FAITH - (Gr. 3640) Only used 5 times in the NT, all in
the context of “O ye of little faith.”-Incredulous, lacking confidence (in
Christ). |
|
6 |
FAITH - (Gr.
4102) used 230 times in the
NT; persuasion, conviction of truth;
reliance on Christ for salvation |
“LITTLE FAITH, WHY DID YOU DOUBT?”
“Doubt” varies from those
who use it as an excuse not to believe to those who do believe and find doubt
interfering in their spiritual walk. Why does a person who loves the Lord
experience doubt?
MATTHEW 14:22-33
1. Why did Jesus send the disciples away on the ship? (14:22-23)
2. What had happened during that time? (14:24)
3. When did Jesus walk to the disciples on the sea? (14:25)
· Approximately what was the time of night? A) 6:00-9:00PM B) 9:00-Midnight C) Midnight – 3:00AM D) 3:00-6:00AM
4. What was the response of the disciples? (14:26)
5.
What was Peter’s request? (14:28)
6. When did Peter start sinking? (14:30)
7. What was the response of the disciples? (14:33)
KEY ELEMENTS IN THIS
PASSAGE:
I.
DOUBT: Share the different uses of
the word “doubt.” How did the doubt of
Peter differ from the doubt of an unbeliever?
II.
WIND: Peter experienced doubt
when the “winds were contrary.” When do
these “winds” cause a person who loves the Lord to experience doubt? Explain:
¨
During times of suffering affliction
Psalm 25:17-18
¨
During times of disobedience
Psalm 119:176
¨
During times of “unanswered” prayer
Isaiah 55:8-9
III. FAITH: Compare the two definitions
of “faith” used in the NT (see F.Y.I.)
à
In J.P. Green’s Greek Interlinear, the direct
translation of Jesus’ response to Peter is “Little Faith, why did you
doubt?” Could “Little Faith” appear to
be an endearing statement? How is the
“faith” of Gr.3640 affiliated with that of a child of God?
IV. THE
FOURTH WATCH: Why is
it interesting that this event takes place at this time?
¨
The time of fear
Matthew 8:25-26
¨
The time of weakness
Matthew 26:41
¨
The time of giving up Psalm
6:2-3, 6
V.
THE
PETITION: Review what
Peter asked of Jesus (Matt. 14:28) Would
you consider that to be a bold request?
Explain:
à
What can be learned concerning our
petition?
1) Matthew 21:21-22
2) James 1:5-8
3) James 4:3 4)
I John 5:14
VI. GLORIFICATION: Review the disciples’
response (Matt. 14:33). Why did
God answer Peter’s request? John
11:4b; Isaiah 42:8
SHARE some things God has
done in the “fourth watch” of your day, your week, and/or your life.
VERSE of the WEEK
“And this is the confidence that we have in
him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” - I John 5:15
·
Pray that
God may be glorified in a miracle in your life or the life of a loved one.