At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or online with your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
Interactive Scriptures and Notes
Matthew 14:22-29 (NIV)
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Matthew 14:30-32 (NIV)
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NKJV)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
Think about Matthew 14:22-32. In his life, Peter experienced many heroic steps of faith, but he also faced his fair share of correction for missing the mark. This story includes both.
Why do you think we often tend to focus on the sinking and not the miracle? How do we learn from our mistakes without focusing so much on the failure that we lose the passion to keep taking those heroic steps of faith?
Why is it so important to our calling that we surround ourselves with godly, supportive people? What are some practical ways you can invest in authentic, life-giving relationships?
How do we avoid seeing Jesus as our “supplement” and keep our focus on what He is calling us to do?
For Personal Reflection
What step of faith is God calling you to that you’ve been too scared to take? What’s one practical way you can move toward that step this week?