Lecture Notes on Faith and Spiritual Growth

Key Passage: Matthew Chapter 14

• Verses 25-33: Jesus walks on water.
  • Disciples see Jesus and are afraid, thinking he is a ghost.
  • Jesus assures them and calms their fears.
  • Peter asks Jesus to allow him to walk on water.
  • Peter walks on water but begins to sink when he doubts.
  • Jesus saves Peter and questions his faith.
  • Disciples worship Jesus, recognizing him as the Son of God.

Main Themes of the Lecture

Faith and Belief

• Importance of maintaining faith in challenging times.
• Mention of 1 Timothy 4: in the last days, many will leave the faith.
• Difference between attending church and true belief.
• The challenge of maintaining faith in God’s ability, not just his existence.

Spiritual Challenges

• Influences that can erode faith over time, such as negative dialogues and doubts.
• The concept that God is involved in the details of our lives.
• The challenge of believing God will act personally for us.

Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

• Encouragement to evaluate personal relationships and their impacts on faith.
• Acknowledgement of personal limitations and the need to rely on faith.
• The necessity of sometimes pulling away to rejuvenate faith.

Overcoming Doubt and Fear

• Story of Peter walking on water as an example of stepping out in faith.
• Encouragement to not critique those who attempt great things with faith.

The Role of Faith in the Supernatural

• Faith as a transport to the supernatural, allowing for God’s intervention.
• The idea that true faith requires stepping out of comfort zones.
• Overcoming the need for logical explanations through faith.
• Personal testimony about using faith in everyday life.

Practical Application

• Encouragement to act on faith and not wait for external validation.
• The need for faith to navigate life’s unexpected challenges.
• Challenge to put faith into action and trust God’s direction.

Reflection and Personal Application

• Reflect on your own faith journey and areas needing growth.
• Consider how personal relationships influence your faith.
• Evaluate comfort zones and areas of life where faith needs to be applied.
• Reminder that faith is made for more than just the status quo; it’s for supernatural works.

Conclusion

• Faith is necessary for personal and spiritual growth.
• Encouragement to embrace challenges and trust in God’s ability to guide and support.