Sunday Sermon — December 21, 2025
Topic: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus — Faith That Walks and Leads Others to Salvation .
Theme Scripture Verse: “When Peter saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.” Matthew 14:30, 31
Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 14:22–33; John 21:15–19; Acts 2:1–41
Introduction
Faith does not grow in calm waters; it develops in storms. This third Sunday of December, the Month of Thanksgiving, calls us to reflect on the faith that sustains us not only in blessing but also in battle. Gratitude is not just about what we have received — it is about trusting the One who keeps us standing when everything around us shakes.
Peter’s story on the Sea of Galilee reminds us that faith begins where sight ends. On that stormy night, Peter heard Jesus say, “Come.” He stepped out of the boat and began to walk on water. No other human had ever done that — because no one else dared to believe. But the moment Peter looked away from Jesus and saw the waves, he began to sink. Such is the nature of faith: when focused on Christ, we rise; when distracted by fear, we fall.
Yet Peter’s journey did not end in failure. Through every fall, Jesus lifted him again, training his heart for greater things. The one who once cried, “Lord, save me!” would one day stand before thousands in Jerusalem, preaching salvation through the same Lord who had saved him.
This message explores three key lessons from Peter’s walk and witness:
- Fear stops faith.
- Circumstances distract faith.
- Vision directs faith — and faith produces fruit.
Point 1: Fear Stops Faith
Matthew 14:27–31
Before Peter walked, he first heard the voice of Jesus: “Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid.” Every step of faith starts with this call. Jesus never invites us to step where His presence will not sustain us. Faith responds to His voice even when conditions seem impossible.
Peter stepped into uncertainty, his eyes on Jesus, but fear entered when he noticed the strength of the wind. Like Peter, many of us begin in faith but halt at the first wave of doubt. Fear makes us calculate the risk instead of trusting the command. But the power of faith is not in the water beneath us; it’s in the Word spoken over us.
When Jesus said “Come”, that one word carried the authority to hold Peter up. Faith walks on the Word. Fear, however, steals focus, paralyzing forward movement.
In our walk with God, fear often whispers: “You will fail again.” But gratitude silences fear. Thanksgiving reminds us of God’s past victories and stabilizes our hearts for present battles. Every believer must decide whether to focus on fear or on the faithfulness of Christ. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, even the storm becomes our pathway.
Peter began to sink the moment he gazed at his surroundings. Yet in mercy, Jesus caught him immediately — proof that even sinking faith can still reach saving hands. Faith is not the absence of fear; it’s choosing to move despite it. So in this season of Thanksgiving, let us thank God for the courage to step again. Don’t let fear stop your faith. The same Savior who bid Peter “come” calls you today — walk on His Word.
Point 2: Circumstances Distract Faith
Matthew 14:30; Luke 5:1–11
Distraction is faith’s silent destroyer. When Peter first walked on water, his focus was pure — his eyes fixed on Christ. But as the storm grew louder, the sea became his focus instead of the Savior. Faith collapses when attention shifts from promise to problem.
Many of us are like Peter on that night — beginning in boldness but collapsing under distraction. Bills, illnesses, responsibilities, family struggles — all these waves compete for our attention. But faith cannot fix its eyes on both Jesus and the wind. If the eye of faith looks away from Christ, it loses its balance.
Peter learned this lesson again earlier, in Luke 5. After fishing all night and catching nothing, he obeyed Jesus’ instruction to “launch out into the deep.” He might have been tired and frustrated, but when he obeyed, the empty nets overflowed. Faith always triumphs when obedience outweighs discouragement.
Circumstances do not decide outcomes; the Word of Christ does. Gratitude strengthens this truth. A thankful heart focuses on what God is doing, not what the storm is saying. When Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!”, Jesus responded immediately. The response of Jesus shows us: even distracted faith is recoverable when our cry returns to Christ.
Every storm is an invitation to refocus. The wind does not stop faith; looking at the wind does. Let this Thanksgiving remind you: your circumstances do not define you — your Savior does. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Focused faith walks where fear never can.
Point 3: Vision Directs Faith — and Faith Produces Fruit
John 21:15–19; Acts 2:14–41
After Peter’s denial of Christ, shame clouded his vision. He returned to fishing — his old life. But Jesus met him again on the shore and restored him with love: “Feed My sheep.” That moment revived Peter’s vision and redefined his destiny. Vision directs faith, and without vision, even the strongest believer drifts.
Peter’s faith journey came full circle at Pentecost. The same man who sank in the water and denied his Master was now filled with the Holy Spirit. He stood boldly before the same city that once terrified him and proclaimed: “This Jesus, whom you crucified, God has made both Lord and Christ.”
That sermon ignited revival. The Bible says, “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” (Acts 2:41). Fear once silenced him, but faith now opened heaven’s gates through his voice. This is what happens when vision is restored.
Thanksgiving nurtures that vision. When you recall God’s mercy, you begin to see what He can make of your life. Peter’s earlier panic became his pulpit; his doubt became his declaration. The one who once cried, “Lord, save me!” now cried out, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ!”
Faith that focuses on Jesus does not end with personal survival — it produces salvation in others. Our greatest gratitude is not only for what God has done for us but for what He does through us. When God restores our vision, our faith becomes fruitful.
Like Peter, you too are called to move from sinking to standing, from failing to preaching, from fear to faith. This Christmas season, thank God for every storm that redirected your sight toward Christ. Because when vision is fixed on Him, faith multiplies — and heaven rejoices.
This Week’s Declaration
“I fix my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. No wind will shake my confidence, no wave will drown my hope. My heart is anchored in thanksgiving, my steps are guided by His Word, and my eyes remain on Him who calms every storm. I will not fear, I will not be distracted, and I will not lose vision. This week, my faith will bear fruit — lives will be touched, hearts will be changed, and Jesus will be glorified.”
This Week’s Reflection
Reflect on Peter’s story from the storm to the sermon. The one who faltered became the one through whom thousands found salvation. Think about areas in your life where you began to sink — where fear, distraction, or discouragement took your focus off Jesus. This week, bring those moments before the Lord with thanksgiving.
When Peter looked back up, Jesus was still there — faithful, present, and powerful. Gratitude restores focus and reveals purpose. As you thank God this week, lift your eyes again to the Savior. He still calls, still strengthens, and still uses those who once sank to lift others to new life.
Self-Examination
- Am I letting fear limit my faith? What stops me from taking new steps of obedience?
- Do I allow my present circumstances to distract me from Christ’s promises?
- Am I living with a thankful vision — one that impacts others?
Peter’s journey teaches that our mistakes are not final — they’re formative. He failed, but he learned. When restored, Peter no longer looked at the storm; his focus stayed on the Savior. Examine your heart: where have your eyes wandered? Has fear, pressure, or routine blurred your vision?
Ask the Lord to renew your focus. Spend time thanking God for His mercy that lifts you every time you sink. Remember, Jesus didn’t just save Peter from drowning; He prepared him for destiny. That same grace is shaping you to walk, stand, and speak with faith again. Thanksgiving revives faith, and revived faith reveals purpose.
Conclusion
Faith is not proven in peaceful moments but in turbulent waters. Peter’s life shows us that great faith often begins after failure. Though he sank, he was saved; though he denied, he was restored; though he once feared, he later preached with power.
The same Jesus who called Peter calls you today: “Come.” Keep your eyes on Him. Don’t let fear stop your step or circumstances break your focus. Vision will guide your faith toward fruitfulness. The storm that once threatened to sink you may become the very story that draws others to Christ.
This month of Thanksgiving, let your heart overflow with gratitude — not only for material blessings but for the faith that keeps you afloat. Remember: the hand that caught Peter still reaches for you. Keep your eyes on Jesus — and walk in faith, focus, and fruitfulness.
Altar Call
If your faith has faltered or your focus has drifted, Jesus calls you today. Like Peter, cry out, “Lord, save me!” and He will reach out His hand. The same Savior who walked on the storm is waiting to lift you above it. Come with a thankful heart and renewed trust. Step out of fear, away from distraction, and into divine direction. Jesus will restore your faith and use you to reach others. Today is your moment to rise again — eyes fixed on Jesus, walking by faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us beyond our fears and distractions. We fix our eyes again on Jesus, the One who calms every storm. Forgive us for the times we have looked at the waves instead of Your face. Restore our faith, renew our vision, and use our lives to lead others to You. Thank You for saving Peter — and for saving us. As we walk through this week of Thanksgiving, may our hearts overflow with gratitude, our eyes remain fixed on Jesus, and our steps bring glory to Your name. Empower us to walk in faith and to help others find the same salvation. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.
God bless you all. Have a Blessed Christmas week ahead.