What if week 3 you can't fail
WHAT IF?
Week 3: What If We Knew We Could Not Fail?
Rivers Church Sermon Notes
Primary Text | Matthew 14:22–33 |
Big Idea | In God’s kingdom, faithful obedience is never wasted. |
Main Question | What would you attempt for God if you knew your obedience could never be wasted? |
Series Anchor | Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. — Ephesians 3:20–21, CSB |
Key Verse / Supporting Text
Supporting text: Matthew 25:14–30
Peter did not jump out of the boat for attention. He asked Jesus to command him to come, and Jesus said, “Come.”
Biblical faith is not reckless. It begins with hearing Jesus through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, needs around us, and the Spirit’s leadership.
Faith is not asking God to bless every idea we have. Faith is obeying the invitation Jesus gives.
At some point, planning must become action. Churches can spend years talking about reaching families, developing leaders, improving follow-up, expanding ministry, and serving the community.
A vision that never becomes a step is only a daydream.
Peter obeyed Jesus and still faced the storm. A new ministry may struggle. A project may encounter delays. A leader may make mistakes.
Sometimes the storm is not proof you missed God; it is the place where you learn to trust Him.
Peter began to sink and cried, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out. A healthy church creates room for people to try, learn, adjust, develop, and begin again.
If the only people allowed to serve are people who never make mistakes, Jesus will be the only volunteer.
The greater failure is burying what God gave us
In Matthew 25, the servant said, “I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground.” He did not lose what he had; he refused to use it.
What has God entrusted to Rivers Church? The gospel, people, relationships, facilities, resources, gifts, influence, opportunities, and community trust.
The greatest failure is not trying and learning. It is burying what God entrusted to us.
Personal Application
- Redefine success: hearing God, taking the next faithful step, loving people, learning from mistakes, adjusting when necessary, remaining faithful, and giving God glory.
- Ask: What would you attempt if you knew your obedience would not be wasted?
Engage and Respond
- Introduce a 90-Day What If Experiment for small ministry ideas.
- Possible ideas: community meal, guest lunch, senior care team, student mentoring, prayer ministry, family support gathering, neighborhood outreach, or leadership-development group.
- Weekly challenge: Take one step toward something God has placed on your heart.
- Closing declaration: We would rather step out with Jesus than remain comfortable in the boat.
What If? Sermon Series • Week 3 • Rivers Church