Peter: Lessons to learn from his life (II)
TEXT: John 15:16
John 15:16(NIV)
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout his time with Jesus,
Peter was always trying to prove himself and his loyalty. The irony is that
Jesus knew it was in there the whole time. He put it there. Once Peter finally
allowed the Holy Spirit to dictate the moment, the evidence of his fellowship
with Christ became undeniably apparent to all.
We
shall continue observe more lessons to learn from the life of Apostle Peter:
- A Prideful
Heart Stunts Growth
- “Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”- Matthew 16:23
- In the same chapter that The Lord refers to Peter’s confession as a rock, He also refers to his comment as being a stumbling block. Pride can make us so puffed-up and full of ourselves we forget that it is the power and grace of God that elevates. Carnal thinking only pulls us down.
- Zeal Without Discipline is Recklessness
“Then Simon Peter drew a sword and
slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave.”– John 18:10
While Peter was fired up with passion, it was fueled by violence and a desire
for wrath. Jesus, in another account,
tells him to put away his sword because all who live by the sword will die by
it. There is a sword that believers are called to draw and that’s the sword of
the Spirit. Wielding this sword will prevent hurtful, impulsive behavior.
- God Uses People Who Make Mistakes
“I tell you,
Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know
me.”– Luke 22:34 Even though we make poor decisions, if we truly have a
repentant heart God can use it to produce something great. What came out of
Peter’s embarrassing denial was a future opportunity to courageously stand
before thousands and declare The Gospel.
APPLICATION/CONCLUSION
Peter had a
sanguine personality. Those with a similar personality may be impulsive like
Peter, but can be encouraged because Peter was also highly influential. God
used him in a great way. God can use you as well.
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