Peter - from Fishing to Faithfulness
Pastor Chris Grimbilas |
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| Introduction: Jesus' first words to Simon Peter were "Come, follow me"(Mark 1:17). His last words to him were, "You must follow me" (John 21:22)
Every step of the way between those two challenges, Peter never failed to follow -- even though he stumbled. His life
can provide us with great insight on our own walk with Christ. When we examine Peter's life and his walk with Jesus we see:
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| I. Fantastic Enthusiasm |
 A. Willing to Speak Up (He was anxious to voice his support for Jesus)
B. Willing to Spend Energy (He didn't mind hard work - Matt. 17:2-4)
C. Willing to Step Out (He even got out of the boat - Matt 14:28-29)
D. Willing to Stay Close (Peter follow, though from afar, even when the rest ran - Matt 26:57-58)
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| II. Faltering Faith |
A. Wrong Ideas (There's a time to work and a time to worship Matt 17:2-4)
B. Wrong Perspective ( Focus on Christ, not circumstances -Matt 14:28-29)
C. Wrong Attitude (Peter's attitude was far from his bold proclamation that Jesus was the Christ Matt 26)
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| III. Finding Strength |
A. Strong Enough to Stand Up (To those who mocked - Acts 2:14)
B. Strong Enough to Follow (Peter was the "leader", but realized he's never beyond following God - Acts 10:19-21)
C. Strong Enough to Lead (Peter was willing to transcend centuries of prejudice to lead Gentiles to Christ - Acts 10:25-28)
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| How to Handle Irritations |
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| Irritation defined: Any frustration producing agent over which we have no control. |
| A. People - Phil 2:3 |
| B. Circumstances - Phil 1:12 |
| | | 1)single mind - Phil 1:27 |
| | | 2)submissive mind - Phil 2:5,8 |
| C. Things - Phil 3:7 |
| | | 1)spiritual mind - Phil 3:10 |
| D. Worry - Phil 4:6 |
| | | 1)secure mind - Phil 4:11,13,19 |
| Wrong Responses |
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| 1. Protect yourself |
| 2. Hold it in |
| 3. Blame others |
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| Right Responses |
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| 1. Thank God for the test. |
| 2. Determine how much of the problem you caused. |
| 3. Ask God what He is trying to teach you. |
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| Satan's Counterplan For Revival |
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| I. Satan is a: |
| | A. Deceiver |
| | B. Defiler |
| | C. Divider |
| | D. Destroyer |
| II. The Plan |
| | A. Disappointment - blown expectations |
| | B. Disillusionment |
| | C. Discredit - it can't happen to us |
| | D. Discouragement - worry is taking responsibility on myself that belongs to God |
| | E. Disobedience - do not even consider temptations |
| | F. Depression - emotional tantrum turned inward |
| | G. Despair - hopelessness |
| | H. Defeat - "It's too much. I give up!" |
| | I. Destruction |
| Expect God to test your commitment. |
| Thank God for ALL He chooses to use to make you Christ-like. |
| Getting Your Needs Met |
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| Mark 10:46-52 |
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| The example of blind Bartimaeus |
| A. He made himself vulnerable - vs 46 |
| | left the security of his home to look for help |
| B. He cried out - vs 47 |
| | realized he had to ask to receive |
| C. He swallowed his pride - vs 48 |
| | when ridiculed for asking, he asked even louder |
| D. He left all in faith - vs 50 |
| | his garment may have been all he had |
| E. He was specific in stating his need - vs 51 |
| | "That I might receive..." |
| A Guide for Interpretation of Psalm 119 |
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| (Not necessarily needed, but a blessing just the same!) |
| Definitions: |
| Law - The body or system of rules established by one in authority. |
| Testimony - A declaration or affirmation of fact or truth given before a court. |
| Ways - The manner one prefers, wishes or wills. |
| Precept - A rule or principle imposing a particular standard of action or conduct |
| Statute - A decree or edict. |
| Commandment - Order given with authority. |
| Judgement - An authoritative appraisal or a determination of a judge |
| Word - An assurance or promise (note: John 1 !) |
