Easter People – Week Four “Peter: The Failure”

Big Idea: Our way is a path to . God’s way is a path to .

18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.(Matthew 4:19-20 NLT)

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16 NLT)

The Path to Failure

1) We will fail when we overestimate our own

33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:35)

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

2) We will fail when we seek the of others

54 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. 55 The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. 56 A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” 57 But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” 58 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!” “No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. (Luke 22:54-58 NLT)

Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the LORD, you will be safe. (Proverbs 29:24 NCV)

3) We will fail when we speak .

71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. 73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. (Matthew 26:73-74 NLT)

God’s path to Restoration

1) To be used by God greatly, we must be humbled .

61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” (Luke 22:61 NLT)

17 The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God. (Psalm 51: 17 CSB)

2) To be used by God greatly, we must know that we are .

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’” (Mark 16:6-7 CSB)

3) To be used by God greatly, we must .

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. (John 21:17 NLT)

22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. (Acts 2:24 NLT)

41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. (Acts 2:41 NLT)