Saturday, September 1, 2012

September 1, 2012

"Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as our.  Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." I Peter 1:1-2

Out of Peter's role as a servant developed a knowledge of his Master. That knowledge grew into a relationship.

Peter makes it clear that this is God's desire for all His people. To see how that knowledge develops let’s trace Peter’s journey.


          Follower“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men…..”  Mt. 4:19

Peter became a follower when Jesus issued him a personal call to leave his nets and boat to follow Jesus. He would never be the same!
 

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
 
 
          Learner  Disciple – “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” Matthew 5:1-2

Since Jesus was a Rabbi, those who would follow Him would learn His teachings. What Peter learned from Jesus changed his life! Until you live it you haven't learned it!
 
ARE YOU A DISCIPLE?       

WHAT DID YOU LEARN LAST WEEK?
 
ARE YOU DISCIPLING ANYONE ELSE?

          Believer Mt. 16:16 - Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Peter's name changed from “Simon” - shifting sand to “Peter” – the rock.


Peter not only learned with his head, but as he walked with Jesus and watched Jesus he began to believe that Jesus WAS the Son of God. His doubts diminished as his knowledge grew.


WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS? DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW THAT?


           Minister  “Feed my sheep…..” John 21:17


After Peter failed and denied Jesus, He lost confidence in himself and after Christ was crucified, Peter went back to fishing. But the Resurrected Jesus came looking for him and tenderly let Peter know that he was forgiven and that Jesus still had a ministry for Peter to fulfill! When Peter heard that he was forgiven and called by his Jesus to get busy serving Him again, he gladly resumed serving Jesus.

What is neat to realize is that even after Peter gave up on himself - GOD PURSUED PETER WITH GAZELLE INTENSITY.


HOW ARE YOU MINISTERING FOR GOD?      WHO ARE YOU FEEDING?
 

           Apostle – “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:40-41

An "apostle" is one who is sent on a mission with the "Good News". Peter drew close to Jesus and learned from Him and then he was sent out to draw others to Jesus. But first, the big difference was - HE WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT first.


HAVE YOU BEEN FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT?


Martyr – Crucified upside down on a cross because he felt unworthy to die like Jesus!

WHAT ARE YOU GIVING YOUR LIFE FOR?

I think it is safe to say that Peter had his eye on the prize! He shows you how to do it, too!
 

As You Grow In Him As Peter Did, You Realize HE IS THE PRIZE!
Hearing Him say, “Well done” Is The Prize!
Leading Others To Getting To Know Him Is The Prize!


 

 

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