Getting Back On Track

“GETTING BACK ON TRACK”

By: Dr. Dennis Deese - www.dennisdeese.com

JOHN 21:15-25

Peter had a love problem. Like the people in the Ephesus church.

1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

“cursed with a curse, cursed of God, with a bitter and grievous curse.”

1 Corinthians 16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you.

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

A college football coach was faced with the possibility that his star player might be declared ineligible for academic reasons. So he pleaded with the chemistry professor not to flunk the athlete. “Tell you what, coach,” said the professor. “I’ll ask him a question in your presence. If he gets it right, I’ll pass him.” The athlete was called in and the professor queried, “What’s H2O?” “Water,” replied the player. Frantically the coach cried out: “Give him another chance! Please give him another chance!”

I am glad and thankful God is a God of the second chance.

What does it take to get back on track?

1. THE COMPELLING GRACE OF GOD

When a vice-president of IBM came up with an idea to set up a separate division, he was given permission by the CEO, Thomas Watson. When he put the plan in motion, he promptly lost ten million dollars. He came in and told Mr. Watson that he was resigning, and when Watson asked why, the vice-president said, “Because this thing was such a miserable failure.” Watson responded, “You’re not resigning after I just spent ten million dollars on your education.”

1. Supplied

Romans 9:16 So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

2. Sufficient

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

2. A GENUINE LOVE FOR GOD

It is marked by the fact that it is:

1. Teachable 21:15-17

2. Unselfish 21:15 “more than these”

3. Sacrificial 21:18

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3. A PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO GOD

In three areas. In our

1. Divine Purpose from Him 21:15-17 “Feed my sheep”

2. Intimate Fellowship with Him 21:19

3. Focused Devotion to Him 21:20-22