Peter's Path To Power

PETER’S PATH TO POWER

Luke 22:31-32, 60-61

INTRODUCTION

A. Peter’s Denials of Christ

1. We have been studying Peter on Wed. nights for 5 months.

a. I would hope we have learned a lot from this marvelous man Jesus named the rock

b. The rock that Jesus would build His church upon.

c. Peter would be one of its greatest preachers.

d. 3000 souls came to know Christ in one service that Peter preached at.

e. The Bible tells us many were added to the church daily.

f. It was Peter who walked on water…

g. It was Peter who said…You’ll not wash my feet Lord!

h. It was Peter who cut of Malchus’ ear in the garden.

i. It would be Peter who ran on into the tomb when John hesitated!

j. Peter…brash, outspoken…first to speak…last to listen.

2. But Peter was not always successful.

a. As powerful as Peter would become…

b. He experienced moments of weakness…

c. He fell powerless to the attack of Satan.

d. He callously denied that he even knew Jesus in the hours after his arrest.

e. He cursed and swore that he never knew him…or walked with him.

f. The one he had sworn an allegiance to the death to.

g. He shriveled up and lost all his nerve when faced with the punishment of the guard.

3. Isn’t that why we love Peter so much…because we can identify with him.

a. As brash as we would like to be for our Savior.

b. As brash as we should be.

c. Many of us can talk a good game…

d. But when Satan attacks…will we be like Peter before the resurrection, or after?

e. Will we walk on the water…or sink?

f. Will we be SSS (Secret Silent Saints), or will be vocal and proud of who we are?

4. Jesus knew that tough days were ahead for His disciples.

a. He had just revealed to them about His coming suffering.

b. He had just told them that one of them would betray them.

c. Then in our text this morning He tells Peter…Peter…hang on…there’s a storm coming…and his name is satan!!!

(Luke 22:31-32 KJV) And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: {32} But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

(Luke 22:56-62 KJV) But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. {57} And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. {58} And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. {59} And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. {60} And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. {61} And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. {62} And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

5. In these verses, we see the Apostle Peter at the lowest point in his life.

a. We know that Peter became a man of great faith…

b. This defeated and broken warrior would one day rise to lead Jesus’ church.

c. What power…changed him…and has the ability to change us…

d. From a Denying Disciple…into a Dynamic and Charismatic Preacher.

BODY

A. The Prayer Of Christ For Peter

1. Jesus was concerned about Peter…He knew something that Peter did not.

a. Satan had asked permission to sift Peter…to test his faith…and evidently…that permission had been given unto!!!

b. This is one the greatest mysteries to me in all of God’s word.

c. How, does evil personified have access to God?

d. How can satan have so much power, even to the sifting of those so close to God?

e. I do not know the answers to those questions, but I do acknowledge them as a biblical fact.

f. Satan does have access to the heavens…(although one day he won’t have)

g. He can and still does desire to sift us…

h. Especially those closest to God…

i. It ought to be a warning to all of us who call ourselves Christians.

j. He is real…he is powerful…he is to be feared…but hallelujah he has been defeated.

2. Peter came to know the power of satan personally.

a. Listen to these two powerful descriptions of satan.

(1 Pet 5:8 KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: