Series: Our Vision
Sermon Title: Transformed and Passionate
Don’t you just love this 2+ year election cycle? I heard on the news the Canadians are going to manage to have a national parliamentary election, start to finish, in 36 days! Wow.
There’s a topic that keeps coming up ad nauseam -- from candidates and pundits: it’s the issue of “experience“. The question is, can someone without much “experience” in specific areas be qualified to hold high office? In many ways, the question misses a point. That’s because just having “experience” -- like specific training or holding a position for “X number” of years, by itself, never qualifies a person. The question of experience almost always ignores qualifications -- like judgment and character.
I want to begin with a verse that illustrates that to some degree - it talks about a man we want to discuss today; it’s Acts 4:13 -- it’s printed on your outline. Dr. Luke describes a response from the religious elites to Peter and John --
"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)
You might know the circumstances surrounding these words: it was the great supernatural movement that began when Christ birthed His Church, by sending His Spirit to be on and in His people. The result was, huge numbers of people responded to the gospel and put their faith in Christ. It wasn’t long before “religious” folks reacted. They had Peter and John arrested for preaching about Jesus -- Acts 4:2 says, they were greatly disturbed over the disciples’ claim that Jesus resurrected.
They examined them and realized, Peter and John weren’t like other teachers and preachers. They had none of the theological training or “experience” that normally accompanied their communicators. What took them aback wasn’t only what was missing, but what John and Peter showed: character, attitude and confidence. They displayed confidence that none of them possessed. They were untrained men who’d never been to school nor sat under their great rabbis. The conclusion they had to draw…. they had been with Jesus. They had encountered something like that in Someone else -- in Jesus Himself. Mark 1:22 and Matthew 7:28 tell you, when people listened to Him, they said things like, Jesus taught with authority and not like the scribes. And John 7:44 records that the priests and Pharisees at one point, dispatched officers to seize Jesus -- they came back without Him. When they asked why they didn’t arrest Him, the officers just said, No one ever spoke like this man! (John 7:46)
I want to think more today about the kind of infused, life-altering impact Jesus had -- and still has on His followers. We’re spending 4 weeks talking about our vision. I said last time, Trinity leaders spent two years praying and studying, thinking and identifying what -- as a church -- God calls us to be and do. What we came to is summarized in the statement on your bulletin: Our vision is to grow a body of authentic, passionate Christians intent on loving and impacting Lincoln with Christ’s gospel.
Three strategy areas stand behind that sentence. It’s on these three that we’ll pray and focus, and commit time and action for the next years. We began the first area last week and continue on it today. It’s in those words -- “authentic, passionate Christians“. Next time we‘ll take up -- “building leaders who build other leaders“. Then in two weeks, we’ll talk about trusting God to move us through the doors He’s opening in Lincoln.
“Authentic, passionate Christians…” It is both biblical and crucial -- for us as believers and as a community -- to have a Christ-centered dynamic. See, the need of the hour in our time and place isn’t what we already have too many of -- it’s not more superficial, dysfunctional Christians or churches. That is not what Trinity needs to be about. Along that line, we need to grasp that biblical passion is the foundation stone for authenticity. If you’re wondering whether it’s biblical to pursue being passionate about Christ -- it is. I gave you a definition of passion last time -- it’s on your outline: Passion for Christ: it’s a desire, love and enthusiasm for Him which rearranges the rest of your life.
We’re thinking about passion as it’s demonstrated in two different individuals in the NT. They’re different from each other -- but both are ordinary people. And we need to think long about that “ordinary” issue -- most of us are still convinced that passion is some wild-eyed, mystical “thing“ -- it’s like a disease you catch.
We studied Mary. Today we come to Peter, the big fisherman Jesus called to follow, there by the sea of Galilee. When Peter first met Jesus he would not have been described like he was in Acts 4:13. We won’t have time to read all the passages that provide Peter’s story, we’ll just look at a half dozen or so -- but in over viewing Christ’s impact on him -- we can see some of the Components of Peter’s Passion (Mark 1:17)
To begin with, from Mark 1
1. Jesus called Peter to a vision greater than his own. (Mark 1:16, 17f)
You get an introduction to Peter’s discipleship in Mark’s first chapter. When Jesus first encounters him in Mark‘s gospel, Peter was just doing what he did -- he was a fisherman in Galilee; his name was actually Simon, son of Jonah. Simon and brother Andrew were partners in a fishing business with James and John, sons of Zebedee. By the time Christ called him, Peter was in early middle age, he had a business; was married and probably had children. Some time later, Jesus will heal his mother-in-law -- she apparently lived in the home with Peter and his wife. Peter was “living life” like all of us do.
Simon’s brother Andrew first learned about Jesus from John the Baptist. When John declared that Jesus was God’s Lamb Who would take away the worlds’ sin, Andrew responded in faith -- then he quickly took off to find Simon and bring him to Jesus. Those details are in Luke‘s gospel. It’s likely that Simon trusted in Christ as Messiah in his first encounter as well -- that’s because Jesus gave him a new name -- Cephas meaning “rock”.
But then comes this day of discipleship. In Mark 1, Jesus kicks things into high gear for Simon the Rock and the other fishermen. Mark 1:14: John the Baptist has been arrested, so Jesus goes up into Galilee, and He has been preaching; then 1:16 -- As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea; for they were fisherman. And Jesus said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:16, 17) Jesus didn’t present Himself to them as an object of faith here -- they‘d been exposed to Him and His identity -- by this time He’s calling them to follow -- but with a promised outcome -- follow Me -- meaning, let Me set the agenda of your life -- and instead of just giving your life to “living life” -- to only catching fish, you’ll catch people. First Peter and Andrew, then a few verses down, James and John respond to that powerful call. Jesus has called -- and Peter responds, wanting what Christ has offered to do in his life. We’ll come to the implications of each of these at the end.
A second component of his passion:
2. Jesus made Himself and the Father known to Peter. (John 17:25, 26)
Last week, we concluded with John 17. Just before going to the cross to die, Jesus spent time with the Father in prayer. The greatest part of His prayer in that critical time is given to praying for those first few followers and for the future generations who would believe in Him and also follow Him. Verses 25 and 26 are the capstone of what He prayed in that “High Priestly” prayer.
Look at how Jesus finishes praying for them and us: O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. (John 17:25, 26)
Jesus called people to believe in Him -- then He called them to follow Him -- he then reinforced His call on their lives through revelation. Revelation has to do with being given an understanding of spiritual Truth. You will not come to grasp that Truth outside of the act of God’s Son Himself.
In Peter’s and the disciples’ case, the God’s revealed Truth came, step by step, day by day, for the most of three years. How did He do that? By showing them -- in every day life, His character, His glory, His unlimited power, His walk with the Father. Over and over, they saw Him for Who He was -- they saw how He loved the Father and spent time with Him. They heard Him say, I came to do all of the Father’s will. They saw Him deeply compassionate about children and poor people and widows and the sick. They watched Him, rule over God’s creation in His great miracles -- over and over they watched Him heal the sick and throw the demons out of the possessed. They heard Him teach crowds, often in word pictures -- and then when they were alone, evenings, or on long trips between towns, He’d explain to them what He’d meant.
Jesus ministered to the crowds. But then, He intentionally carved out time for about 70 close followers. Then came time with just the 12. Peter was one of those -- every time the twelve are listed, Peter’s name comes first. He was also one of the 3 -- that was Jesus’ inner circle with James and John -- they’re the only ones who climbed the mountain to witness Jesus’ meeting with Moses and Elijah. They were the only 3 who to whom the Father spoke and declared that they should hear His Son. They alone saw Jesus’ appearance begin to change and reveal the glory of God the Son in fullness and power. Peter and the other 2 were the ones Jesus asked to go deeper into the garden with Him and pray near Him just before His arrest.
Maybe the extra time helps us understand why, at times, Jesus seems to single out Peter -- sometimes He’d challenge his faith; sometimes to chide him; more than once He rebuked him. But Jesus was practicing a principle He’d taught: To whom much is given, much is required.
The point is, Peter got time with Jesus -- lots of time. More than almost anyone else.
Like we talked last time, emotion might happen in a vacuum -- passion never does --
passion for Jesus Christ grows in one place -- in the presence of God’s Son, Who there gladly reveals His Father and Himself to His followers.
A third element cemented Peter’s passion: something we rarely consider when we think about passion. He failed. 3. Peter failed miserably in his following. (John 13:36-38)
When we talk failure for Peter, you might think mostly of his desertion and denial of Jesus just before the crucifixion. That wasn’t the only problem. Nor was it the only time Peter said words he’d regret. Like I’ve said, Peter was prominent among the disciples. His prominence opened the door to his greatest temptation. Natural abilities that propelled him into leadership were just that at first -- natural -- and he exercised them under his old nature‘s control.
Remember the time when Jesus quizzed the group: He asked, Who do men say that I am, the group gave some of the off-the-wall guesses of the crowds -- then He asked them directly: and Who do you say that I am? Peter stood strongly and declared stoutly -- You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God! Jesus said, you didn’t come that conclusion on your own, Peter, He said, the Father made that Truth known to you. Then in that same chapter, Matthew 16, Peter went from proclaiming Truth to pressing Jesus not to go to the cross!
Jesus began explaining, He must go to Jerusalem; there that the scribes, Pharisees and rulers would cause Him to suffer and be killed -- and He’d resurrect the third day. Peter the confessor suddenly argued with his Lord saying, God forbid that those things should happen to Jesus. This time it wasn’t the Father’s revelation motivating Peter, it was Satan, whispering to Jesus through one of His closest followers -- Jesus turned on Peter and stung him with the words, get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s!
But of course, Peter’s best known failure was promising to stand with Jesus whatever it took, even if he had to die. John 13:36-38. Simon Peter said to Jesus, Lord where are you going? Jesus answered, “Where I go you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” Peter said to Him, Lord, “Why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.” (John 13:36-38)
The night of the arrest -- Jesus was in the garden with His men, Judas came with the temple guard -- Peter started to resist -- he had a sword and whacked off the servant’s ear! But as it proceeded, like the rest, fear made him run. Still, he followed at a distance, to and into the high priest’s courtyard; he had three encounters, three different people, each asking or insisting -- “you’re one of His” -- “you’re from Galilee, you’re one of Jesus’ followers!” Three opportunities -- but three failures -- he argued -- then even cursed and swore -- “I do not know the Man!”
The big guy who was so cocky and self-assured hours earlier, then had to go out and find a place to be alone -- maybe some dark alley -- and sob bitterly. Have you ever considered that failure is a powerful time when Jesus wants so much to remind you -- that -- to the God of all grace, failure is never final? Jesus graciously warned Peter that failure was just over the horizon -- Jesus wasn’t shocked by it -- He superintended it, so it would help Peter understand himself and be ready for a future of passionate availability. Peter’s bitter tears were tears of repentance. On those occasions, God holds up a mirror to us and lets us to drink to the bottom of the bitter cup of self -- and see ourselves as He sees us. Jesus had said, without Me you can do nothing. But He also said, whoever believes in Me, out of him will flow rivers of living water.
A fourth component of his passion:
4. Jesus restored and forgave Peter. (John 21:15-23)
When Jesus resurrected, he came to Peter first, and privately. We don’t know the content of that meeting, but it’s reasonable and biblical to assume that Jesus graciously forgave him. Besides being restored to Jesus in fellowship, the bold Truth of Jesus’ resurrection had a profound impact on Peter’s faith.
The encounter we know best is the one between them by the sea. Peter’s gone fishing -- maybe to catch fish, maybe to restart the business, maybe -- sliding back to his original vision, still not sure about the future. But it was at the sea where Jesus again found him. After breakfast, Jesus probed Peter’s heart -- He asked twice, do you love Me, using that word for love that’s God-like and God-inspired -- agape. Both times Peter, maybe showing his own self-distrust and some humility, used a lesser word for love to answer. Jesus asked then, do you love Me, using Peter’s word. The test grieved Peter. But he appealed -- Lord You know all things -- you can confirm out of Your knowledge that I do love You! After every Q and A -- Jesus responded with a charge -- each time it was a form of the same commission -- “then feed and shepherd My people”.
So Jesus didn’t just forgive Peter, he restored him and called him back to the original call. And the re-commissioning laid a foundation for a lifetime of fruitfulness. Throughout the rest of his life, Peter habitually exhibited the character of “solid rock” which Jesus intended when He gave Peter his new name. He wasn’t perfect -- that’s not what passion is! But from that day on, Peter’s life had a new trajectory -- it was empowered by a new dynamic.
That takes us to the last element of transformation and passion in this man. 5. Jesus sent His Spirit to Peter. (Acts 2)
For Peter, it happened at Pentecost. Jesus had promised that, when He departed, He’d send another Encourager to be in and with believers for the rest of time. The 120 were gathered, like they stayed since Jesus ascended -- they prayed and waited -- and in a powerful miraculous way -- visible, audibly God’s own Spirit came down onto and into every Christian gathered.
In Peter’s case, when the Spirit began to live in his life and empower Him, Acts 2 says the former fearful runaway stood solidly. In front of the thousands of people who came to the Jerusalem festival -- Peter boldly preached about the living Christ. His audience included people who’d helped have Jesus crucified.
Peter and the others were transformed and impassioned and became fire-eating evangelists. God’s Holy Spirit did what Jesus said He would: give them power to witness. They also had seen Him alive and heard Him again, call them to labor for Him.
What are the components of my passion….?
That last question on your outline is your homework. These are the steps we each need to think through and take. Will you take some time this afternoon or early this week and review each element of Peter’s passion and then -- ask yourself -- how does each one apply in my life?
Let me suggest some questions to help you:
How and when did Christ call you to follow Him?
Then, how does He intentionally -- day by day -- speak and reveal Himself and the Father to you? I told you last week you can’t become more passionate about someone you hardly know. You need to spend time with Him, in His presence.
Will you learn some of the habits and ways of doing that? Rich and Marty are committed to teaching those things in their class.
Then there’s the failure issue. It’s our past sins and failures which are often the culprits in our diminished passion. What are the sins and failures in your past to which your mind gravitates again and again? Have you ever really and intentionally claimed and believed Christ’s NT promises to forgive and wipe away your sin and guilt?
Once you’re forgiven, you‘re restored, not just to Him, but to His cause. He wants you useful to Him again. Does that describe you?
Finally, what does Christ have in mind for you given, that His Spirit lives inside you?
Your life can be illustrated by Acts 4:13. Time should come, when people who hear and see you say about you, you’ve been with Jesus. Let’s pray to that end.
