The Me God Sees
A look at the life and times of Simon Peter
Introduction: A blonde, a brunette and a redhead are stuck on an island. And for year and years they live there, one day they find a magic lamp. They rub and rub and sure enough out comes a genie. The genie says, "Since I can only give out 3 wishes, you may each have one." So the brunette goes first, "I have been stuck here for years, I miss my family and my husband and my life-- I just want to go home!" And POOF!, she is gone. The red head makes her wish, "This place stinks, I want to go home too!" And POOF!, she is gone. The blonde starts crying uncontrollably. The genie says to her, "My dear what is the matter?" "I wish my friends were here!"
Importance of relationships. Look today at the life of Peter, close friend of Christ.
Matthew 4:18-20 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
I. God Doesn’t Care Who You Are; God Cares Who You Will Become.
"Before they were stars"
Saint Peter-dirty fisherman,
Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Uneducated, common
Ex. Tiger Woods-Born December 1975 in Cypress California, Eldrick, nothing black kid playing a go nowhere sport. 1999, made over 7 million. Now makes millions by merely wearing a shoe, using a particular club, hitting a particular ball.
Matthew 10:37 "If you love your father or mother or even your sons and daughters more than me, you are not fit to be my disciples."
Mark 10:28; Luke 18:29-30 Then Peter began to mention all that he and the other disciples had left behind. "We’ve given up everything to follow you," he said."Yes," Jesus replied, "and I assure you, everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, as well as receiving eternal life in the world to come."
II. God Demands Tremendous Commitment, But Also Offers Bountiful Rewards.
Peter gave up home, occupation, life–as a leader of the church he was greatly revered.
You can keep the dollar, or you can trust me to increase it.
Luke 22:31-32 Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers."
III. God Want’s You To Succeed In Your Faith Journey.
Contrast to a judgmental view of God
He will remove all obstacles that get in your way.
He will equip you for the journey.
Matthew 26:31-35 "Tonight all of you will desert me," Jesus told them. "For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."
Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will."
"Peter," Jesus replied, "the truth is, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."
"No!" Peter insisted. "Not even if I have to die with you! I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same.
IV. God Knows The Limitations Of Your Faith.
He knows what will make us succeed/grow; he knows what will make us fail.
John 18:12;Matthew 26:55-56 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews seized Jesus and bound him. (John 18:12 RSV)At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook him and fled.
Facing the power and might of Rome caused great fear and anxiety.
Romans 4:25 God gave Jesus to die for our sins, and he raised him to life, so that we would be made acceptable to God.
John 21:15-17 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
V. God Forgives In Direct Proportion To Our Need.
He who has been forgiven much loves much (Luke 7:47)
Peter asked, "How many times should I forgive?"
"Seventy times seven!"
