From Failure to Action

1. From Failure to Action October 28

2. Think About This … • What are some big mistakes a person can make in the work place? • Some failures can make us want to give up, to give it up for good. • How much better to experience a more helpful process of redemption • Today we look at Peter’s failure and how Jesus redeemed him.

3. Listen for what happened to Peter. John 18:15-18 (NIV) Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, [16] but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. [17] "You are not one of his disciples, are you?"

4. Listen for what happened to Peter. the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." [18] It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself. John 18:25-27 (NIV) … he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."

5. Listen for what happened to Peter. [26] One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" [27] Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

6. Do You Deny Christ? How did Peter end up in the courtyard of the high priest? Who were the different people who asked Peter about being a disciple? What was potentially dangerous about the situation Peter and the other disciple inserted themselves?

7. Do You Deny Christ? In what kind of situation could believers find themselves surrounded by folks who are totally against Jesus? In what contexts are we almost forced or required to associate with enemies of Christ? Peter was gathered together with people keeping warm around a fire. How can standing with the wrong crowd result in denying Christ, or at least set us up to do so?

8. Do You Deny Christ? What thoughts do you think were running through Peter’s mind? Why do you think this story is in the Bible? 1 Cor. 10:12

9. Listen for questions Jesus asks of Peter. John 21:15-19 (NIV) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." [16] Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

10. Listen for questions Jesus asks of Peter. [17] The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. [18] I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will

11. Listen for questions Jesus asks of Peter. stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

12. Do You Really Love Christ? Three times Jesus asked Peter “Do you truly love me?” How did that make Peter feel? What did Jesus predict about Peter’s future? Peter claimed all three times to love Jesus, how should we demonstrate our love for Jesus?

13. Do You Really Love Christ? Each time Peter responded “yes” what commands did Jesus give Peter? How are we to serve and care for other Christians, for Jesus sheep?

14. Listen for how Peter responds to confrontation this time. Acts 4:13 (NIV) When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. … 18-20 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to

15. Listen for how Peter responds to confrontation this time. speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. [20] For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

16. Do You Stand Up for Christ? How did the authorities respond to Peter and John? What was the apostles’ reply to the judgment handed down by the council? How do you think the episode between Peter and Jesus changed Peter’s attitude as seen in this situation?

17. Do You Stand Up for Christ? How did the men of the council know or recognize that these men had been with Jesus? How will people tell you’ve been with Jesus? What do we usually feel we need in order to be bold witnesses for Christ? According to Peter’s experience, what do we really need?

18. Application • Beware of the danger of overconfidence in your ability to resist temptation. • The forces of evil that tempt Christians are strong • Commit yourself to honor Christ, not to deny Him • This week, claim the whole armor of God that you may stand against Satan’s attacks

19. Application • Those who deny Jesus carry a heavy burden of guilt. • When a person fails the Lord, he/she needs some way to find forgiveness and new ways to live for Jesus • Affirming one’s personal love for Christ is an opportunity for a new start

20. Application • Hostile groups will try to influence believers not to speak in the name of Jesus • It takes courage to stand up for Jesus in the face of hostility • Remember that we are accountable to God, not to unbelievers … whatever their authority • In the days ahead, allow God to motivate you from within to stand faithfully for Him

21. From Failure to Action October 28