First Baptist Church

Discipleship Study

Journey Into Powerful LivingA Study of the Life of Peter

byTommy C. Higle

D.L. Richardson, Pastor

Lesson 1: Requirements for Spiritual PowerDo you sometimes feel your spiritual life has little or no power? If so, this series is for you. This "journey" traces the life of an obscure, uneducated, hot-tempered fisherman named Peter. However, the Lord empowers Peter to become the most prominent of Jesus' original twelve disciples and one of the most famous spiritual forces in church history. There are at least three requirements for spiritual power like that found in the life of Peter.

Requirement #1: Commit to Christ:

John 1:28-44

Peter's given name is "Simon," and in this lesson we will discover how he gets the name "Peter." Simon and his brother Andrew grew up in Bethsaida (Jn 1:44), but after Simon is married (Mk 1:30) he lives in Capernaum (Mk 1:21, 29), on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. There he and Andrew are fishing partners, along with what other two men we will meet later (see Luke 5:10a)?10  and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men."

He would catch men which means "to catch alive or catch for life." The idea is that Peter was no longer to catch (fish) for death, but he was to catch (men) for life.

Simon is in Bethany the first time we meet him. He and Andrew are followers of John the Baptist and are in Bethabara (Bethany) because that is where John is baptizing (Jn 1:28). John the Baptist has already baptized Jesus and is preaching that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn 1:32-34) Jesus is uniquely the Son of God in that He alone shares the same nature as the Father While in Bethany, Andrew and another disciple of John the Baptist see Jesus passing by. At this point, what does John the Baptist say about Jesus (see Jn 1:36)? 36  And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

Historically, the Passover refers back to the time when God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 11:1f)..

Symbolically , the Passover pictured the coming of Jesus Christ as the Savior. The lamb without blemish pictured His sinless life (cp. John 1:29), and the blood sprinkled on the door posts pictured His blood shed for the

believer. It was a sign that the life and blood of the innocent lamb had been substituted for the firstborn.

The eating of the lamb pictured the need for spiritual nourishment gained by feeding on Christ, the Bread of Life.

The unleavened bread (bread without yeast) pictured the need for putting evil out of one's life and household.

It is the Lamb of God who was sacrificed for us; it is His blood which saves us.

When Andrew and another unnamed disciple (probably John, who does not call himself by name in his gospel) hear this, they begin to follow Jesus. When Jesus sees them following Him, He turns around, and asks, What seek ye? Perhaps at a loss for words, they respond, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? Jesus responds, Come and see (Jn 1:38-39).

Invitation to the men do something more than discover where He is staying for the night; He is inviting them to come and gain from Him an insight into the mind and purpose of God Himself" Thought 1. Note two critical points.

1)  Andrew had to accept the invitation

2)  Andrew had to be willing to let Jesus lead him to His dwelling place.

3) Andrew is given the promise that if you come you will see.

1. The invitation to Reason—Isaiah 1:18—Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.2. The invitation to Rest—Matthew 11:28—Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

3. The invitation to Reside with the Lord—John 14:3—And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4. The invitation to Request your needs before the Lord—Hebrews 4:16—Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

After spending the day with Jesus, Andrew is convinced of who Jesus is. The first thing he does is find his brother Simon to tell him he has found the Messiah (Jn 1:41). Andrew then takes Simon to meet Jesus. Jesus looks at Simon and says what to him (Jn 1:42b)? 42  And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone). The name Cephas is the Aramaic word for "stone" or "rock." Peter is the Greek translation of Cephas. Peter's new name indicates that at Jesus' first encounter with

Simon, He sees not only Peter's flaws but also his God-given potential and power. Every time Jesus calls him by his new name, Simon is reminded the Lord expects him to become the "Rock of Gibraltar" of the Christian faith. When we come to Christ, we also get a new name, "Christian," to remind us Jesus wants us to become His fully-developed followers.

After their first meeting with Jesus in Bethany, Simon Peter and Andrew return to their fishing business on the Sea of Galilee. Sometime later, Jesus is walking on the seashore and sees them fishing. What does He say to them, according to Matthew 4:19? 19  Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

The calling is to bear fruit in evangelism is extended to everyone who belongs to Jesus Christ. The called ones are themselves to become callers.

Christ mandates that all of His followers be fishermen. The command, Follow Me (in the Greek an adverb of place expressing a command), literally means "come here." The term after is used in the original to show the place they are to come:

"Your place is following after Me!" The disciples' obedience was instant: And they immediately left the nets, and

followed Him. . Followed is from which conveys the idea of following as a disciple who is

committed to imitating the one he follows.

The word translated make (poieo, poy-eh'-oh) refers to the ongoing, creative work of God that continues throughout our lives and is going on at this very moment. Therefore, becoming a fully-developed follower of Christ takes a lifetime. How does Philippians 1:6b express this truth? 6  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

1.  The believer has absolute confidence in the work of salvation or redemption which God has begun in his life. He has confidence through the presence of God's Spirit who dwells within him.

2.  The work begun by God is a good work; that is, it is a work that revolutionizes or radically changes the life of the believer. No matter what kind of life a person was living, once God converts him, the new believer begins to live a good life : a life of...

•  righteousness, purity, and holiness.

•  love, joy, and peace.

•  faith, humility, and control.

3.  The good work is incomplete as long as the believer lives on this earth. He is never perfected, not while a man. There is always work for God to do; therefore, God is always working within the life of the believer to mature him more and more. God is always working to make the man more and more pure and more and more faithful in his service to the Lord Jesus.

4.  The good work is to be completed when Jesus Christ returns to this earth. At that time, the believer will be transformed into a perfect man and given a perfect body. He will become a perfect man who will live in the new heavens and earth with Christ. And he will worship and serve the Lord Jesus in perfection throughout all eternity.

Simon Peter and Andrew immediately leave their nets and follow Jesus (Mt 4:20). Peter's life then begins to change because of his commitment to Christ. Differences among people are not dependent upon abilities or education. It is the object and degree of their commitment that determines their successes or failures in life. Until we commit our lives to Jesus Christ we will never receive the power to achieve our highest potential in life. As we shall see in the life of Peter, before God can do a work through us, He must do a work in us.

The process of Peter's becoming a "rock" began the day he committed his life to Christ. Requirement #1 for spiritual power is commit to Christ.

Requirement #2: Omit doubt

DOUBT

The NT concept of doubt is therefore the wavering or halting between different thoughts. Doubt suggests a faith, but one that is uncertain of its object (God and His promises).

Cause of Doubtlack of faith in promises of GodMatthew 17:20 (NKJV) 20  So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.; Romans 4:20-21 (NKJV) 20  He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21  and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Consequences of Doubt ineffective prayer lifeMatthew 21:21 (NKJV) 21  So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and

do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.

Instability of lifeJames 1:6 (NKJV) 6  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. lack of power

displeasure of JesusMatthew 14:31 (NKJV) 31  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Luke 5:1-7 (Backdrop Scripture to our dialogue)

Luke 5:1-5 (NKJV) 1  So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, 2  and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. 3  Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4  When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5  But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."

Do you like to fish? If so, you know how discouraging it is when you fish for hours and catch nothing. At our next encounter with Peter he has been fishing all night (Lk 5:5).

Peter, Andrew, and their partners James and John have fished hard all night. As Jesus is teaching a very large crowd on the seashore, He sees two boats left by Peter and his associates as they wash their nets. Jesus climbs into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon Peter, and asks Simon to take it out a little way from shore. Jesus then sits down in the boat and continues teaching the people (Lk 5:1-3). When Jesus finishes teaching, He tells Peter to take the boat into deep water and let down his nets for a catch (Lk 5:4b). This was a demanding request because Simon hasn't slept all night and is exhausted.

Fishing is always much better at night near the shore where fish feed close to the surface. Daytime in deep water is the worst time and place to fish. Simon tells Jesus they have fished hard all night and haven't caught anything (5:5a). Then, what does Peter say? (5:5b) Luke 5:5 (NKJV)

5  But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."

Thought 1. Reluctance should always give in to obedience. We need the spirit that will try for God, no matter what the obstacles or how hopeless a situation may seem. Peter was experiencing failure and fatigue but he still obey.

Thought 2. When a man is drawn to Christ, he desperately needs to obey his heart and to obey it immediately.

Peter is a professional fisherman—He makes his living by fishing. Now, a carpenter is telling him how to fish. However, Peter, probably rubbing his eyes and yawning, does not doubt Jesus so he takes his boat into deep water and drops his nets into the water. There they catch such a large amount of fish the nets begin to tear (5:6).

To draw in all the fish, Peter and Andrew signal their partners, James and John, to bring the other boat and help them. They fill both boats so full they start to sink (5:7). When we omit doubt and do as the Lord says, we will experience what truth found in Psalm 126:3?

Psalm 126:3 (NKJV) 3  The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. Great blessings by God and great gladness.

To experience spiritual power, we must commit to Christ, omit doubt, and...

Requirement #3: Outfit for evangelism (preparing for the task)

Luke 5:8-118  When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" 9  For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10  and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." 11  So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

Each boat was about eight feet wide and over 25 feet in length, so this is an unbelievable catch. When Peter sees this massive miracle, he realizes even the fish of the sea obey the wishes of Jesus. Therefore, Peter falls before Jesus. Then, what does he say to Jesus in Luke 5:8b?

Peter’s Three-fold Confession

1. He confessed his sin of disobedience and unbelief: of being reluctant to obey the Lord. When you fail to obey God you are questioning His will, knowledge and power.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 5:16  Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Proverbs 28:13  Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

2. He confessed Jesus to be the Lord. Note that Peter had previously called Jesus "Master" ( Luke 5:5), which is a word used to address anyone in authority. But Peter had learned better. He now called Jesus "Lord". He is the Lord who is holy and convicting, who must be obeyed and followed.

3. He confessed a fear, a reverence, an awe for the Lord (He fell to his knees).

When Peter sees the miraculous number of fish, a light comes on in his mind and he calls Jesus Lord. Up to this point he had called Him Rabbi. When Peter realizes Jesus is God in flesh and blood, he reacts like Isaiah who, when he saw God in a vision, felt unclean, or sinful (Isa. 6:5). However, Peter does not see a vision; he is in the very presence of the Christ, God in flesh and blood. Peter is overwhelmed with an awareness of his own sinfulness and feels so unworthy to be in the Lord's presence that he asks Him to leave.

This is spiritual immaturity Peter will later outgrow. Let's move forward in Peter's life until after Jesus' resurrection (Jn 21). Peter is deeply convicted by his denial of the Lord and travels back to Galilee. There he and some other disciples fish all night. In the early morning they hear a voice from the shore saying, "Children, have ye any meat? They answer, No. Then, the voice from shore says, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. When they do this, they catch such a large amount of fish they are unable to draw in the net (Jn 21:5-6). This incident brings back memories of the first time Peter and his partners went fishing with Jesus (Lk 5). Therefore, John says, It is the Lord (Jn 21:7a). What does Peter then do (see Jn 21:7b)?

John 21:7 (NKJV) 7   Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

Peter goes to Jesus as fast as he can because he now knows the truth about Jesus. Later, he writes: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24a-b). I love what Jesus says to Peter in Luke 5 when Peter tells Him to go away from him. What does Jesus say (Luke 5:10b)?

_____________________________________________________________________10  and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men."

1. Peter is called to evangelize2. Peter is to continue to evangelize

This is God's ultimate purpose for us as well. Whenever we stop trying to catch people for Christ, we stop following Jesus and experiencing spiritual power. That's why we should continually be outfitting ourselves for evangelism. To outfit for evangelism so we can become fishers of men and women, we must take advantage of every opportunity to learn how to share our faith. At the very least our "outfit" should include an explanation of the Roman Road to salvation (Rom. 3:23; 6:23, 5:8, and 10:9-10).

When the fishing party lands, they pull their boats onto shore and leave everything, including the fish, to follow Jesus (Lk 5:11). God's ultimate purpose for our lives is more than accepting Jesus as Savior; it also includes catching men and women for Christ. When we receive spiritual power, what does Jesus say we will do (Acts 1:8b)?8  But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

The believer is given a task by God, a mission to carry out on earth. The believer does not have the power to carry out that task. The Holy Spirit comes upon believers as an equipping power. The major purpose

for His coming is to equip the believer to carry out his task for God. The believer's task is the great task of witnessing for God.

Lesson 2: Why God Allows Storms in Our LivesDifferent types of storms • Direct: The Bible says God makes it rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). We simply live in a world that has storms as a natural part of life.• Disobedience: Then there are some storms we engineer by our own foolishness and disobedience. That's the kind of storm Jonah got into to when he tried to flee from the presence of God (Jonah 1:1-4). • Development: There are also storms God sends us for growth. Jesus commanded His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the sea (Matthew 14:22-24). He knew a storm was brewing but was teaching them a lesson for their development.  • Dragged-in: And then there are storms we're dragged into by other people. That's He was a prisoner who had tried to warn them! But they wouldn't listen so he was dragged into his storm by others. (Acts 27:27, 28)

Now we will examine one of the most famous events in Peter's life and one of Christ's most awesome miracles. This incident occurs just after the disciples participated in the feeding of the 5,000, the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. Jesus feeds 5,000 men, plus uncounted women and children, on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Immediately after this miracle, Jesus tells His disciples to get into a boat and sail across the Sea of Galilee while He dismisses the crowd (Mt 14:22). Jesus is in a hurry to get the disciples and Himself away from the crowd He had just miraculously fed. Why, according to John 6:15a? 15  Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

They saw in Jesus the possibility of an earthly, human Messiah, One who could provide...

•     food for their hunger. healing for their sicknesses.•     deliverance from their trials.

•     comfort for their sorrows.•     plenty for their wants.

•     peace through their disturbances.•     victory over their enemies.

They want this because He can put food in their mouths. However, they are not interested in Jesus for any spiritual reasons. Jesus wants to get His disciples away from all the excitement lest they decide to go along with the crowd. In the incident that follows their rapid departure from the crowd, we can learn four reasons why God allows storms in our lives.

To review our faith

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) 1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Faith: confidence or active trust in something that cannot be objectively proven or disproven. In Christian theology, faith entails belief in God’s promises and confidence in God as we pray, expecting that he will provide for us as we ask for His will to be done.

Faith manifests itself in action, as we see in James 2:20, which says that "faith without works is dead."

Faith is needed to please God Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Mt 14:22-24

After Jesus dismisses the crowd, He goes alone upon a mountainside to pray (Mt 14:23). Darkness comes, and Jesus still has not joined His disciples (Jn 6:17b). Things are much more frightening in the dark, aren't they? Even in our spiritual lives what seems so clear in the light we quickly forget in the darkness of a terrible storm. Like this incident in the disciples' lives, many times after a mountaintop experience, such as the feeding of the 5,000, we experience a very dark storm. While Jesus is praying, what does Matthew 14:24 tell us is happening to the disciples?

Matthew 14:22-24 (NKJV) 22  Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

The disciples did not experience the storm because of disobedience but because of obedience to the Lord's strong command

23  And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

Prayer was a priority in the life of Jesus, He considered it more important than: a. Physical fitness (Luke 6:12) prayed all nightb. Physical fellowship (Mark 1:35) going to be alone with the Fatherc. Physical food (Luke 4:2) fasted for long periods of time to release spiritual

power

24  But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Storms will take you places you don’t intend to go (in middle of the sea) Storms will shake up you and your surrounds (tossed) Storms will give you a spiritual workout (wind was contrary)

The disciples set out for the other shore as Jesus told them, but a strong storm keeps them stranded in the middle of the sea. Ironically, the disciples are in a storm because they are obeying Jesus. What a lesson for us! Just because you are in the midst of a storm does not mean you are out of God's will. It was obedience to the Lord that got the disciples into this storm.

This storm follows a day of exciting teaching and the greatest miracle thus far in Jesus' ministry. To have a "journey into powerful living," we need teaching, but we also need testing to see if we can apply what we learned. When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, the Lord told Moses He would rain down manna from heaven, but the people were to gather only enough for one day (Ex. 16:4a-b). Why, according to Exodus 16:4c?

Exodus 16:4 (NKJV) 4  Then the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.

He becomes more and more perfect, fulfilling his task and purpose for being on earth a little bit more.⇒  He becomes more and more entire and fit, eliminating more and more weaknesses and shortcomings in his life.

When Israel gathered the manna, what were they to do with it? Look at it? Were they to admire it? No, it was to be eaten for food.

God's Word has been provided for us to be our spiritual food. In all the correct eating of food, there are three important elements which include appropriation, mastication, and assimilation.

1. Appropriation—

This involves getting a portion of food for yourself and eating it.

We are to take God's Word into our lives and hearts and make it our own.

2. Mastication—

This involves chewing the food carefully and slowly. Many swallow quickly and eat hurriedly, leading to stomach pains. Christians make the same mistakes because they don't use their spiritual teeth. The Bread of Life needs to be chewed or meditated upon. It needs to be read, read again, and pondered. This is where the strength comes from.

C. Assimilation—

This is when the food becomes a part of your body, giving it strength and health. Spiritual food that is taken into your soul will nourish your faith and supply strength for your daily walk and service for Christ. It will be a safeguard against the "germs" of temptation that assail us every day.

The storm is a review, or test, to see if the disciples are living by "fluff" or faith. God allows storms to review our faith and...

To rebuke our pride

Because it is the one sin that keeps us from allowing God to use us for His purposes.

When we commit ourselves to doing things our way, we are in no position to do things God's way.

Pride renders us useless in the kingdom of God. We fall prey to pride when we forget that God does not exist for us, but we exist for Him.

Only when you eliminate pride can God help you become all he meant you to be

Mt 14:25 25  Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.

Matthew tells us that during the fourth watch, 3:00 to 6:00 a.m., Jesus comes toward the disciples by walking on the water (14:25). The disciples started out in the early evening, and now, 6 to 8 hours later, they have made little progress. John tells us they rowed three or more miles (Jn 6:19a). The Sea of Galilee is about 13 miles long and 7 miles across at its widest point. So, they are in the middle of the sea, and if the boat sinks, they will all certainly drown.

Jesus waits for hours before coming to them because many were experienced fisherman who knew how to handle a boat in a storm. At first, they probably think the storm is no big deal. Then, it gets worse, much worse. Have you ever had a problem and thought, "I can work it out," but your solution didn't work, and the storm got much worse? This is what happens to the disciples. Now the waves are huge and fierce, breaking over into the boat. The disciples feel helpless. Sometimes God allows

overwhelming storms in our lives to rebuke our pride and humble us. According to James 4:6b, why does God wait until we feel helpless?6  But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

The Snobbish or Stubborn... "... God resisteth the proud..."

Satan has a way of inflating the ego (Egocentric-edge God out) of individuals. When this happens, they tend to be unteachable and unreachable. When people get proud, arrogant, and cocky, God resists them. Their pride creates a power struggle with God. This word "resisteth" is a military word which means "to launch an attack in battle, to set one's self against." It was used of an army fully equipped and ready for battle. God hates the sin of pride and is in full battle array against the proud.

Proverbs 16:5—Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

The word "proud" comes from the literally means "one who shows himself above other people."

God gives His grace to those who are humble. What does it mean to have a humble attitude?

First of all, humility is the acceptance of your place appointed by God, whether in the front or in the rear.

Philippians 4:11—"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Secondly, true humility does not convince oneself that you are worthless, but recognizes God's working in your life.

Philippians 2:3—Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Thirdly, true humility revels in God's grace instead of one's own accomplishments and abilities. Humility causes you to see yourself from God's viewpoint and acknowledges God's grace and work in your life despite the fact you are a sinner and have faults and weaknesses. Humility gives you an accurate view of yourself.,

1 Corinthians 15:9—For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 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.

Did you know that the smaller you become, the more room God has to work in your life? D.L.Moody said, "God will send no one away empty except those who are full of themselves."

God can't work in our lives until we are humble (James 4:10). Sometimes He allows storms that are obviously more than we can handle to remind us we need Him and the grace He gives. If we never had a problem we cannot handle alone, we would not need God, or faith, in our lives.

God allows storms to review our faith, to rebuke our pride, and...

To rejuvenate our prayer life

Mk 6:48

One of the most surprising parts of this story is found in the last sentence of Mark 6:48. What is it? 48  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.

Jesus saw them in the storm. what did He see:

Deep weariness: troubled and tormented by the storm. a. God is aware of your stormy situation and what your stormy situation is

doing to you. Psalm 34:15 (NKJV) 15  The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

b. God will not allow any stormy situation to come your way that you will not be able to handle. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) 13  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. When our faithfulness is tested we have God's own faithfulness as our resource. We can be absolutely certain that He will not allow [us] to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear.

Depressing winds: He saw that the storm was working against them (taking them out of His will-middle of sea). God is concern about the people, pleasures, and possessions that’s in your life that’s taking you out of His will.

Darkest watch: Regardless of how dark it may become in your life, God is still aware, attentive, and available.

Jesus walks close enough to let them know He is there, but would have passed by if they had not called to Him. In other words, He waits for them to ask for help. Jesus is

never presumptuous; He will not help us in the storms of life unless we ask Him. That is why Jesus gives us what promise in Matthew 7:7? 7  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Jesus is saying here, "Keep on asking; Keep on seeking; Keep on knocking." He is telling us to persist in our prayer life and never be discouraged in prayer and to never give up until the Lord removes the burden to stop praying about a matter. This will test our sincerity and steadfastness in the area of our praying. Do we really want a certain thing? Is a matter of such nature that we can bring it repeatedly into the presence of God, for the biggest test of any desire is, "Can I pray about it?"

The verbs in that verse are ask, seek, and knock. What do the first letters in those three verbs spell? Jesus wants to help us in the storms of life, but we must humbly ASK.

We pray much more humbly and seriously during the storms of life. Therefore, more than anything else, storms rejuvenate our prayer life. During the storms of life we need to remember promises like Psalm 50:15. Write it below: 15  Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."

A call to God is an invocation. Invocation comes from two Latin words: in, meaning “in” or “into” and vocare, meaning “to call.” An invocation is a humble, honest, and honoring address to God to invite Him into the situation about which we are praying. The goal of prayer is to reach the ear of God. How can we expect to reach the ear of God if we don’t call Him? Prayer is placing a phone call to God. The prophet Jeremiah gives us God’s cell phone number in Jeremiah 33:3, which states: “Call unto me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know”.

When we call on God through prayer we have the following promises:

“…I will answer…”: God will personally receive the call.

“…And show you great and mighty things, which you do not know…”: God will powerfully respond to the call.

In the midst of a terrifying storm, nothing causes us to honor and praise God like answered prayer. God allows storms to review our faith, rebuke our pride, rejuvenate our prayer life, and...

To remind us of His power

Mt 14:26-3326  And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." 28  And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29  So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32  And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."

When the disciples see Jesus walking on the raging sea, they are terrified and cry out, It is a spirit (14:26). They are terrified because they did not expect to see Jesus in the storm,

He did not have to walk on the water to save them, but His doing so gave them an unforgettable reminder of the power and extent of His divine protection.

It was not to teach them to walk on water but to teach them that God can and will act on behalf of His own.

When believers are in the place of obedience they are in the place of safety, no matter what the circumstances. The place of security is not the place of favorable circumstance but the place of obedience to God's will.

even though just hours before they had seen Him feed at least 10,000 people with five loaves and two dried, sardine-like fish. That is why we read what statement in Mark 6:52a? 52  For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

Though the disciples had seen Christ do so much, their heart was so hard it did not perceive properly just Who Christ was.

The hard heart does not realize the power of Christ. The hard heart limits Christ and belittles Him.

A harden heart trusts in self rather than in putting our trust in God. When self is elevated rather than God then it leads to a hard heart.  When we think that we do not need God but can handle things on our own.

Even after participating in Jesus' feeding five thousand men, plus women and children, they did not understand what Jesus was trying to teach them. They still do not

understand Jesus' awesome power, but because they have no other option, they call out to Him. How does He respond in Matthew 14:27? 27  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

1.  A storm arose while they were crossing the lake. They were doing exactly what Christ had told them to do, but the storm still came.

2.  Jesus went to the disciples, but note how: He walked on the sea. However, He did not go to them immediately. Why?

a.  Because He needed to teach them to trust Him and to obey His command no matter what happened to them. They were doing what He had told them to do, so they could trust His care and His will.

b.  Because He needed to teach them that they needed His power to conquer the storms they would encounter.

3.  The disciples were stricken with fear, they thought they were seeing a ghost.

4.  Jesus gave assurance of His presence. Christ's sudden presence on the water was a great encouragement to the disciples.

Faith hears the inaudible, so if we are really listening with our spiritual ears in the dark storms of life, we will hear Jesus saying these same words to us.

At this point the impulsive Peter says, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water (Mt 14:28). Jesus answers with one word, Come (Mt 14:29), and Peter gets out of the boat and starts out magnificently, walking toward Jesus. However, Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, looks at the storm, and begins to sink. Then, in desperation he prays the shortest prayer in the Bible. What is it (see Matthew 14:30)?30  But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

Peter took his focus off Christ and began to focus on his circumstances. Focusing on your circumstances will cause much fear and faithlessness. Focusing on circumstances instead of Christ will cause you to sink in life.

When we are in a crisis, we don't use a lot of religious "fluff" and jargon in our prayers. We get right to the point. That's what Peter does. Immediately, Jesus reaches out His powerful hand that flung the stars into space and catches Peter. Then, what does Jesus say to Peter (Matthew 14:31b)? 31  And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

"Peter-bashing" is tempting, but we should notice Jesus did not rebuke him for having "no" faith, but for having little faith. How many of us would have thrown a leg over the

side and stepped out into the water? Peter is the only person in history, besides Christ, to walk on water. When he stepped out of the boat, even if he had immediately sunk like lead, he should be praised because at least he had enough faith to get out of the boat.

Peter began to sink because he changed his focus and looked at the storm instead of the Savior. Fear overruns faith when we take our eyes off the Lord. That's why we have what great promise in Isaiah 26:3? 3  You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

God gives us a double portion of peace when we are stayed or focused on Him.

The word "stayed" is from the word camak {saw-mak'} which means "to lean, rest, or rely upon someone or something; to brace or to revive. "There are several insights we can glean about leaning on something.

A. When you lean on something, you are depending on that object or person for support and balance to keep from falling.Psalm 145:14—The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.Jude 1:24—Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

B. When you lean on something, you do it to rest and regain strength. We find rest and strength in the Lord.

Psalm 46:1—God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Proverbs 18:10—The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. .

C. When you lean on something, you shift your weight on that object.

We are to shift the weight of our burdens upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 5:7—Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psalm 55:22—Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

When Peter and Jesus climb into the boat, the wind dies down. In the boat the disciples worship Jesus and say, Of a truth thou art the Son of God (Mt 14:32-33).

Lesson 3: Getting the Most Out of Life

So far we have seen Peter catch a record number of fish and walk on the water. Through those incidents we discovered great insights into powerful living. Now, in response to questions from Christ on two different occasions, Peter makes two great confessions of faith regarding Jesus Christ. Not only does Jesus test the disciples with a storm but also with questions. The answers to these questions reveal three things we must do to get the most out of life.

Realize who Jesus is

Jn 6:66-69

John 6:66-70 (NKJV) 66  From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67  Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" 68  But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69  Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

The Jews’ anger centered in two things: (1) that Jesus said He was the bread and (2) that He came down from heaven. Both the Jews in Jerusalem (5:18) and the Galileans reacted negatively when Jesus placed Himself equal with God.a.  Jesus was claiming to be Lord.

b.  Jesus was claiming to be the very Son of God, to have come down out of heaven.

c.  Jesus was demanding total allegiance and complete self-denial, and following Him would just cost too much

Peter's first confession takes place in Capernaum on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus has been teaching and performing miracles. Jesus has been telling the people He is the Bread of Life from heaven and that anyone who eats this bread will not die, as well as other deep spiritual teachings (6:47-58). However, the people aren't interested in spiritual things; they are more interested in suppers than sermons. Therefore, many of His "fair-weather" disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. Jesus then turns to the Twelve and asks, Will ye also go away? (6:66-67). What is Peter's brilliant answer in John 6:68a? 68  But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

This statement reveals two characteristics that will be true in our lives if we realize who Jesus is. First, don't look back. Peter asks: to whom shall we go?—a reference to returning to his old life. How does Jesus express our not being able to look back in

Luke 9:62? _____________________________________________________________________

62  But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

When you plough looking back:

 ploughs a crooked row. No row (person) is ever straight, not like it should be. (Each row or person receives only partial teaching.)

 ploughs an inconsistent field. The field under his care is never matured; it never receives consistent work.

 ploughs in a spirit lacking total commitment. He may turn away at any time, leaving a job unfinished.

 ploughs but allows distractions and disruptions which affect the crops (the plants are not cared for).

Looking back is a sign of having a desire for the old life:

James 1:8 —A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

"Are there things or people in your past that are causing you to keep glancing over your shoulder?"

Philippians 3:13-14... Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

When we follow Jesus, we must burn the bridges that lead back to our old ways of living. While plowing a field, Elisha is called to be a prophet and an associate of Elijah. Elisha then slaughters his oxen, burns his plows to cook the meat, and gives it to the people to eat before he leaves to follow Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21). Why did he do that? To rid himself of the temptation to look back! The moral of the story is we should rid ourselves of things that might tempt us to go back to our old ways of living. Do you have some "oxen" you need to slaughter or "plows" you need to burn?

Peter also says to Jesus: thou hast the words of eternal life (Jn 6:68b). Therefore, if we know who Jesus is, we will also believe Jesus is the only way to heaven. He doesn't understand all about Jesus, but Peter knows He is the only way to heaven. Later, in John 8:24, Jesus says we will die in our sins if we do not believe what?24  Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

To be a Christian one must believe the full biblical revelation about Jesus:

that He is the eternal second person of the Trinity, that He entered space and time as God incarnate, that He was born of a virgin, that He lived a sinless life, that His death on the cross is the only sufficient, substitionary sacrifice for the

sins of all who would ever believe in Him, that He rose from the dead and ascended to the Father in heaven that He now intercedes for His own redeemed people, and that He will one day return in glory.

To get the most out of life, realize who Jesus is and...

Visualize yourself as a spiritual stone

Mt 16:13-19

Matthew 16:13-19 (NKJV) 13  When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14  So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15  He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16  Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17  Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19  And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Several months later, Jesus and His disciples are in Caesarea Philippi, about twenty-five miles north of the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus' popularity explodes, all kinds of rumors spread about who He is. Therefore, Jesus asks His disciples, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? The disciples answer that some people say He is John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets (Mt 16:13-14). These are great accolades but portray Him only as a prophet. Therefore, Jesus asks: But whom say ye that I am? (16:15). How does Peter respond in Matthew 16:16? Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

1.  Jesus had asked a critical question: "Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?" We must know what others say about Jesus, just who He is. What men think of Jesus...

•  determines their destiny

•  determines how we are to reach out to them

•  determines to a large degree the morality and justice of a society

Son of Man: emphasized His humanness—to focus on the humbleness and submission of His first coming and His work of sacrificial, substitutionary atonement.

"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The people to whom the Lord referred were the Jews, God's chosen people, to whom the Messiah was sent first (Rom. 1:16; cf. John 4:22). It was not that Jesus was unaware of what the people were saying about Him but that He wanted the Twelve to think carefully about those popular perceptions. After hearing His teaching and witnessing His miracles, what was their final verdict about Jesus, the Son of Man?

"Some say John the Baptist," some of the Jews believed Jesus was a reincarnated John the Baptist, come back from the grave to continue his ministry of announcing the Messiah; saw in Jesus something of the character and message of John the Baptist.

Others believed Jesus was a reincarnated Elijah, considered by most Jews to be the supreme Old Testament prophet, whom the Lord was to send again "before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord" (Mal. 4:5); saw in Him the fire and intensity of Elijah.

Still others said Jesus was Jeremiah, another of the most revered prophets and saw in Him the lament and grief of Jeremiah. In the apocryphal book of 2 Maccabees (2:4-8), Jeremiah is said to have taken the Ark of the Covenant and the altar of incense out of the Temple and hidden them on Mount Nebo in order to preserve them from desecration and destruction by the Babylonians. Some Jews thought that before the Messiah returned to establish His kingdom, Jeremiah would return to earth and restore the Ark and the altar to their proper places in the Temple.

The rest of the people who recognized Jesus' uniqueness did not speculate about His particular identity but simply considered Him to be one of the prophets who was "risen again" (see Luke 9:19).

But all those titles and descriptions fall short of identifying Jesus as He fully is—the Messiah, God in human flesh.

"But who do you say that I am?" The Twelve knew that most of the people's views of Jesus were inadequate. Now they had to answer for themselves.

The Confession

And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (16:16)

"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah, God's predicted and long-awaited deliverer of Israel, the supreme "Anointed One," the coming High Priest, King, Prophet, and Savior.

the Christ, the Son of the living God.

The word Christ (Christos, Chris-tos) is a tremendous affirmation because it is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew title "Messiah." "Jesus" is His name, and "Christ" is His title. Many liberal newspapers will not use these two words together because it means Jesus is the Messiah. Many also refuse to call Him Christ. Thus, Peter is saying Jesus is the Messiah—the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Peter also says Jesus is the Son of the living God, which affirms His divinity—He is God incarnate. No one could better describe Jesus. No wonder Peter's statement is called "The Great Confession."

Jesus acknowledges this is a revelation from the Father in heaven and says to Peter, And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (16:18). Some believe this established Peter as the supreme pontiff ( Roman antiquity), or pope, of the church, making him the final, infallible authority. But that is contrary to the New Testament. What does Paul write in Galatians 2:11? Galatians 2:11 (NKJV) 11  Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;

Peter was guilty of teaching and hanging out with those who taught erroneous doctrine that confused the Gentiles.

The original language sheds more light and explains exactly what Jesus means. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter (Petros, Pet-ros), and upon this rock (petra, pet-ra) I will build my church. Peter, or Petros, means "stone" and refers to a detached stone that might be thrown or easily moved. Rock, or petra, means a shelf or mass of rocks. Petros refers to a single stone, while petra refers to a formation of stones. Therefore, it seems Jesus is addressing Peter as a representative of the Twelve. Who does Ephesians 2:20 say is the foundation of the church?20  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,

Thought 1. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. If He is removed, the church will collapse: no Christ, no church. Christ holds everything within the church together. Therefore, it is an absolute necessity that He and He alone be preached, taught, and lived.

Thought 2.  We, the church, are built upon the foundation laid by the testimonies of the apostles and prophets. Their record and testimony of the Word of God itself is the foundation upon which the church is to be laid.

The prophets refers to New Testament prophets (Eph. 4:11). Peter is a single stone, petros, in the foundation, a position he will share with the other apostles, petra, for eternity. To emphasize this, the wall around the New Jerusalem will have twelve foundations, and on them will be the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Rev. 21:14).14  Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Giving Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Mt 16:19a) probably refers to his first sermon that resulted in three thousand people being saved and baptized (Acts 2:41). This was the first sermon preached by an apostle. It was the key that opened the door of the kingdom, and it has been open ever since.

Jesus also says to Peter, whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Mt 16:19b). God's kingdom is depicted as a realm to be entered using the proper keys. Bind refers to prohibiting entry into the kingdom by those who reject the witness of the apostles, and loose means granting entry to those who accept the witness. The apostles are the foundational stones but we are all stones in Christ's church and are seeking to add additional stones. How does Peter himself make this clear in 1 Peter 2:5a?5  you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

 

"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:4-5).

 

3.  The living stone is the stone to which men must come if they are to become a part of God's building. It is to Christ that we must come. No one can be a part of God's building unless he places himself upon the foundation stone laid by God. God accepts no one who refuses to become a part of His building. And God is just like all builders; He has a foundation upon which all workers must lay the stones of their lives.

 

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock [Christ and His Word]; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:24-27).

"For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:11).

"Nevertheless the foundation of God [Christ] standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2:19).

 

2. (2:5-6) Believers: there is the second picture—believers are living stones. Remember: God is eternal which means that His building is eternal. The Foundation Stone laid by Him shall never decay nor waste away. Christ lives forever and ever. Therefore, when we place our lives upon the living stone of God, the living stone supports and holds us up eternally. We become living stones, stones that shall exist forever and ever. Note three significant facts.

1.  Believers are being built up into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). This is a picture of the church that God is building all over the earth. It includes all believers of all generations. It is a picture of what is called the universal church or universal temple of God. Note that God's house is a spiritual house. What does this mean? It means that God's house is spiritual as opposed to physical. A physical house is not permanent; it ages, deteriorates, and wastes away. But not God's spiritual house. The spiritual world or dimension is the real world, the world that is permanent and eternal. Therefore, the spiritual house of God does not age, deteriorate or decay. This means two wonderful things.

a.  First, when we turn to God and lay our lives upon the foundation stone of Christ, we become a part of God's spiritual house. We shall never die or waste away, but we shall live permanently, forever and ever in God's spiritual and eternal house.

b.  Second, there are many stones who are going to live forever with us. It takes many stones to build a great building, and the same is true of God's spiritual house. We are only one of many who are being placed into God's great spiritual house. The point is this: there is no room for pride, arrogance, envy, jealousy, criticism, backbiting, anger,

accusations, discrimination, prejudice, or wrath among God's building; no room for a stone to become puffed up over another stone.

All living stones are needed in God's house. In fact, the house cannot be completed unless there are enough stones to build it. There is a place for all of us, and we are going to exist together forever. Therefore, we are to place ourselves and take our place in the house of God. We are to place ourselves right where we belong and do our part in holding up the building. We are not to seek the place or position or function of any other stone. We are not to weaken the building to any degree.

 

Thought 1. William Barclay tells a story from Sparta and then drives the point home with a striking application.

 

"There is a famous story from Sparta. A Spartan king boasted to a visiting monarch about the walls of Sparta. The visiting monarch looked around and he could see no walls. He said to the Spartan king, 'Where are these walls about which you speak and boast so much?' The Spartan king pointed at his bodyguard of magnificent Spartan troops. 'These,' he said, 'are the walls of Sparta, and every man of them a brick.'

"Now, the point is quite clear. So long as a brick lies by itself it is useless. It only becomes of use when it is built into a building. That is why it was made; and it is in being built into a building that it realizes its function and the reason for its existence. It is so with the individual Christian. To realize his destiny he must not remain alone, but must be built into the fabric and edifice of the Church" (The Letters of James and Peter, p.231).

 

2.  Believers are a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). The chief function of the priest is to stand between God and men, to represent men before God and to present men to God. Man has just never felt worthy enough to approach God; he has usually felt that God was so far away that he could never reach God. Therefore, man has felt the need for priests to carry his case before God.

The point to note is man's thoughts about God, how far away he thinks God is—so far away that man needs a priest, some godly person to represent him before God. But note the Scripture: believers are being built up as an holy priesthood. Every single believer now stands before God as a priest. He can now approach God on his own. God is not far off and removed from man. Any person who turns to God and lays his life upon the foundation of Christ becomes a part of God's spiritual house. That person is in the very house of God itself. He can talk and share with God whenever he chooses. He can worship and praise God and cry out for God's help and deliverance

any time he wishes. The believer himself is now a priest before God. (See Deeper Study #1, Priest—1 Peter 2:9 for more discussion.)

 

Thought 1. The priesthood of the believer is one of the great teachings of Scripture. Just imagine! We stand before God as a priest, as one who has access into God's presence any time of any day. There is no reason whatsoever why we should ever be overcome by any problem or trouble in this life. We are in the house of God. We can approach Him anytime and receive whatever we need to meet the demands of life: wisdom, provision, resource, or strength.

Now note why we are made priests before God: that we might offer spiritual sacrifices to God. In the past men have brought their sacrifices to priests and had the priests present their sacrifices to God. But now believers themselves are made priests for this very purpose: that they might offer up their own sacrifices to God. Men are now to bring their own offerings and sacrifices to God. They themselves are now the priests in the house of God. However, note a critical point: their sacrifices are made acceptable only by Jesus Christ. A person has to have his life lying upon the foundation of Christ. He must be trusting and believing in the support and power of Christ to make him a part of God's house. The only sacrifices that God accepts are the sacrifices made within His house. Scripture says that the believer is to make the following sacrifices.

Analyze what it means not to follow Christ

Mt 16:21-26

Matthew 16:20-26 (NKJV) 20  Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21  From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22  Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23  But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." 24  Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Once the disciples start to realize who Jesus is, He begins to explain to them He must go to Jerusalem to suffer... be killed, and be raised again the third day (16:21). However, the disciples want the Messiah to be a political deliverer who will defeat Rome and re-establish the kingdom of Israel. This would bring a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Therefore, Peter takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him by saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee (16:22). Whoa! Then, how does Jesus rebuke Peter in Matthew 16:23a? _____________________________________________________________________Jesus abruptly cut him off and accused him of being the mouthpiece for His adversary, Satan.

JESUS had spoken almost the same words to Satan himself after the temptations in the wilderness (Matt. 4:10).

And although Satan left, we learn from Luke's parallel account that "he departed from Him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:13). He continued to tempt Jesus throughout His ministry in every way he could

. Now he put into Peter's mind the same idea He had tried to put into Jesus': "God's plan is too difficult and demanding.

Give Your allegiance to me and your life will be immeasurably better. My way is superior to God's."

The word "offence" involves a stumbling block. Peter's protesting was not helping the work of Christ but was hindering it. You leave out the cross of Christ and you will not do the work of Christ

Jesus isn't calling Peter Satan but is telling Peter he is doing Satan's work. Satan's strategy has always been to circumvent God's plan of salvation. Jesus explains: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men (16:23b). Peter quickly goes from being a foundation stone to a stumbling stone—from the great confession to the great collapse. He goes from listening to God the Father to listening to Satan. We can all quickly move from the heights of spirituality to the depths of carnality. At church we can act like angels and on the way home act like demons. However, if we are to have our minds on the things that be of God, what does Jesus say we must be willing to do in Matthew 16:24?

1. A person must will to follow Christ. The word "wills" (thelē PWS: 4348) means to desire, wish, design, purpose,

resolve, determine. It is a deliberate willing, a deliberate choice, a determined resolve to follow

Christ. If a person really wills and deliberately chooses to follow Christ, then he has to do the three things mentioned.

Note: the choice is voluntary; it is made by the person. It is the individual who wills and chooses; therefore, it is the individual who must act and do the three things mentioned.

2. A person must deny self. The word "deny" (aparnēsasthō PWS: 953) means to disown, disregard, forsake, renounce, reject, refuse, restrain, disclaim, do without. It means to say "no." But note: the call is not to say "no" to some behavior or

thing, but to self. A person is to deny self; and this means giving up something and doing without something.

It means that we are to say "yes" to Christ and "no" to self. It means to let Christ rule and reign in our hearts and lives, to let Christ have His way completely

In the Greek the word "deny" is an ingressive aorist which means that the person enters a new state or condition. It means, "Let him at once begin to deny self."

Ways to die to Self from Romans 6:11-14

1.    The believer reckons or counts himself crucified with Christ."Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin" (Romans 6:11a)."Knowing this, that our old man is [was] crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6).2.    The believer reckons or counts himself dead to sin, but alive to God."Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11).3.    The believer does not let sin reign in his body."Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof" (Romans 6:12).4.    The believer does not yield his bodily members as instruments of sin."Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin" (Romans 6:13a).5.    The believer yields himself to God—as much as those who are alive from the dead are yielded to God."But yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead" (Romans 6:13b).6.    The believer yields his bodily members as instruments of righteousness."But yield...your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" (Romans 6:13c).

3. A person must take up the cross.

The cross does not mean merely bearing one's particular hardship in life, such as poor health, abuse, unemployment, invalid parents, an unsaved spouse, a wayward child.

Your cross is whatever makes it difficult for you to follow Jesus. It may be a job, a relationship, fear, pride, or whatever. But if we follow Jesus, we all have crosses we must bear.

The cross is always an instrument of death, not just an object to carry or bear. The Christian is to die mentally and actively. He is to deny himself daily.

He is to let the mind of Christ, the mind of humbling himself to the point of death, be in him and fill his thoughts every

4. A person must follow Jesus. The word "follow" (akoloutheitō PWS: 1541) means to be a follower or companion, to be a disciple.

It has the idea of seeking to be in union with and in the likeness of. It is following Christ, seeking to be just like Him.

. It is energy and effort, action and work. It is going after Christ with zeal and energy, struggling and seeking to

follow in His footsteps, no matter the cost.

 

 

Your cross is whatever makes it difficult for you to follow Jesus. It may be a job, a relationship, fear, pride, or whatever. But if we follow Jesus, we all have crosses we must bear. In the Roman Empire, a convicted criminal was forced to carry his cross through public streets to the place of execution as a sign of total submission to Roman rule. To follow Jesus, we must totally submit to Him. In other words, we must give up our lives and our selfish ambitions to follow Him. If we do, what does Jesus promise in Matthew 16:25b? 25  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

The Lord is saying that whoever lives only to save his earthly, physical life, his ease and comfort and acceptance by the world, will lose his opportunity for eternal life. But whoever is willing to give up his earthly, worldly life and to suffer and die, if necessary for Christ's sake, will find eternal life

. Every person has a choice. He can "go for it" now and lose it forever; or he can forsake it now and gain it forever.

Every two minutes in the United States someone attempts suicide, and about every 15 minutes someone succeeds, for a total of more than 30,000 each year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Why does this happen in the most

affluent society on earth? As someone has said, "If you don't have something worth dying for, you don't have anything worth living for." Living life to the fullest means we know the answer to what question of Christ's in Matthew 16:26a? 26  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

"what could possibly he worth having during this lifetime, if to gain it you would have to exchange your soul?"

To gain every possession possible in this world and yet he without Christ is to be bankrupt forever But to abandon everything in this world for the sake of Christ is to be rich forever

Many people spend their lives trying to gain possessions, prestige, position, and power. Some attain it all, but they are the walking spiritual dead who will die and lose it all. But most tragic of all, they will lose their souls, which means they lose spending eternity with God.

To get the most out of life, realize who Jesus is, visualize yourself as a spiritual stone, and analyze what it means not to follow Christ.

Lesson 4: Becoming a Balanced Believer

Thus far we have seen Peter catch a miraculous number of fish, walk on water, and go from the great confession to the great collapse. Jesus has been teaching through miracles, sermons, questions, and testing. Now, Peter and the other disciples are ready for their next lesson, which we call the Transfiguration. In this lesson we will discover how to become balanced believers.

First, balance worship with work

Matthew 17:1-5 (NKJV) 1  Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2  and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4  Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

Mt 17:1-4

The disciples are beginning to understand Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and they are now ready for the next level. Jesus has been telling them He must suffer and die, but they need to understand death will not be the end of Him. Therefore, Jesus says some of the disciples won't experience death until they see Him coming in his kingdom (Mt 16:28). Six days later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up into an high mountain (17:1). Then, as the disciples watch, what happens (see Matthew 17:2)?2  and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Them: Peter and James and John his brother was allowed to witness this encounter because:

Firstly, they would be reliable witnesses of His manifested glory, able to confirm the event to the other disciples and to the rest of the church. According to Deuteronomy 19:15, "on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be

confirmed." The Lord's promised display of His kingdom glory (Matt. 16:27-28) would be confirmed by the testimony of these three trustworthy witnesses.

Secondly, these three men were probably chosen because of their intimacy with Jesus. They were with Him the most and understood Him the best, and they frequently accompanied Him when He went away for times of intense fellowship with His heavenly Father (Mark 5:37; 14:33).

Thirdly, as the acknowledged spokesmen among the Twelve, the ones whose word was most respected, these three men could most reliably and convincingly articulate what they witnessed on the mountain.

The Transformation of the Son

And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. (17:2)

Was transfigured is from metamorphoō, which has the basic meaning of changing into another form and is the term from which we get metamorphosis. Because no further description is given, all we know of the change is that, during this brief display of divine glory,

Jesus' face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. The Jesus who had been living for over thirty years in ordinary human form was now partially seen in the blazing effulgence of God (cf. Heb. 1:1-3).

Jesus' divine glory was manifested before Peter, James, and John. Here is the greatest confirmation of His deity yet in the life of Jesus, Jesus

revealed Himself as He truly is, the Son of God. As the divine glory radiated from His face, it illumined even His garments, which became as white as light, in

supernatural testimony to His spiritual splendor. As with the Shekinah manifestations of the Old Testament, God here portrayed

Himself to human eyes in a form of light so dazzling and overwhelming that it could barely be withstood.

The light portrayed Jesus' glory and majesty That awesome experience was but a foretaste of the day in which "the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels" (Matt. 16:27).

o The sureness in the promise. "The Son of man shall come" (Matthew 16:27).

o The splendor in the promise. "Shall come in the glory of his Father" (Matthew 16:27). His first coming to earth was in lowliness. But His second coming will be with great glory.

o The seraphims in the promise. "Shall come... with his angels" (Matthew 16:27). Christ will be accompanied by heavenly angels in His second coming. Angels also were present at His first coming, for they announced

His birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14). Angels get excited about Jesus Christ.

o The searching in the promise. "He shall reward every man according to his works" (Matthew 16:27). This is not talking about salvation. This is talking about judgment. The word "reward" includes punishment. Christ will search out the records of men and deal out judgment according to their evil works. Christ's tribunal of judgment will be fair—according to their works, not according to political manipulations or bribery or the sick laws of a sin-filled government.

Jesus usually wore homemade clothing and looked like an ordinary Galilean peasant. But now His deity shines through, and Peter sees the Son of God in His glory. This is called the Shekinah glory of God. "Shekinah" is a Hebrew word that means "the manifestation of Divine presence." Therefore, this is a confirmation of Peter's great confession (Mt 16:16).16  Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

The word translated transfigured (metamorphoō, meta-mor-fo'-oh) is the Greek word from which we get our English word "metamorphosis." We use this word to describe the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. It refers to an outward change that comes from within. This is the same word translated transformed in Romans 12:2a. What command are we given in that verse? 2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Paul says, "don't be conformed to this world" which means we are not to be conformed or fashioned to this world's philosophies, opinions, impulses, greed, and sinful lifestyles.

Instead, we are to be transformed. This word "transformed" describes a change from within, in attitude which leads to a change in behavior.

It means to "change across one form to another." The biology term "metamorphosis" comes from this word.

The Word of God and yielding to the Holy Spirit will transform your mind and change your life. We are to yield to the Holy Spirit's control.

This means we are to change from the inside out by renewing our minds. How do we do that? By reading the Bible, God's Word, hearing it taught and preached, and then applying it to our lives.

Back on the mountaintop, two Old Testament saints appear and are talking with Jesus. Who are they (Matthew 17:3)? 3  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

Both of these men also had tremendous experiences with God on a mountaintop: one on Mount Sinai (Ex. 20) and one on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). One represents the Law, and the other represents the prophets. Also, one is the only person in the Bible whom God buried (Dt 34:6), and one was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). This could mean that Moses represents those who die in the Lord, and Elias (Elijah) represents those who are alive at Christ's return and escape death by being raptured.

Matthew tells us they talk with Jesus; however, he does not tell us what is said. But in Luke 9:31b we do find out what they talk about. What was it?

They were talking to Him as friend to Friend about

His departure, His imminent sacrifice, which was the supreme objective and work of His earthly ministry

"Departure" is from the Greek term from which we get exodus. Just as the Exodus out of Egypt under Moses led God's people out of the bondage of slavery the "exodus" of Jesus out of the grave would lead believers out of the bondage of sin.

This would be accomplished, as Luke reports, at Jerusalem. departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem" (9:31).

I'm sure Moses was excited because he'd been waiting 1,400 years and Elijah for over 800 years for Jesus' final sacrifice for sin. Their presence confirms Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. What does Peter ask to do when he sees all this (Matthew 17:4)? 4  Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

1. The perspective in the comments. "Lord, it is good for us to be here". There are at least three reasons why it was good to "be here."

First, association. Peter was associated with Christ and some great saints of both the Old Testament (Moses and Elijah) and New Testament (James and John). It is always good to be in the company of Christ and His people.

Second, transfiguration. To observe the transfiguration was a special spiritual privilege indeed. It is always good to be where spiritual blessing comes.

Third, conversation. The conversation about Christ's coming death was good to hear, though Peter and his fellow disciples did not comprehend it at the time. It was important instruction.

This threefold "good to be here" can apply to church attendance, too. To be with fellow Christians, to experience special spiritual blessing, to be instructed in spiritual matters all make church services "good to be here.”

2.  The proposal in the comments.

He offered to build three shelters (skēnas ) for Jesus and the two prophets.

By this act he hoped to extend the stay of the heavenly guests and the glorious experience.

The shelters offered were the booths made of branches and grass which could be quickly built, the kind often built by travellers on their stops along the road night by night.  He said, "If thou wilt."

Peter, even in a moment as glorious as this, would not act against his Lord's will. Imagine the devotion and loyalty!

Peter wants to stay on the mountaintop. He doesn't want to go back to hard work, suffering, and heartache. Furthermore, he does not want to go to Jerusalem, where death awaits Jesus. We must always be willing to come down from the mountaintop to minister in the valleys. It is easy to become lopsided in our Christian lives, but we must keep a balance between inspiration and perspiration—worship and work. It is very tempting just to attend worship services and Bible studies but never do any ministry. Mountaintops are important, but they should never be an end in themselves. That's why James 1:22 gives us what command? 22  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

If we go to Bible study, worship, conferences, listen to Christian media, etc., we are just wasting our time if these things don't motivate us to work for the Lord. We must balance worship with work, and we must also...

Balance information with declaration

Mt 17:5-95  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 6  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7  But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid." 8  When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9  Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead."

Peter makes a big mistake by suggesting the three tabernacles, or shrines. This would imply Jesus, Elijah, and Moses are all equal. Therefore, as Peter is still speaking, a cloud overshadows them. Then, what does a voice out of the cloud say (Matthew

17:5b)? 5  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"

First, the Person of Christ. "This is my beloved Son." The statement, especially the "Son" part enforces the emphasis upon the Deity of Christ.

Second, the passion for Christ. "Beloved." The love of God for Christ is beyond human measurement. No love is so great. Yet, God gave Christ to die on Calvary for our sins.

Third, the pleasure in Christ. "In whom I am well pleased." God had said this of Christ at His baptism prior to Christ's public ministry; now in saying it again, God says that the ministry of Christ is also pleasing. Much of the world was not pleased with Christ's ministry, but God was. Christ could not please both the world and God at the same time so He chose to always please God. We should choose the same.

Fourth, the precept about Christ. "Hear ye him." Folk today listen to many different people, mostly to those who speak little wisdom. What men need to start doing, however, is to listen more to Jesus Christ. His words are full of wisdom. They will never lead you astray. They will not corrupt your character.

This is the second time in the gospels God speaks from heaven declaring Jesus to be His Son. When was the other time? His baptism (Mt 3:17). Why did God tell these disciples to listen to Jesus? Because they, especially Peter, had their own ideas about what Jesus should do. When the three disciples hear this, they are terrified and fall face down on the ground (17:6). But Jesus comes, touches them, and then what does He say in Matthew 17:7? 7  But Jesus came and touched them and said, "Arise, and do not be afraid.

Christ gave the disciples the comfort they needed in the time of fear by:

• His Presence. "And Jesus came" (Matthew 17:7). God will come to your rescue.

• His Touching. "Jesus came and touched them" (Matthew 17:7).. Touching, as we have noted before, shows compassion.

• His Commanding. The comforting was not without a command. Neither is the comforting of salvation, for "God... commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).

First, the command to arise. "Jesus... said, Arise." (Matthew 17:7). Fear had overwhelmed them and brought them down on their faces. God will give you the strength to bounce back from punch of fear.

Second, the command to not be afraid. "Be not afraid." (Matthew 17:7). This command is to have the opposite of fear in your life, faith.

When the disciples look up, Jesus is alone. Why? Jesus is all they need. As they descend the mountain, Jesus tells them not to tell anyone what they have just seen until after He is raised from the dead (17:9). Why? Because it was not the transfiguration Jesus wanted them to talk about; it was the crucifixion and resurrection, which are the essence of the Gospel. That's why, after His resurrection, what does He tell them in Mark 16:15? 15  And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

The Great Commission was given to the whole church, to every believer. It is a permanent commission given to the church of every generation, not only to the first disciples.

b.  The Great Commission does not consider difficulties, dangers, or barriers to be reasons for not going. Jesus did not discuss excuses for not sharing the gospel. His command was an uncompromising demand. The issue of eternal life vs. eternal damnation is too critical an issue to allow anything to stop the gospel from going forth.

To become balanced believers, we must balance worship with work, information with declaration, and...

Balance receiving forgiveness with giving forgiveness

(Mt 18:21-35)

Matthew 18:21-35 (NKJV) 21  Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22  Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23  Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24  And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25  But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26  The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27  Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28  But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' 29  So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'

30  And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31  So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32  Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33  Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34  And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35  So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."

Some time later, Peter comes to Jesus and asks how many times he must forgive a brother who sins against him. Then, Peter answers his own question: till seven times? (Mt 18:21). The rabbis taught that three times was sufficient, so Peter seems very generous by doubling and adding one to it. Also, seven is the number of completeness. However, Peter isn't even close to the right answer. In Matthew 18:22, how many times does Jesus say we must forgive?

1. (18:21-22) Forgiveness: there is the spirit and practice of forgiveness. Note exactly what happened between Peter and Jesus.

1.  Peter asked about forgiving a brother. Is forgiveness limited? Peter's concern was forgiving another Christian brother, a fellow disciple; Christ also placed the discussion in the context of "the kingdom of heaven," that is, the Christian community or church Peter was very generous in his concept of forgiveness. To forgive a person seven times for having wronged oneself is very generous, far more generous than what most do.

2.  Jesus answered that forgiveness is unlimited.

3.  Jesus illustrated the spirit of forgiveness by referring to the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven in its present form includes some people who are servants of God, but they are servants in profession only.

The servant in this parable professes faith in God, but his profession is false. He is in the church walking among God's people.

In a desperate moment of dire need God has met him and offered mercy and forgiveness, but he has not personally learned anything about God's compassion and forgiveness.

To illustrate the importance of forgiveness to Peter, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving debtor. A servant, about to be tossed into prison for his unpaid debts, successfully begs for mercy from his master. He owes a staggering debt of ten thousand talents, or about 20 million dollars in today's currency. Then, the forgiven

servant refuses a plea for forgiveness from a fellow servant who owes him only an hundred pence, or about $20, and has him thrown into jail. Hearing about this, the master summons the unforgiving servant and has him sent to jail to be tormented until he repays all he owes (18:34). In essence, this is a life sentence. Jesus ends this parable with what somber warning in Matthew 18:35? 35  So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."

(18:35) Judgment: this is the point—an unforgiving person shall be judged. The point is clear and critical. It is critical because it determines our eternal destiny. We must not only forgive, we must live a life of forgiveness and mercy. We must develop a nature of forgiveness and compassion and mercy and love toward others. If we do not forgive from our hearts, neither will God forgive us. Note three things.

1.  Forgiveness comes from the heart, from a new nature wrought in Christ.

2.  Christ says "My Father," not "your Father." God was not the servant's Father. The servant was not a genuine follower of God. He only professed to be.

3.  The person who does not forgive others does not know the forgiveness of God. Having a spirit of forgiveness is so important that Christ taught it time and again

The word translated forgive (aphiēmi, af-ee'-ay-me) means "to send away." An unforgiving spirit harbors resentment, bitterness, and even hatred. When we forgive, we send those feelings and attitudes away and replace them with love. If we refuse to forgive, we become self-tormentors, tormenting ourselves with feelings of resentment, bitterness, jealousy, and hatred.

Forgiveness is never easy. Oxford scholar C. S. Lewis said, "Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until he has something to forgive." It is doubly hard when the one who hurt us expresses no remorse. We should remember forgiveness does not depend on the character of the offender but of the offended. Few things determine whether or not we can have a "journey into powerful living" like our willingness to forgive.

When you find it hard to forgive, remember this question: If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? (Psa. 130:3). We are all debtors to God and have nothing with which to repay our debts. That's what makes the next verse in that psalm so wonderful. Write it below:

Psalm 130:4 (NKJV) 4  But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.

The word translated feared (yārē, yaw-ray') means to revere. It is a reverential fear that is the result of feeling our own unworthiness in God's divine, majestic, presence.

To become a balanced believer, you must balance worship with work, information with declaration, and receiving forgiveness with giving forgiveness.

Lesson 5: Avoiding Spiritual Sinkholes

We have now seen Peter catch a miraculous number of fish, walk on water, and go from the great confession to the great collapse. We have been with Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration, and with him we have learned from Jesus about forgiveness. Now, from Peter's life we will learn how to avoid spiritual sinkholes, which requires at least two things.

Don't become overconfident

Overconfident people 1 Overconfident people are usually loud and noisy.

2 They speak loudly and forcefully to prove their point.

3 They always seek validation from outside.

4 Even after receiving the approval from others, they experience emptiness inside them.

5 They do not feel fully satisfied with life and usually remain unhappy.

6 People display overconfidence because they do not feel good about themselves.

7 They display bravado to compensate for feelings of inferiority.

8 They like to make fun of others.

9 They cannot, however, take a joke about themselves in the right spirit.

10 Others can sense the self doubt that lurks behind the over-confident persona.

Jn 13:1-17, 21-28

It is now the night before the crucifixion, and it is going to be a very bad night for Peter. On this night, because of his prideful ego, Peter does things he will be ashamed of for the rest of his life. Through faith we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:13), but it is dangerous to be overconfident because of our egos. "Ego" can be an acrostic for "Edging God Out."

Jesus and His disciples are observing the Passover, which He transforms into the Lord's Supper. As the Supper begins, what does Luke 22:24 tell us the disciples are doing?24  Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.

There is nothing wrong in trying to be the best that you can be. That is a good goal to strive for in your life, especially when you are trying to do your best for the Lord Jesus

Christ. Unfortunately, some people feud to be first and strive for greatness for the wrong reasons and with the wrong methods.

They believe that greatness will make them happy, famous, or powerful. They want attention and applause and believe that greatness will give it to them.

Our Lord's mind is on the cross, but His disciples are arguing about who will get the largest crown in heaven. They are probably even bickering about their rightful places at the table. In this context, our Lord rises, removes His outer clothes, wraps a towel around His waist, and pours water into a basin (Jn 13:4-5a). Then, what does John 13:5b tell us?4  rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5  After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

He becomes a servant, even to the one who will betray Him and to the rest of the other disciples who will forsake Him because of their fear.

It was customary for the host to wash the guests' feet as they came into his lodging. Not one of the disciples volunteered to do this task which was often done by a lowly servant.

Christ doing the foot washing was a rebuke to the disciples' pride.

What a blow to the disciples' pride and egos! Washing feet is servants' work and, therefore, beneath them. When Jesus comes to Peter, he is confused and asks, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? (Jn 13:6). How does Jesus respond in John 13:7?7  Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this."

He failed to see beyond the humble service itself to the symbolism of spiritual cleansing involved.

Christ's response to Peter's perplexity is a great promise for us during life's painful confusing times. The promise is thou shalt know hereafter (Jn 13:7) because we will one day know even as also we are known (1 Cor. 13:12b). However, at this supper Peter doesn't understand, so he tells Jesus he will never let Him wash his feet. Then, how does Jesus respond (Jn 13:8b)?

John 13:8-9 (NKJV) 8  Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."

Jesus is saying unless Peter lets Him wash away his sin on the cross, Peter could have no relationship with Him. It seems Peter now grasps some of what our Lord means and responds, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head (13:9).

Though Peter makes some really bad mistakes and at times acts very immature, he loves Jesus and cannot stand the thought of being separated from Him. Now that Peter wants to be washed all over Jesus says, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all (13:10). This means we need two types of cleansing:

1. The complete cleansing of conversion. When we become Christians, we confess our sinfulness and are cleansed from a lifetime of sin. This is not because of righteous deeds we have done but because of God's mercy (Titus 3:5a). How does Titus 3:5b desc Titus 3:5 (NKJV) 5  not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ribe this kind of cleansing?

"The washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5). Three thoughts are here in the regeneration of the sinner.

First, the mandate for regeneration. "Washing" says we were dirty. Sin makes us dirty. This mandates the need of cleansing for heaven. Salvation makes us clean.

Second, the means of regeneration. "Washing." This refers to being washed by the blood of Jesus Christ which can cleanse from sin—"Washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Revelation 1:5).

Third, the manner of regeneration. "Regeneration" means rebirth. This is being "born again" (John 3:3,7). This makes us a "new creature" (II Corinthians 5:17) in Christ.

Bathing the entire body corresponds to complete cleansing of salvation and commitment of our lives to Christ as His disciples. Peter had already committed his life to Christ, even though the sacrifice for sins had not yet been made.

2. The specific cleansing of confession. After we become disciples of Jesus Christ, we still sin and must be cleansed of specific sins. This is part of the process called "sanctification." It is cleansing that comes from knowing when we as Christians confess our sins, God is faithful and just. Therefore, what will He do when we confess specific sins (1 Jn 1:9c-d)? 9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The washing of every whit of the body corresponds to the complete cleansing of conversion, or salvation. The washing of feet corresponds to the specific cleansing of confession, which for the disciples in this case is confessing their sin of pride.

Jesus finishes washing the disciples' feet, and they are clean, but not all, referring to Judas Iscariot. To warn them about future sins of pride and ego, our Lord says: For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you (Jn 13:15). Our

Lord also tells the disciples they will be happy if they follow His example (Jn 13:17). The word translated happy means "blessed" or "having divine delight."

The Lord's Supper is now over, and Judas has been exposed by Jesus as a traitor, though none of the disciples understand it (13:26-28). Judas leaves to meet with his Jewish conspirators. Then, Jesus tells His disciples the time has come for Him and His Father to be glorified. He also gives them a new commandment to love one another as He has loved them (13:34). Next, Jesus tells them He is going away, so Peter asks where He is going. How does our Lord reply in John 13:36b? _John 13:36 (NKJV) 36  Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." Jesus was finishing His word and the work of Peter was just getting started.

Therefore, Peter asks, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake (13:37). I think Peter really means what he says, but his heart, like ours, is deceitful (Jer. 17:9). Jesus then tells Peter that before the rooster crows this morning he will deny knowing Him three times (Jn 13:38).

Peter really does love the Lord, but, like all of us, he doesn't realize his own weaknesses. He has no idea of how dark that night will be. He is overconfident because of his pride. This is a danger we all face when serving the Lord. That's why 1 Corinthians 10:12 gives us what warning? 12  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Jesus and the disciples leave the Upper Room and walk out of the city of Jerusalem, crossing the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus continues to teach them and warn them as they walk. What He teaches is recorded in chapters 14-16 of John.

To avoid spiritual sinkholes, don't become overconfident and...

Be alert and pray

Mt 26:36-75

Jesus and His disciples arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus leaves most of His disciples at the entrance. He takes Peter, James, and John inside the garden and asks them to keep watch while He goes farther into the garden to pray (Mt 26:38).

Jesus later returns to find the three disciples sleeping and tells them to watch and pray so they enter not into temptation. Jesus then goes back to pray again. He comes back a second time and finds them sleeping again. He leaves to pray a third time and again returns to find them sleeping. He then tells them it is time for Him to be betrayed. While Jesus is still speaking, Judas appears with a crowd sent from the chief priests and elders armed with swords and clubs (26:40-47). When they grab Jesus, what does one of Jesus' companions do (Mt 26:51)?

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John tells us it was Peter (Jn 18:10). Peter's pride causes him to take matters into his own hands and act on his own without consulting his Lord. Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword, and then He touches the man's ear and heals him (Lk 22:51).

Next, Jesus tells Peter He could call on His Father to send "more than twelve legions of angels" (Mt 26:53). In the Roman army a legion was a unit of up to 6,000 troops. So, Jesus could have called up 72,000 angels, any one of which could destroy the world (Rev. 8:5-12).

The temple guards take Jesus to the high priest, as Peter follows at a distance and the other disciples flee in panic into the darkness. Arriving at the palace of Caiaphas the high priest, Peter enters the courtyard, sits down with the guards, and warms himself at a fire (Mt 26:58). A servant girl sees Peter and says to him, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee (26:69). Before them all, Peter denies being with Jesus. No doubt this will later add to Peter's shame when he remembers what Jesus said about those who are ashamed of Him. What did He say in Luke 9:26 about such a person? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soon another servant girl says to the people standing with Peter, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth (Mt 26:71). Again, Peter denies even knowing Jesus. From the gospel records, it seems Peter's denials get progressively more intense. After about an hour (Lk 22:59), what do those standing near Peter say to him in Matthew 26:73? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The word translated speech (lalia, la-lee-ah') refers to dialect or accent. Peter was from Galilee and probably spoke with a country accent, like me and other people from Oklahoma. When Peter's Galilean accent gives him away, he begins to swear, as in "swear on a stack of Bibles," and says he does not know Jesus (26:74). Immediately, the rooster crows, and hearing the rooster, Peter looks toward Jesus. What does Luke 22:61a tell us he sees? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Peter remembers that Jesus had said before the rooster crows he will disown Him three times (Mt 26:75). Peter goes outside and weeps bitterly. Because of his pride, the "Rock" has crumbled.

Peter learns what we all must learn if we are to avoid spiritual sinkholes. Jesus sums it up when He said, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation (Mt 26:41a). What does Jesus then say (Mt 26:41b)? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In our spirits, we who are truly redeemed always want to do the right thing and be faithful to the Lord. However, like Peter, sometimes our human fears or desires cause us to cave in. That's why we need to be alert to times when our flesh is weak. At those times we especially need to pray because through prayer we receive God's supernatural strength. That's why, on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus gives His disciples what promise found in John 16:24b? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To avoid spiritual sinkholes, don't become overconfident and be alert and pray.

Lesson 6: Coming Back Home to God

John 21

In our last lesson we left Peter after he had denied the Lord three times before the rooster crowed on the morning of Jesus' crucifixion. During the forty days after the crucifixion Jesus twice appears to the disciples and then disappears (Jn 20:19 & 26). They don't know when, or if, they will see Him again. Therefore, Peter and some of the other disciples return to Galilee. What does Peter then say in John 21:3a? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The other disciples with him say, We also go with thee. There are seven disciples in this group: Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee (John and James), and two other disciples whose names are not mentioned. They fish with nets all night from their boat and catch nothing (Jn 21:3b). In this context, we can discover three basic steps to take when coming back home to God...

Step #1: Return

Early in the morning these tired, hungry fishermen hear a voice from shore saying, Children, have ye any meat?, and they answer, No (Jn 21:5). The voice tells them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. When they do, they catch so many fish they can't pull in their nets (21:6).

Only one other time had someone told them where to cast their nets and they had such a catch. Therefore, John says to Peter, It is the Lord (21:7). As soon as Peter hears John, he knows it's true. Peter can't wait for the boat to dock, so he jumps into the water and swims to shore. The other disciples hurry to shore, and what does the resurrected Jesus say to them all in John 21:12a? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus had prepared breakfast for them over a fire on the seashore (21:9). When they finish eating, Jesus and Peter have a little talk. Because the rock, Peter, has crumbled, Jesus addresses him by his original name. What does Jesus ask him in John 21:15b? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This first question could be translated in two ways. Jesus may have been asking, "Do you love Me more than this fishing boat and nets?" Or, Jesus could have been asking, "Do you love Me more than these other disciples love Me?" The latter seems to be the most likely because what had Peter said to Jesus earlier in Matthew 26:33b? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was after this statement that Jesus had told Peter he would deny Him three times that very night. Jesus is now saying, "Peter, you once boasted that you love Me more than My other disciples do. Now I ask you, do you love Me more than they do?" Jesus is trying to teach Peter that even if he loves Him and truly wants to serve Him, pride can bring him down. This is because of what truth found in Proverbs 16:18? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Brokenhearted, disgraced, and now humbled, Peter answers, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee (Jn 21:15b). Jesus responds: Feed my lambs, which means, "OK, prove your love by taking care of My lambs."

Again, Jesus uses Peter's original name to ask, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me, to which Peter answers, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus then says, Feed my sheep (21:16). Jesus wants Peter to be a "rock" again and lead the church.

Finally, for a third time, Jesus uses Peter's old name and asks, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? (21:17). Peter is hurt because Jesus is using his old name, so he thinks perhaps he's not worthy to be called "Peter," or "rock," the name Jesus gave him.

Three times Jesus asks him: Lovest thou me? Why three times? How many times did Peter deny Jesus? Three times! Now Jesus gives Peter opportunity to confess Him three times. Now, on the third time, Peter is no longer proud and boastful. Therefore, probably with tears running down his cheeks, what does Peter say (John 21:17c)?

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Jesus knew in advance about Peter's denial, but He also knows Peter's heart. This is because we humans look at the outward appearance of people's actions, but the Lord looketh on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7b). Even in the midst of Peter's horrible denial, Jesus looks beyond Peter's actions into his heart. So, again Jesus says to Simon, Feed my sheep.

In telling Peter to feed His sheep, Jesus was restoring Peter to his role as leader in the church. Peter denied the Lord three times, and three times Jesus reinstates him. Isn't that great?!

The first step in coming back home to God is return.

Step #2: Repent

When we fail the Lord, there must be sincere regret and contrition for our sin if we are to come back home. In this situation, we must remember what spiritual fact found in Psalm 51:17? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Peter is hurt because the Lord asked him three times lovest thou me? (Jn 21:17b). Why? For one reason, the three questions reminded him of his three denials. Hurt is always part of the price we pay for our sin.

But there is another reason that we can't see in our English Bibles. There are two different Greek words used for love in this passage. The first two times Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, He uses the Greek word agape (uh-gah-pay), which is the

strongest word for love in Greek. It is the word Jesus used when He made what statement in John 15:13? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Agape is also the word used when we read for God so loved the world (Jn 3:16) and God is love (1 Jn 4:8).

In Peter's reply, he is afraid to use the word agape, so he uses the weaker word for love (phileō, fil-eh'-oh), which refers to friendship or tender affection. We find it in the words "Philadelphia," which means "brotherly love," and "philanthropic," which means "love for man." This response reveals Peter's new spirit of humility. Therefore, Jesus asks Peter a third time, lovest (phileō) thou me? (Jn 21:17). In other words, "Peter, do you at least have affection for Me?" Peter, who because of his three denials, has a shattered ego, humbly replies, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (phileō) thee (21:17). Because of humility, Peter uses the weaker word for love. When our Lord responds, Feed my sheep, He is in essence telling Peter, "OK, I can work with that."

Peter is hurt and humbled because he is deeply sorry for his sin. There can be no coming back home to God without a deep sorrow and regret for our sin.

The way back home to God includes three steps: return, repent, and...

Step #3: Recommit

To make sure Peter understands the ultimate cost for following Jesus and feeding His sheep, our Lord says to him, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not (Jn 21:18). How does John 21:19a explain this? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This means Peter's hands will be bound and he will be executed. Then, Jesus says to Peter, Follow me (21:19b). Jesus is totally honest and tells Peter, "If you follow Me, it will eventually cost you your life." Jesus never calls anyone under false pretenses, unlike some of the TV prosperity preachers, who spiritualize greed and selfishness. Instead, what does Jesus tell us in Luke 9:23? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Peter then turns and sees John, the disciple Jesus loves, and asks, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus firmly replies, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me (Jn 21:21-22). In other words, "Peter, you are not to be concerned about God's plan for anyone but yourself. Just be concerned about following Me."

That verse reminds us our God is the God of the second chance, the third chance, or however many chances it takes because He always wants us to come back home again. But we must return, repent, and recommit.

Lesson 7: How To Receive Spiritual Power

Acts 1, 2

In Lesson Six we left Peter on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where our Lord reinstated him three times as the leader of the disciples (Jn 21). As a result, in the book of Acts, Peter becomes a changed man. After His resurrection, Jesus continues to appear to the disciples and others for 40 days as proof He is alive (Acts 1:3). Once while eating with the disciples, He tells them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of His Father. He then tells them they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days (1:4-5). Just before His ascension, Jesus tells them they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (1:8a). What does He also tell them in Acts 1:8b? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As Jesus says this, He ascends back into heaven as the disciples watch. Later in Jerusalem, under Peter's leadership, Matthias is chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve (1:21-26). Matthias is never mentioned again in the New Testament because God is preparing another—Saul of Tarsus—to replace Judas. Now, we will discover what is required for receiving spiritual power...

Be filled with the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-13

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit temporarily empowered individuals to fulfill God's purpose (Judg. 14:6 & 1 Sam. 16:13). However, on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1) He comes to indwell and empower believers permanently. This feast is called Pentecost, which means "fiftieth," because it occurred fifty days after Passover (Lev. 23:15-16). Jews from Asia, Africa, and Europe are in Jerusalem to celebrate this feast (Acts 2:8-11).

After the disciples had waited for ten days in Jerusalem, a sound like a violent wind suddenly comes from heaven and fills the house where they are sitting (2:2). It may

have sounded like a tornado or a hurricane. This audible sign of the arrival of the Holy Spirit is followed by a visible sign as they see what appears to be tongues of fire that divide and hover over the heads of each of them (2:3). Then, what happens in Acts 2:4? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The word translated tongues (glōssa, glow-sah') means "languages." In the crowd that gathered to see what was happening were devout Jews from all over the world. They spoke different languages, but each person heard the disciples speaking in his own language (2:6). The crowd was amazed since the speakers were Galileans (2:7). Jews from Galilee were viewed by other Jews as uneducated and unrefined. Since there was no logical explanation for the ability of these uneducated Galilean Jews to be speaking in foreign languages, some of the Jews thought they had drank too much wine (2:13).

One of the secrets for receiving spiritual power is being continually filled with the Holy Spirit. In the Bible we are never commanded to be baptized with the Holy Spirit because that happens at conversion (1 Cor. 12:13), but we are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18b). How do we know if we are filled with the Holy Spirit? Well, one way is to know what prevents us from being filled. That's why God gives us what command in Ephesians 4:30a? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The word translated grieve (lupeō, loo-peh'-oh) means to cause distress or make sad. After telling us not to grieve the Holy Spirit, Paul lists the things in our lives that will do just that. It is interesting God did not inspire Paul to include stealing, adultery, or murder in the list. This is because these are not the sins that most often grieve the Holy Spirit. The sins that most often grieve the Holy Spirit have been called "the sins in good standing." God lists them for us in Ephesians 4:31. What are they? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Any of these will grieve the Holy Spirit and prevent us from having spiritual power. In the next verse (Eph. 4:32) we are commanded to be just the opposite: kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, which are characteristics of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

To receive spiritual power, be filled with the Holy Sprit and...

Be willing to share the Gospel

Acts 2:14-47

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He causes us to want to share the Gospel in a powerful way. Because the people who hear the disciples speaking in different languages are so confused, Peter stands up with the other disciples and explains what is happening is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Acts 2:17-21 & Joel 2:28-32).

Peter also explains this is the dawning of a new spiritual era, in which God will pour out His Spirit on all people, and there will be wonders and signs to confirm it is of God. In this new era, all believers can be filled with the Holy Spirit. However, this could not have happened any sooner. How does Jesus explain this to the disciples in the Upper Room in John 16:7c? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why couldn't the Holy Spirit come until Jesus went away? Because the sacrifice for sin had not yet been made on Calvary, and the Holy Spirit cannot indwell a person who has not been cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

In Acts 2:25-28, Peter confirms the resurrection as God's plan for the Messiah by quoting David from Psalm 16:8-11. Sometimes when an Old Testament writer spoke in the first person, it was really the voice of God or the Messiah. So, this passage from Psalm 16 is really the words of Christ. Quoting the Messiah from Psalm 16:10, what does Peter say in Acts 2:27? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

To prove David isn't talking about himself, Peter reminds them David is dead and his tomb is still with them (2:29). Having explained the prophecy concerning Christ's resurrection, Peter tells the crowd he and the other disciples are witnesses to the resurrection of Christ. He then tells them Christ has been exalted to God's right hand. Again, he quotes from the psalms to verify this is a fulfillment of prophecy (2:29-35).

Peter concludes: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (2:36). The people who heard this were pricked in their heart. The word translated pricked means "to pierce or to penetrate with a needle or sharp instrument." It carries the idea of suddenly jamming a dagger into someone. So, the Holy Spirit was not only working in the lives of the disciples, but also in the hearts of the people who listened to the Word of God being preached. This is a fulfillment of what promise of Jesus concerning the Holy Spirit in John 16:8? _____________________________________________________________________

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The Holy Spirit reproves, or convicts, of sin and causes people to become concerned about their lost condition. Therefore, the people who hear Peter's sermon ask, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37). Peter responds, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (2:38a). The word translated repent (metanoeō, meta-no-eh'-oh) means a change of mind that results in a change of lifestyle. It is turning from living life our own way to living life God's way. Peter also says be baptized in the name of Christ Jesus for (or because of) the remission of sins. For believers, baptism is a public testimony of repentance and commitment to follow Jesus Christ.

The bonus of repentance is the gift of the Holy Ghost (2:38b). There is only one condition for receiving the Holy Spirit—repentance. Peter did not tell them to wait or pray to receive the Holy Spirit but rather to repent. Every true believer has the Holy Spirit. How does Romans 8:9c confirm this? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As a result of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 people are saved and baptized (Acts 2:41). This is the exact opposite of what happens when Moses brings the Law from Mount Sinai. When Moses comes down from the mountain, he sees the people completely out of control, or "naked." So, he stands at the gate of the camp and tells everyone who is for the Lord to come to him, and all the sons of Levi come (Ex 32:26). Moses then commands the Levites to go through the camp and kill those who refuse to come to the Lord. The Levites do as Moses commanded. What is the result (see Exodus 32:28b)? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Law condemns, but the Spirit gives life (2 Cor. 3:6). Under Peter's leadership, the early church did more than make converts; they continued to teach and fellowship, and as a result, the Lord added to the church (Acts 2:42-47). In other words, there was teaching, fellowship, and evangelism. These are the three necessary ingredients of a healthy church. They are like a three-legged stool. If one leg is missing, the stool can't stand.

Before he was filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter was a miserable failure. But after being filled with the Holy Spirit, he preached so boldly and powerfully thousands came to Christ. This is a wonderful example of what truth found in Philippians 2:13? _____________________________________________________________________

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To receive spiritual power, you must be filled with the Holy Sprit and be willing to share the Gospel.

Lesson 8: The Anatomy of a Miracle

Acts 3, 4

We previously saw Peter preach on the Day of Pentecost, which resulted in 3,000 souls being saved and baptized (Acts 2). Now, we come to the first healing miracle in Acts. During the time of the early church, God used miracles to authenticate the message of Christ and to confirm the apostles. How does Mark 16:20b express this fact? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Before the New Testament was completed God used signs and wonders to confirm His messengers. Today we confirm them by searching the Scriptures. In this passage we find three parts to the anatomy of a miracle. First is...

Ask God

3:1-11

Peter and John are going to the temple for prayer at 3 p.m. At the gate called Beautiful, they encounter a man lame from his mother's womb. This man, who is carried daily to the gate so he can beg from passersby, sees Peter and John and asks for money. Peter tells him they don't have any silver or gold (3:6a). Then, what does he say in Acts 3:6b? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Peter takes him by the hand, and immediately the man's feet and ankles are strengthened. He jumps to his feet and begins to walk. He walks into the temple praising God, which reveals he knows the source of his healing. When people see he is walking, they are filled with wonder and amazement (3:8-10) at what has happened to this crippled man.

Here we find the key to experiencing a miracle. The man asked for money, but God wanted to give him something much better: the use of his legs. We often ask God for too little. How does the last sentence in James 4:2 express this fact? _____________________________________________________________________

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The first part of the anatomy of a miracle is to ask God. Then, we need to...

Allow it to be an avenue to share the Gospel

3:12-26

Peter wastes no time in capitalizing on the miracle. First, he explains the miracle is not the result of his or John's power or holiness (3:12). Then, Peter turns the people's attention away from the healed man, John, and himself by saying the God of Abraham has glorified Jesus. He also tells the crowd they disowned Jesus and killed the Prince of life, but God raised Him from the dead, of which they are witnesses. Peter continues by telling them the power of Jesus' name healed this man for all to see (3:12-16).

After his denunciation of their treatment of Christ, Peter gives them hope by saying they killed Christ in ignorance but were also at the same time fulfilling what the prophets say about Christ's suffering (3:17-18). Ignorance does not remove guilt, but it does mitigate the circumstances. Therefore, what does Peter tell the crowd in Acts 3:19? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The word translated blotted out (exaleiphō, ex-all-i'-foe) means "to obliterate or to erase." In ancient times, paper was so rare and expensive it was used over and over. Also, ink had no acidity, so it did not "bite" into the paper. A person only needed to wipe a damp cloth across a page to remove every trace of the dried ink. The phrase blotted out describes that process of erasing. This is what God does when we repent.

Quoting Moses, Peter then says if the Jews do not listen to the Messiah, they will be destroyed from among God's people. He goes on to say all the prophets... have likewise foretold of these days (3:22-24). Peter explains the promise to Abraham and the prophecies about the Messiah are fulfilled in Christ. Peter also tells them God's servant, Jesus, came first to them (3:25-26 & Rom. 1:16). It was God's plan that the world be blessed with the Gospel through Abraham's descendants (Gen. 12:3).

Years later, when the Jews continue to reject the Gospel, Paul and Barnabas tell them they had to speak God's Word to Jews first (Acts 13:46). However, since they are not accepting it, what does Paul tell the Jews in the last phrase of Acts 13:46? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Therefore, the world today is being blessed by the Gospel primarily through Gentiles. However, this is temporary (Rom. 11:25).

The anatomy of a miracle is to ask God, allow it to be an avenue to share the Gospel, and...

Anticipate problems

4:1-31

When God is working a miracle in our lives, the Evil One goes to work trying to stop it by using problems to discourage or frighten us. A huge crowd has gathered to hear Peter and John. This attracts the attention of some Jewish leaders who are very upset about the teaching of the resurrection of Jesus. So, while Peter and John are still speaking, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees come to seize Peter and John and put them in jail. Yet, in spite of this persecution the church increased to about five thousand men, not counting women and children. We would say "households" (4:1-4). Estimates of Jerusalem's population at that time average around fifty-five thousand, so the number of people in the church is a very high percentage of the city's total population.

The following day the rulers, and elders, and scribes, who make up the Sanhedrin, convene to analyze the situation (4:5). This is the same council that condemned Jesus (Lk 22:66). When Peter and John are brought before them, the members of the Sanhedrin cannot deny the miracle. Therefore, what do they ask in Acts 4:7? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This question was a deadly trap because if Peter and John had attributed the healing to any power other than Jehovah, even though it was a bona fide miracle, they would have been sentenced to death (Deut. 13:5). However, Peter is not intimidated because he no doubt remembers Jesus saying that when he is arrested he is not to worry about what he will say (Mt 10:19). What does Jesus promise in Matthew 10:20? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

So, filled with the Holy Ghost, Peter tells them it is by the power of the resurrected Jesus that this man is healed. Then, Peter connects Jesus with OT prophecy by quoting Psalm 118:22: He is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner (Acts 4:8-11). The cornerstone was the most important stone in a building because it was used to make sure the other stones were straight and plumb. Peter makes it clear the builders, the Jewish leaders, have rejected the Messiah. Therefore, they are missing the most important part of what the OT

teaches. To reveal this is a grave mistake, what does Peter tell them in Acts 4:12? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The case against Peter and John was difficult because the healed man was present as indisputable evidence. Also, they gave the God of Israel credit for the miracle and the resurrection of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter, an unlearned, or uneducated, fisherman, courageously dazzles these highly educated Jewish leaders with his knowledge of prophecies. Therefore, what do we read in the last phrase of Acts 4:13? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Being no match for the Spirit-filled Peter, the council sends Peter and John out of the chamber so they can confer among themselves. The members of the council find themselves in a quandary because they can't deny the miracle, but they want to stop Peter and John from preaching (4:15-17a). Therefore, what do they decide to do in Acts 4:17b? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The council calls them in and announces their demand. Peter and John respond: Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye (4:19). This boldly accuses the council of being at odds with God.

Peter and John were eyewitnesses to the crucifixion and resurrection, and had experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they also say, For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard (4:20). In spite of Peter and John's refusal to capitulate, the council makes more threats and lets them go. They could do nothing more because they could not decide how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done (4:21).

When Peter and John go back to the other believers to tell them what happened, they all pray and praise God for His power (4:24-28). Then, what do they pray in Acts 4:29b? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

After they pray, the meeting place is shaken as they are all filled with the Holy Spirit and speak God's Word boldly (4:30-31). This passage reveals that being filled with the

Spirit is not a one-time experience. Also, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our focus is Christ. The Holy Spirit never draws attention to Himself (Jn 16:13b). Instead, what does Jesus say about the Holy Spirit in John 16:14a? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The anatomy of a miracle is ask God, allow it be an avenue to share the Gospel, and anticipate problems.