What Can We Learn from Simon Peter? (Matthew 10:2-4)
Introduction:
1. Jesus chose 12 men to serve as His apostles. 2. Their names are listed in Matthew 10:2-4. 3. In our lesson we are studying passages that reveal information [both positive and negative] about Simon Peter. 4. Our purpose for doing so is to help us learn information that will help us to be the people that the Lord wants us to be. 5. Let us begin with . . .
Discussion:
I. SOME POSITIVE INFORMATION
A. Peter demonstrated great faith when Jesus called him. 1. Peter was introduced to Jesus by his brother, Andrew (John 1:40-42). a. From the beginning, Jesus saw potential in Peter. b. Jesus indicated that Peter would develop into a strong follower of His. 1) Jesus gave "the keys of the kingdom" to Peter (Matthew 16:19). 2) Peter wrote 2 of the New Testament letters. 2. Peter eventually left his fishing nets to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20). B. Peter clearly understood who Jesus is. 1. (Matthew 16:16) Peter identified Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." 2. (John 6:66-69) Peter maintained this belief when many of the Lord's disciples left Him. C. In a positive way, Peter demonstrated great faith when Jesus called him, and he clearly understood who Jesus is. D. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. SOME NEGATIVE INFORMATION
A. (Matthew 16:21-23) Peter rebuked Jesus -- he was not willing to accept God's will. B. (John 13:6-8a) Peter refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet. 1. Jesus was trying to teach Peter and the other apostles a lesson, and He reasoned with Peter in vs.8b. 2. Thankfully, Peter had a change of mind (vs.9).
III. WHAT LESSONS DID PETER NEED TO LEARN?
A. To be a true follower of Christ, a person must "deny self" (Luke 9:23). 1. Peter denied himself when he left his nets to follow Jesus. 2. However, at other times he was unwilling to deny himself, and this affected his relationship with the Lord. B. To be a true follower of Christ, a person must not be ashamed of Jesus and His words (Luke 9:26). 1. Peter was not ashamed when he identified Jesus as God's Son. 2. However, at other times he was unwilling to submit to the Lord's instructions, and this affected his relationship with Jesus. 3. Peter needed to learn that it will do no good to call Jesus "Lord" without following His teachings (Luke 6:46).
Conclusion:
1. Peter clearly made some serious mistakes, but he was wise in that he learned from them. 2. He had a number of weaknesses, but he overcame them. 3. He became one of the Lord's most devoted followers, and the Lord used him to lead many souls to become Christians. 4. What can we learn from Simon Peter? a. Let us maintain our faith that Jesus is God's Son. b. Let us submit to the Lord's will by denying ourselves. c. Let us never be ashamed of the Lord or His words.
