1. A Fresh Start
July 23

2. Think about it … What are different ways people respond to failure?
Remember your or your child’s response to learning to ride a bicycle …

3. Think about it …
Today we consider spiritual failure … and how Peter responded.
When he failed, Jesus restored him.
When we fail; Jesus restores us.
Listen for Peter in trouble.

4. Listen for Peter in trouble.
John 18:15-18 (NIV) 15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high

5. Listen for Peter in trouble.
priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. 17 "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." 18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

6. Faltering and Failing
What were some of the events of the previous hours leading up to his denials of knowing Jesus.
What was potentially dangerous about the situation Peter and the other disciple inserted themselves?
In what kind of situation could believers find themselves surrounded by folks who are totally against Jesus?

7. Faltering and Failing
In what contexts are we almost forced or required to associate with enemies of Christ?
What thoughts do you think were running through Peter’s mind?
How do you respond to Peter’s fear of being identified with Jesus?
Why do you think this story is in the Bible?

8. Listen for déjà vu all over again.
John 18:25-27 (NIV) As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." 26 One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

9. Repeated Failure What additional challenges did Peter experience?
What emotions would you have experienced in Peter’s situation before and after being challenged?
Before
After

10. Repeated Failure
Peter was gathered together with people keeping warm around a fire. How can standing with the wrong crowd result in denying Christ, or at least set us up to do so?
What self-protective reasons might tempt us to deny that we are followers of Christ?
When and where is it hardest for you to openly acknowledge your relationship with Christ?

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

12. Listen for Jesus’ restoration.
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth,

13. Listen for Jesus’ restoration.
when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

14. Jesus Restores from Failure
What is the significance of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him?
What in these verses helps us see that Jesus had not given up on Peter?
Considering Jesus’ response, how should we demonstrate our love for Jesus?
How can we help each other when we stumble or fall? How are we to serve and care for other Christians, for Jesus sheep?

15. Application Remember. Look back to one of the times that you sinned.
Thank God for His forgiveness and write your praise to Him for the ways that He has brought restoration to your life.

16. Application Memorize. Memorize Psalm 139:23-24.
Pray this on a regular basis to keep short accounts between you and God.
Is there a circumstance or sin in your life for which you need to ask God’s forgiveness?

17. Application
Write.
Write a letter of forgiveness to someone who has hurt you.
Whether or not you give this letter to the person, the writing process can help you express forgiveness and fully forgive them just as Jesus has fully forgiven you.

18. A Fresh Start
July 23