A Summer 2009 Mini-Series

The Apostle Peter: The Big Picture of God’s Power In A Humbled Life A Character Study From Selected Texts PART II Pastor Joe Pursch Chinese Grace Bible Church June 7, 2009

1.Peter Was The Big Picture Of God’s ___________ Of A Person’s Hidden Potential! (John 1:40-42) Realization

John 1:40-42, 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which translated means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

2. Peter Was The Big Picture Of God’s ___________ Of A Person From Deep Problems! Liberation

A.Unrestrained – John 18:10

John 18:10, 10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave's name was Malchus.

A.Unrestrained – John 18:10 B.Unforgiving – Matthew 18:21-22

Matthew 18:21-22, 21 Then Peter came and said to Him, "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.

A.Unrestrained – John 18:10 B.Unforgiving – Matthew 18:21-22 C.Unwilling – Matthew 16:21-23

Matthew 16:21-23, 21 From that time Jesus began to show 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 up on the third day. 22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You."

Matthew 16:21-23, 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."

A.Unrestrained – John 18:10 B.Unforgiving – Matthew 18:21-22 C.Unwilling – Matthew 16:21-23 D.Undisciplined – Matthew 26:31- 35, 69-70

Matthew 26:31-35, 69-70, 31 Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.' 32 "But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee." 33 But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away."

Matthew 26:31-35, 69-70, 34 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 35 Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." All the disciples said the same thing too.

Matthew 26:31-35, 69-70, 69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about."

3. Peter Was The Big Picture Of God’s ___________ Of A Person From A Ruined Life! (Mark 16:7; John 21:17) Restoration

Mark 16:7, 7 "But go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.'"

John 21:17, 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You " Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep.”

4. Peter Was The Big Picture Of God’s ______________ Of A Person From Weakness Into Power! (Luke 22:31-32) Transformation

Luke 22:31-32, 31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Conclusion Peter’s Relational Example: Courage