Lecture Notes: Great Characters of the Bible - Peter

Introduction

• Presenter: John Bradshaw
• Theme: Success often follows repeated failures.
• Examples of success:
  • Rowland: After multiple failed businesses, eventually found success with Macy's.
  • Henry Ford: Failed his first two businesses before revolutionizing the auto industry.

Spiritual Growth through Failure

• Failure in Faith: Most people experience failures in their spiritual life before succeeding.
• Focusing on the Biblical character of Peter:
  • Peter had a tumultuous journey, marked by failures and growth.
  • Initially violent, racist, and made false promises.

Introduction to Peter

• Full name: Simon Bar-Jonah (Son of Jonah), later renamed Peter by Jesus.
• Background: Fisherman; not a religious leader or formally educated.
• Call to Discipleship:
  • Jesus calls Peter and his brother Andrew to be "fishers of men" in Matthew 4.
  • Peter's qualities: genuine, teachable, humble.

Characteristics of Peter

• Impulsive and often spoke before thinking:
  • Example: Questioning Jesus' actions, such as when He washed the disciples' feet.
  • Strong declarations of loyalty ("I will lay down my life for You") but often fell short.

Key Episodes from Peter's Life

Walking on Water

• Event: Jesus walks on the water during a storm.
• Peter's Request: Asks Jesus to command him to walk on the water.
• Lesson: Focus on Jesus to succeed; distractions can lead to failure (Peter begins to sink).
• Prayer in Crisis: "Lord, save me!" demonstrates reliance on Jesus.

Peter's Denial

• Prediction: Jesus foretells Peter's denial before the rooster crows.
• Denials: Despite initial confidence, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times.
  • Felt deep remorse afterward, illustrating human weakness.

Restoration and Commissioning

• Post-Resurrection: Jesus addresses Peter personally after His resurrection.
• Three Questions: Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him:
  • Uses agapé (self-sacrificing love) vs. phileó (brotherly love).
• Restoration: Despite Peter's failures, Jesus commissions him to "Feed my sheep."

Peter's Growth and Impact

• Filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost; preaches and converts thousands.
• Key miracles and bold proclamations following his transformation.
• Despite biases and challenges, Peter grew in faith and inclusivity (vision about the Gentiles).

Conclusion

• Lessons from Peter's Life:
  • God can use imperfect individuals for His purpose.
  • Transformation is possible through God's love and patience.
  • Encouragement for individuals feeling inadequate or failing in their spiritual life.
• Final Thoughts: Trust God to help you grow and become the person He wants you to be.

Closing Prayer

• Acknowledgment of God's ability to restore and change lives based on Peter's journey.