Building Biblical Character Through Knowing Bible Characters - Peter: The Second Apostle of Jesus

Building Biblical Character Through Knowing Bible Characters - Peter: The Second Apostle of Jesus

Summary: Look at the Second apostle of Jesus called and His best friend. Study the 25 incidents in Peter's life. Watch his growth in faith, his decline, and his 2nd rise to greatness. Great for the development of character in our lives.

Date: November 08, 2015

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11

Series: Building Biblical Character Through Knowing Bible Characters

Introduction

Today is our 6th part in the series, “Building Biblical Character Through Knowing Bible Characters.” We saw Mary, Martha, Bartimaeus, Jairus and The Wild Man these men and women, like us, had all kinds of character flaws.  As we study them, we can see how Jesus will still walk with us in our imperfection. As the old song says “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Today we will meet his best friend while He walked the earth. We will possibly see some of our traits in his life.

I heard a story about three pastors who went fishing. They agreed on a lot of doctrine except one believed that miracles and gifts ceased with the apostles. As they were fishing they ran out of bait. One of the pastors said “I have more bait in my tackle box sitting on the shore. I’ll go get it.” He then proceeded to get out of the boat, walk to the shore, grab the box, and return. The doubtful pastor was speechless. Soon they became thirsty so the other pastor said “I have some drinks on the shore. I’ll go get them.” He then proceeded to get out of the boat, walk to the shore, grab the drinks, and return.

Suddenly the doubtful pastor was furious. “My faith is just as great as yours. If you two can walk on water so can I.” He proceeded to get out of the boat and immediately sank.  His two friends pulled him back in the boat but he brushed them away and once again got out of the boat and sank. After two more attempts one pastor looked at the other pastor and asked “Do you think we should show him where the rocks are?” Peter had no rocks. He was walking on water.

In the time of Christ, Palestine was divided into three main regions. Galilee was to the north, Samaria was in the center, and Judea was in the south. Jerusalem and the temple were in Judea. In traveling from Galilee to Judea, it was necessary to pass through Samaria, where the travelers were not always received graciously. There was great animosity between the Samaritans and the Judeans because of their religious differences (cf. Luke. 9:51-56, John. 4:9).

The title of this message is, “Peter: The Second Apostle of Jesus."

Scripture Reading:

Keeping this in mind, Rise to your feet and turn with me to Luke 5:1-11

5 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

8 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 was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. May the sweet Holy Spirit add His manifold blessings to our text this morning... in our hearing. Amen! You may be seated in God's Presence.

Sermon

Originally named Simon, Peter was a Galilean fisherman (Mark 1:16; Luke 5:2; John 21:3), the son of Jonah (Matt. 16:17; John 1:42; 21:15-17) and brother of Andrew. The name Simon is a Hebrew name which means: "to hear". The name Peter is the surname which Jesus gave him after Peter’s great proclamation of the person of Christ. Peter means: "a stone, or a rock". Thus the name ‘Peter’ is the Greek word for ‘rock’ (petra) The Greek rendering of the Aramaic name, Cephas, is also used for Peter in John 1:42. John 1:35-44 tells us that Peter, Andrew and Philip came from the village of Bethsaida and had been disciples of John the Baptist before they became disciples of Jesus.

Bethsaida was on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee (Mk. 6:45), just a few miles from Capernaum, where Jesus made His headquarters during His ministry in Galilee. Peter lived in Capernaum (Mk.1:21, 29-31) at the time of Christ's ministry there. Nazareth, also in Galilee, was about 20 miles southwest of Capernaum.

When our Lord prayed all night to know which disciples to select as his 12 apostles, the Heavenly Father directed Him to choose all Galileans. God by-passed those who were born and raised in Judea, possibly because they were so entrenched in tradition. There was a new message to be brought to birth and proclaimed, and the Lord would only ordain men who were pliable and open for change. He needed new wine skins, vessels that were elastic.

The historian Josephus and the Talmud (or Jewish writings) describe the regional characteristics of the Galileans as follows: 

Josephus: “The Galileans were ever fond of innovation, by nature disposed to change and sedition, to follow a leader and to begin an insurrection; were quick-tempered, and given to quarreling.”

The Talmud: “The Galileans were anxious for honor more than for money. They were quick tempered, impulsive, emotional, and easily aroused by an appeal to adventure, and loyal to the end.” 

All the apostles were Galileans, either by birth or by residence (cf. Acts 1:11, 2:7). These regional characteristics are vividly seen in every one of them, especially in Peter. They were excitable, adventurous, impulsive, ready to support a new and unusual cause, and open for a change of order.

One's temperament and disposition descend from two sources: 1.) ancestry - the traits passed on to us through our bloodline; and, 2.) the region where we grew up. Our personality is molded by the spirit of the locality where we were raised. 

The Galilean characteristics come out strongly in Peter, and they blemished his testimony. These foreign elements contaminated his faith. Therefore, Peter had to have many specific trials to purge him of this Galilean mentality. The same mentality was clearly manifested in James and John and all of the other apostles as well. On the other hand, they possessed great openness of spirit, a quality needed for the next move of God. 

Peter grew up in a devout home, evidenced by the fact that he had “never eaten anything common or unclean” since his youth (cf. Acts 10:14). He was ceremonially meticulous and possessed deep spiritual convictions. Also, he eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah (John. 1:40-41).

All of the Gospel traditions place Peter among the first disciples to be called, frequently along with his brother Andrew and the sons of Zebedee (cf. Mark 1:16-20; Matt. 4:18-22; in John 1:40-42 Peter is summoned by Andrew and given his ‘name’ as part of his calling).

I. PETER: JESUS’ MAIN MAN

The Lord Jesus and Peter went way back.

A. MEETING JESUS

1. Peter met the Lord Jesus the day after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Andrew, Peter's brother went and got Peter and brought him to Jesus.

2. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon ("reed")... you will be called Cephas/Peter” ("rock"), John 1:42. Jesus saw the possibilities in Peter and what he would become, renaming him. 

(Note: Peter also called Simon; Simon Peter's father's name was John sometimes referred to as Jonas or Jonah. We know nothing more about his parents. Simon was a very common name. There are at least seven Simons in the Gospel accounts.)

3. He was probably at the Wedding of Cana (John 2) where the water was turned into wine.

4. He saw Jesus cleanse the Temple, John. 2:13-17.

5. He saw the Woman by the Well, John. 4:4-42.

6. He saw the Nobleman's son healed, John. 4:46-54.

7. The decisive moment of dedication seems to be when Jesus did a miracle in Peter’s boat.

B. THE HUMANLY IMPOSSIBLE HAPPENED

Luke 5:1-7 The Miraculous Catch in Peter’s Boat

1. "Great" multitude of fishes caught.

2. So huge -- nets breaking(God's extravagance).

3. "Signaled" partners. Three ancient authorities add "because of fear and astonishment."

4. So Great -- BOTH SHIPS began to sink. 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, to the brim. 5-6 tons of fish apiece!

5. Peter's mind screamed, "Impossible!" Such a catch had never been heard of on that Lake.

C. HIS FINAL DECISION TO FOLLOW JESUS

1. Peter had seen other miracles, but they didn't affect him like this.

2. This miracle was:

a. Was in his calling/trade.

b. Was in his boat.

c. Occurred with his nets!

d. After all his efforts and experience showed it couldn't happen.

3. "THIS IS GOD!" As he gazed into Jesus’ eyes, he gazed into the eyes of God! The Holy One of Israel!

4. Suddenly Peter felt unworthy. A sinful man before a holy God. Like Isaiah in the presence of God saying, "How unworthy I am!"

5. Luke 5:8-11, “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.”

II. PETER’S FAITH & IMPETUOSITY

A. DESCRIPTION OF GALILEAN’S CHARACTER

1. As I mentioned earlier; The Talmud says this of the Galileans, "They were more anxious for honor than for gain, quick-tempered, impulsive, emotional, easily aroused by an appeal to adventure, loyal to the end." Peter was a typical Galilean!

B. IMPULSIVE NATURE

1. Peter became Jesus’ most ardent follower. You just have to love Peter! He had good intentions but was always fumbling and bumbling and impulsive -- rushing in where angels fear to tread.

2. He’s so human, so real. He often made mistakes and had to reverse himself.

3. EXAMPLES of Reversals:

a. He told Jesus, "You’ll never wash my feet" and then had to repent. John 13.

b. One time he rebuked Jesus (a mistake! Mt. 16:22) and Jesus told him, as satan, to get behind Him!

c. Peter boasted that he’d never deny Jesus, Mk. 14:27-31, but then denied Him 3X!

d. When the Lord appeared on the shore, after the resurrection, instead of taking a boat like the others, Peter through himself in the water, John 21:7-8.

C. PETER’S EXHIBITIONS OF FAITH, BOLDNESS

1. Great Confession: Jesus = Son of God, Mt. 16:13-18.

2. Caught a fish -- money in mouth, Mt. 17:21.

3. Walked on water, Mt. 14:22-23.

4. Cut off High Priest’s servant’s ear, John 18:10.

5. After Pentecost, was the leading spokesman of the twelve apostles, Acts 2:14, etc.

D. CLOSEST IN THE INNER CIRCLE

1. There's no doubt that the Lord Jesus saw him as a trusted friend.

2. Peter and two others (the Three, with James and John) were allowed to go in with Jesus to raise Jairus’ daughter, and to go up the Mountain of Transfiguration where they saw Jesus transfigured and saw Moses and Elijah.

3. Again, Peter, James and John were asked by Jesus to accompany Him into the Garden of Gethsemane.

4. As far as I know, this is the only time Jesus ever asked the disciples to pray for Him. The PROOF OF JESUS’ CLOSENESS TO PETER, when He found the 3 asleep, He said, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch one hour?” Mk. 14:37. He didn't look to John or James, but to Peter.

5. JOKE: (SLEEPING IN CHURCH). Lady to Pastor,

a. "I hope you didn't take it personally, Reverend," an embarrassed woman said after a church service, "when my husband walked out during your sermon."

b. "I did find it rather disconcerting," the preacher replied. "It's not a reflection on you, sir," insisted the church goer.

c. "Arthur has been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child."

6. So Peter was probably the closest friend Jesus had among the twelve. It must have been tough when Jesus heard Peter deny him three times!

III. PETER DECLINE AND RECOVERY

A. PLATEAU OF FAITH

Peter had 5 events happen as high points:

1. He walked on Water, Mt. 14;

2. His Great Confession, Mt. 16:16;

3. On Mountain of Transfiguration, Mt. 17:1;

4. Saw Demonized Boy Delivered, Mt. 17;

5. Catch fish with Coin in Mouth, Mt. 17:21.

B. DECLINE OF PETER

1. “Who’s the Greatest?” (pride), Mt:18:1;

2. “Do I have to forgive?” (unforgiveness), Mt. 18:21;

3. “What reward if we left all? (envy), Mt. 19:27;

4. “You shall never wash my feet!” (False Humility), John. 13:8;

5. “I’ll never deny You; Die first!” (over Confidence), John. 13:37;

6. Slept when he should've Prayed, (lax), Mt. 26:40

7. Cut off Malchus’ Ear, (rash), John. 18:10;

8. Followed Jesus afar off, (fear), Mt. 26:58;

9. Denied knowing Christ 3X,(betrayal), Mt. 26:67-75.

10. Saw Jesus die and Buried. (Death of his hope.)

C. PETER’S RECOVERY AND REINSTATEMENT

1. Ran to the Tomb (hope), John. 20:2.

2. “Tell his disciples, and Peter…” Mark. 16:7.

3. Second Miraculous Catch, John. 21:3.

4. Jesus asked 3X if loved Him John. 21:15.

5. Peter Reinstated, John. 21:18-19.

6. Day of Pentecost, Acts 2.

IV. WHY DID PETER FAIL?

A. FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY

1. Do you think Peter would have ever thought he would do such a thing? Peter had three opportunities to pray with Jesus and notice that Peter denied Christ three times.

2. Why did Peter fail? Because he had a false sense of security! “Hey, look at all I've done; look how long I've been a Christian! I don’t need to seek the Lord! I've been getting by just fine.”

3. BUT FOLKS, IF THE SON OF GOD NEEDS TO PRAY, YOU DO TOO! Trials are moments we face greater problems than ever before; LOW spiritual power won’t be enough.

4. PETER FAILED THE TEST! The Five foolish virgins didn't have enough! 

WE NEED TO REACH A HIGHER PLACE IN GOD IF WE WOULD WITHSTAND THE TRIALS THAT ARE COMING!

5. JESUS’ TWO INSTRUCTIONS: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” Mark. 14:38.

B. PETER DIDN'T “WATCH”

1. The word “watch” means “to be a soldier on duty”/guard (Mt. 27:66; 28:11).

2. THE ROMAN WATCH, Mark 13:35. The soldier’s night was divided into Four “watches”:

Number Schedule Description

First Watch 6 - 9 P.M. "even" watch

Second Watch 9 P.M. -12 A.M. "midnight" watch

Third Watch 12 – 3 A.M. "cock crowing" watch

Fourth Watch 3 – 6 A.M. "morning" watch

3. Many Biblical allusions are made to things happening at late “watches:”

a. The Bridegroom came at the end of the Second Watch to the ten virgins, Mt. 25:6. Five virgins failed to have enough oil in their lamps - relationship with Jesus, to go with Him. 

b. But Jesus challenges our readiness: “And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants” Lk. 12:38.

4. FOURTH WATCH CHRISTIANS:

a. Jacob was a Fourth watch Christian, he wrestled with God all night.

b. That’s when Jesus walked on the water, after praying all night, Mt. 14:25.

c. When Peter released from prison, Acts 12:6.

d. When Mary Magdalene met the risen Jesus, John 20:1. 

WILL YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE IT THROUGH?

5. In Biblical times, if a watchman fell asleep while on duty, it was a capital offense.

6. Even in colonial America - when Lewis and Clark caught a man sleeping on duty they whipped him severely and held him for court martial. WHY?

7. When you’re given the duty to watch, the life of your entire company’s at stake. They’re defenseless while asleep. You’re on duty! When you become a Christian, you’re on duty. “NOT ON MY WATCH!” will the church fail.

C. HE DIDN'T “PRAY”

1. When you don't pray, this leaves the door open to fall. Backsliding can happen while you’re sitting on a church pew! 

2. Somebody told me, "Pastor, if I’d been with Jesus, I would've prayed." No you wouldn't! If you won't pray with air-conditioning, padded pews, and carpet -- you wouldn't have prayed then either.

3. Peter thought he was immune to weakness. Peter thought it couldn't happen to him, but it did. And it can happen to us if we don’t pray!

4. Jesus is still saying, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?” Mt. 26:40, KJV.

D. HE PROCRASTINATED!

1. To “Procrastinate” is to “postpone taking action.” Peter probably intended to pray some time, but put it off.

2. Many people today intend to get right w/ God.

a. Attend Churches, listen to serious preaching...

b. The Word is preached powerfully. It impacts them. They feel the Holy Spirit in the service and He is wooing them to answer the call to Christ.

c. They may even shed a tear, or sense the presence of Angels in the place.

d. YET AS CLOSE AS THAT IS, THEY AREN’T SAVED!

3. If you don’t take action, if you don’t surrender your life to Jesus Christ, you won't be saved!

INVITATION AND THE FINAL CHALLENGE

A. ILLUSTRATION: SAFE TO DELAY?

1. A woman came to Dr. Chalmers one day and said, "Dr. Chalmers, I can’t get my husband to come to the Lord. I've talked and talked to him but it's no use." The Dr. said, "Let me talk with your husband by myself and I will see what the Lord shows me."  One day he met the husband and engaged him in conversation; "You have been bothered a good deal about the matter of your soul’s salvation, haven't you? Suppose I tell your wife that you don't want her to talk about it for whole year, how will that do?" The Scottish man hesitated a moment and replied, "Well, I don't think it would be safe to put off the matter for a whole year. Something might happen! I might die before then." "Yes, that's possible," replied the doctor. "Suppose we say six months?" The husband didn't think that even that would be safe. "Well, then, how about three months?"  After a brief hesitation the husband replied, "I don't think it is safe to put it off at all." They knelt together and in a few moments the husband was radiantly saved.

B. THE CALL: WHEN GOD SPOKE TO FIRE

1. Jesus prophesied Peter’s death by crucifixion when He said that “When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and take you where you do not want to go” John 21:18-19. 

2. The church historians Tertullian, Origen, and Eusebius state that Peter was crucified upside down, because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the way that the Lord Jesus Christ had been.

3. From an arrogant, bold,cocky, rash man, he became a humble, willing, obedient servant of the Lord even to death.

4. May we learn from his example!

C. Peter Was Down That Day, But He Was Not Out.

1. He would soon rise above the circumstances of this dreadful day and live a victorious life for His Lord.

a. What about you?
b. Are there circumstances that keep you from living the victorious life.
c. There doesn't have to be!

2. God longs to do the same thing for you that He did to Peter.

a. Make you into His child.
b. Love You.
c. Protect you.
d. Bless you.
e. Won’t you let him?

3. It’s our choice.

a. Bill Hybels, Who Are You (When No One’s Looking) 

Every single day we make choices that show whether we are courageous or cowardly. We choose between the right thing and the convenient thing, sticking to a conviction or caving in for the sake of comfort, greed or approval. We choose either to take a carefully thought-out risk or to crawl into a shrinking shell of safety, security and inactivity. We choose either to believe in God and trust him, even when we do not always understand his ways, or to second-guess him and cower in the corners of doubt and fear.

b. The Christian who has been revived by the Holy Spirit of God will be the one who follows in spite of the masses; He influences in spite of those around him; He’s faithful in spite of public opinion; He’s powerful in spite of the lukewarm standards. 

c. I ask that you would stand where you are if you sense that Christ is asking you to take a stand for Him today.

4. Are you Ready if so come before the Alter after the service, I and Sunita will minister to you. Others Gently take your fellowship lunch.