Here at Calvary, we just finished studying through the book of First Peter verse by verse. It was not only a timely series of Bible studies, but also very encouraging. Peter is an example in the Scriptures that encourages those of us that stumble, fall, and fail.
Do you fail at times? Have you stumbled lately?
Then Peter will encourage you too!
1. Peter reminds us that God gives 2nd chances.
It’s too easy to write people off because of how deep and gross their sin is. You might even write yourself off not giving you any hope into the future because of your past failures. It’s like we have two standards: good sins and bad sins. But they all are horrifically contrary to the holiness of God. And they all can be forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ! Peter after his staunch denials of his best friend and Savior, is forgiven and restored back into ministry. He is a blessing to us.
John 21:15–17 (NLT) “After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
God is ready to give you a 2nd chance if you need it!
2. Peter reminds us God cares for His suffering Church (flock).
I believe one of the practical reasons why God restored Peter was so that he could write his letter (1 Peter) of encouragement and exhortation to suffering believers. Every single generation of Christians has suffered, some more than others. Until Jesus returns, suffering, persecution, and pain will be a part of all of our lives. Peter reminds us that God uses suffering and trials to form us, shape us, and fashion us into the image of Jesus. He’s getting us prepped and ready for Heaven while using us greatly on earth.
Romans 8:26–30 (NLT) “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”
God is ready to comfort and encourage you in your pain.
3. Peter reminds us that Jesus, the Chief Shepherd is returning soon!
Peter went from hopeless to hopeful with one touch from Jesus. The rest of his life was spent teaching and reminding believers that the soon return of Jesus, the rapture of the Church, could happen at any moment. The Chief Shepherd is on the way! This world isn’t our home. We are just passing through. We are pilgrims and sojourners. If you only live for this world, you will be discouraged a lot. Jesus promised eternity to those who place their faith in Him!
John 14:1–7 (NLT) “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
God is sending Jesus for you in His perfect timing. Look up!
Like Peter, you are on this earth for a purpose. By faith, abide in Christ and follow His lead. You are important to the plan and purposes of God on the earth, just like Peter was!
This was a well-timed blog post; I am not at all a perfect Christian and, while I have been taking each day to try to be better than the previous day, I have been reflecting A LOT on my past failures, to a degree I have been really beating myself up and have gone so far as to tell myself my testimony isn’t as valid as some other believers due to my past failures… How grateful I am to have a Father who is always with me, goes before me, and provides as many second chances as we need. After all, we aren’t here to be right, we’re here to get it right – one day at a time. Thank you, Pastor Ed!