Matt 26:69-75
John 21:15-19
Peter was saved to serve.
Peters relapses were both major and minor.
MINOR RELAPSES
-Ignorance and Arrogance
Matt 16:21 - Peter rebukes Christ. He believed in Christ but couldnt understand Christ's suffering. The idea of the cross was not valid to him - he could not comprehend it.
-Self Confidence
Matt 14:28-33
-Weakness of Flesh
MAJOR RELAPSES
Luke 22:31
-Peter did not accept the word of God as he ought.
Satan tries to take us down - sometimes through sexual impropriety. Do you take what the Bible says about behaviour and morals seriously?
Matt 26:41
We should always watch and pray lest we enter into temptation. If we dont we are not acknowledging Satans power.
-Peter didnt exercise faith.
He didnt testify of faith as he should have done.
-Peter had become a 'sucessful backslider' - abandoned the practice of prayer, reading the Bible, rejecting all opportunities for Christian fellowship, getting as much of the world as possible-money etc., resolving one day to mend your ways.
It was gradual.
PETERS REPENTANCE
Luke 22:62 '...wept bitterly.'
Tears of remorse and repentance.
There is something greater than any sin, and that is God's grace.
PETERS RESORATION
Luke 22:31,32
'Go and tell the disciples and Peter' - Christ restored Peter. His restoration was definate. :32 'WHEN you return.'
The restoration was designed so that Peter, returning to God, would be used again and could serve once more.
Peters recommision bought souls to Christ. John 21:19. Peter was to die, but it was worth it.
There is a cost, but it is worth it.
1 Pet 5:10,11
