"PETER -- THE IMPETUOUS!"

Texts:       Matt. 14:26-31; 17:1-4,6  Jn. 6:66-69;  21:7;15-17;  Lk. 5:1-11; 22:31-32,49-62;  24:12

INTRO:       When you stop and think about the Apostles you probably have in your mind a picture of great men of God who healed the sick, raised the dead, did great miracles everywhere they went, and exercised faith that was unshakable and perfect – and if you do, you are not thinking about the 12 apostles that followed Jesus!

The kind of men that became Jesus' right hand men were very much like you me, Jesus hand picked them and they were quite a motley crew!  Studying them will help us appreciate the love God has in picking us to be His followers ... we have many of the same weaknesses that these so called "giants" of the faith did, and some of their strengths also!

ILLUS:    THE GREAT PREACHER SPURGEON ONCE SAID, "IT IS A GOOD THING THAT GOD CHOSE ME BEFORE I WAS BORN, BECAUSE HE SURELY WOULD NOT HAVE AFTERWARDS!"  -- SOURCE UNKNOWN

If you think that you have problems with doubts, or struggle with being obedient, you are in good company ... not only with Christians sitting around you right now but also those who walked with Jesus in His own day!

PROP. SENT:    While Peter was quite impetuous, God saw the potential of the man who would one day be capable of leading His Church and be steady; weaknesses on our part do not disqualify us for being loved by God and used by Him ... we have hope!

I.   JUMP FIRST!   Matt. 14:28-31;   Lk. 24:12;  Jn. 21:7; 6:66-69

A.   Clumsy!     Matt. 14:28-31;   Lk. 24:12;   Jn. 21:7

1.   Peter had this thing for "jumping into things!" -- or "jumping" before looking!

I heard that a friend of mine, Michael was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communication tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied: "If I was any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well being of my soon to be born daughter" Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live.

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked. Michael continued, " The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he is a dead man' I knew I needed to take action"

"What did you do?" I asked.  "Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Michael. "She asked if I was allergic to anything."   "Yes?" I replied.  The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled "Gravity".

a.   Peter's nature was to immediately respond to emotional stirrings!

b.   This was a double edged sword quality; if the right thing came along he was quick to commit to it, however, around the wrong crowd or the wrong event he could just as easily commit to it or them!

c.   This made Peter's life quite interesting, sometimes you loved this guy and at other times you wanted to clobber him!

2.   Like the time Peter jumped overboard to walk on the water to Jesus -- no thought about what he did until he was on the water and then saw the waves, taking his eyes off Jesus he begins to sink!

a.   This describes a lot of Christians!

b.   After a stirring sermon they are ready to make a commitment, it is the follow-through that becomes the problem, especially when they see the stormy seas around them!

3.   When the women tell Peter and the others that Jesus was alive he JUMPED UP and ran to the tomb to see for himself -- a quick start, just not a good marathon runner yet!   Lk. 24:12

4.   When Peter realized it was Jesus on the shore he JUMPED into the water and swam to shore to be with Him!

5.   Peter is likeable; you can't help but love a guy that is this motivated!

a.   Jesus saw potential, impetuous people have it!

b.   Focusing or channeling their emotions is all that they need, and to help them learn to think before they jump!

B.   Committed   Jn. 6:66-69

Football Players

I have often wondered what would happen if football coaches approached their work like most youth ministers are expected to. For example, I wonder what would happen if when a player was too busy to show up for practice, the understanding coach simply said, “We’ll miss you. I hope you’ll be able to make it next week sometime.” Imagine the players leaving practice and hearing the smiling coach say, “Thanks for coming. I hope you’ll come back tomorrow.”

If a football team operated like a typical youth ministry, we might expect concerned parents to call the coach, saying, “Can you tell me what’s been going on in practice? My son says it’s boring, and he doesn’t want to come anymore. I was wondering, could you make it a little more fun for them? And by the way, you might want to talk to the coach at the school across town. He seems to have the right idea.” The coach might send out quarterly questionnaires about what the players would like to change about the team (I can just imagine the answers: “shorter practices,” “more winning”).

A coach, responding like a typical youth minister, might first feel guilty that the practices were not meeting the boy’s needs, and he would try to adjust his program to suit this boy (and every other boy who complained). Between trying to keep everybody happy and giving every student a good experience, the coach would squeeze in a little football practice. And what kind of season would this coach have? It’s a safe bet that the coach wouldn’t be the only one who felt like a loser.

But this is the very way that most churches expect to run their youth ministries. To expect that youth be committed to the church at the same level of commitment that would be expected on an athletic team would draw the charge of legalism and of religious individualism that the expectation of commitment to the church has become implausible to most Christian parents. Because the god of individualism pressures us to program to the lowest common denominator, we seldom raise the expectations high enough for teenagers to experience real community.

Real community means real responsibility for each other. It means a commitment to be there for each other even when the schedule is tight and when motivation is low. But the typical Christian adult in our culture knows little about commitment to community.

1.   There are those shining moments however when Peter is moved to jump for the right thing, such as his commitment to Christ!

2.   Though many others stopped following Christ when they realized how hard the commitment was going to be, Peter didn't flinch; at least not on this occasion!

3.   People who have strong emotions can be strongly committed, at least until some other strong emotion comes along that pulls them aside or to something else.

a.   Peter later would deny Jesus when he was extremely fearful and disillusioned.

b.   Once however those fears were relieved by Jesus' appearance he came back!

4.   Impetuous disciples are very motivated people, they are quick to move on something, although they may not have thought through all the dynamics.

a.   Peter was a great Pentecostal!

b.   Perhaps this is why he typified the whole group on the day of Pentecost; he becomes the first spokesman and leader of the new Pentecostal Church!

c.   Later he is confronted by Paul for reacting emotionally with some Gentiles while his Jewish brethren came, he was acting like a hypocrite and Paul calls him down on this publicly.  Peter was emotional!

d.   It is interesting to note however that this was not viewed by God as a negative trait; Jesus picked Peter to be the leader of the group!

e.   Emotions are good -- they just need discipline!

5.   Give me "jump first" Christians over “never move” ones any day!

a.   It is easier to steer a ship than to push one!

b.   "A live dog is better than a dead lion."  Eccl. 9:4

c.   Impetuous people tend to feel guilty and insecure because of their nature, yet these are people that God desires and is willing to shape -- power under control!

II.  JUST FEARFUL!    Matt. 14:26-27; 17:6   Lk. 22:49-62; 24:37

A.   Common     Matt. 14:26-27; 17:6

1.   Impetuous people can be sensitive to fear, this is what at times makes them "jumpy!"

Paralyzed by Fear

Like the children of Israel in today’s Bible reading, Hannah Hurnard, author of Hinds’ Feet on High Places, was once paralyzed by fear. Then she heard a sermon on scarecrows that challenged her to turn her fear into faith.

The preacher said, “A wise bird knows that a scarecrow is simply an advertisement. It announces that some very juicy and delicious fruit is to be had for the picking. There are scarecrows in all the best gardens...If I am wise, I too shall treat the scarecrow as though it were an invitation. Every giant in the way which makes me feel like a grasshopper is only a scarecrow beckoning me to God’s richest blessings.” He concluded, “Faith is a bird which loves to perch on scarecrows. All our fears are groundless.”

a.   Peter often did crazy things when he was afraid!

b.   Fear is an emotion ... which is a part of a "Peter" personality.

c.   When Peter first saw Jesus walking on the water he cried out in great fear thinking Jesus was ghost, then when he knew it wasn't he jumped off the boat and started walking toward Jesus until of course he started sinking because of fear over the waves, then Jesus rescued him!

2.   "Peter" people can be fearful people; they may lean towards "worry" at times.

3.   Peter was afraid when God spoke from heaven and said how "pleased He was with His son Jesus" ... Peter fell to the ground in fear, Jesus had to reassure him and tell him to get up!   Matt. 17:6

4.   Sometimes the "Peters" miss out because of their fears.

ILLUS:     THE PREMIER SCIENCE-FICTION WRITER RAY BRADBURY WON A TOP AWARD IN 1968 FROM THE AVIATION/SPACE WRITERS ASSOCIATION FOR A LIFE MAGAZINE ARTICLE HE WROTE IN PRAISE OF SPACE EXPLORATION, BUT BRADBURY DIDN'T ATTEND THE ASSOCIATION'S AWARDS MEETING IN FLORIDA, HE LIVES IN LOS ANGELES AND HE IS TOO AFRAID TO FLY!  -- SOURCE UNKNOWN

5.   There is probably a little bit of a "Peter personality" in everyone.

ILLUS:     ONE OF THE ASTRONAUTS THAT WALKED ON THE MOON SEVERAL YEARS AGO WAS INTERVIEWED ABOUT WHAT HE FELT THE MOMENT HE STEPPED FOOT ON THE MOON, WHAT EMOTION CAME TO HIM?  HIS ANSWERED REVEALED A MAN LIKE PETER; "I REMEMBER THINKING H0W THE SPACECRAFT WAS BUILT BY THE LOWEST BIDDER!"  FEAR GAVE HIM HIS FIRST THOUGHTS, BEFORE HE COULD EVEN ENJOY THE BEAUTY AND MYSTERY OF BEING WHERE “NO MAN HAD BEEN BEFORE!”  -- SOURCE UNKNOWN

B.   Confused!    Lk. 22:49-62; 24:37

1.   Peter when confused acted strange; in this case he cuts off an ear of a servant who was trying to arrest Jesus!

2.   During unexpected moments "Peters" can react with panic, emotions drive them to act without thinking first!

3.   Even when Peter saw Jesus after the resurrection he is confused and in panic again thinks Jesus is a ghost!

a.   Confusion can come with this personality trait, what is needed is information and calm.

b.   Jesus at this point offers Peter and the others the chance to touch Him and feel His scars so they would realize this was real, and not be afraid or confused!

4.  YET -- Jesus loves this disciple!

a.   Fortunately, Jesus sees much more than just our weaknesses, in fact, it is Peter's weakness -- his emotionally strong reactions that will become his strength once they are focused and disciplined!

b.   Brings to mind the verse, "When we are weak we are strong."

III.  JESUS' FAVORITE   Matt. 17:1-4; 26:36-46;   Lk. 22:31-32;   Jn. 21:15-17

A.   Communion   Matt. 17:1-4; 26:36-43

1.   It is noteworthy that Jesus often picked Peter to be with Him when others were not.

a.   When Jesus is transfigured Peter was there, of course he reacted emotionally and told Jesus how they should erect 3 tents, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!

b.   While Jesus didn't appreciate the offer Jesus still loved the man!

c.   Jesus kept Peter close to Him, this close communion is what Peter needed for the balance in his life!

2.   All this close communion will eventually overcome Peter’s weaknesses, you can't be around Jesus in such close communion and not have it effect you!

ILLUS:      A MISSIONARY TO CHINA WAS IN LANGUAGE SCHOOL, WHEN THE TEACHER CAME IN SHE SAID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!  THE TEACHER MERELY WALKED AROUND THE ROOM SEVERAL TIMES AND SAT DOWN.  SOME TIME LATER SHE FINALLY SPOKE AND ASKED, "DID YOU NOTICE ANYTHING SPECIAL ABOUT ME WHEN I CAME INTO CLASS?"  NOBODY COULD THINK OF ANYTHING EXCEPT THAT SHE NEVER SAID A WORD.  ONE STUDENT FINALLY SAID, "YOU WERE WEARING A LOVELY PERFUME."  THE TEACHER SAID, "THAT'S IT!"  SHE FURTHER EXPLAINED, "IT WILL BE A LONG TIME BEFORE ANY OF YOU STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO THE CHINESE IN THEIR LANGUAGE, YET YOU CAN MINISTER JESUS CHRIST TO THEM BY THE "FRAGRANCE" OF HIS LIFE IN YOUR ACTIONS.  THEY WILL KNOW THAT YOU WERE WITH JESUS BEFORE THEY HEAR YOU TALK ABOUT HIM IN THEIR LANGUAGE!  -- SOURCE UNKNOWN

3.   Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him in the garden of Gethsemane, His closest friends.  Out of those three Peter seems to be the closest for when Jesus comes back to find them it is Peter He speaks to first!

a.   Jesus' toughest time was spent in communion with Peter, though Peter slept through it!

b.   Jesus' choice would not likely be ours ... but again, He sees what we do not!

4.   Peter represents the kind of disciple that Jesus loves, impetuous but loved!

a.   There is hope saint!

b.   If Jesus can take Peter He might do well with you!

B.   Commissioned    Lk. 22:31-32;  Jn. 21:15-17

1.   Jesus' confidence in Peter is shown in Luke 22:31-32

a.   Jesus states Satan's desire to sift Peter like wheat -- yet,

b.   Jesus prayed for Peter and tells him that when it is all over, after Peter has failed he will yet "strengthen his brothers."

c.   Jesus was confident that Peter would turn back again!

2.   Impetuous doesn't mean stupid, Peter might react out of fear and do the wrong thing but He knew Peter wasn't shallow or dumb; Peter would be a "rock!"

3.   Jesus' final commission was in Jn. 21:15-17:

a.   3 times Jesus asks Peter if Peter loved Him!

b.   Peter is hurt by this 3 fold asking, yet this is what Peter needed to get rid of his own pain, after all, he had denied Jesus 3 times days earlier!

c.   After each affirmation Jesus instructs Peter to "FEED MY SHEEP" or “LAMBS” ... in other words -- lead!

4.  Jesus' trust in Peter is revealed at the end, it is to Peter that Jesus gives instructions for a preaching ministry, this emotional guy who often reacted from the emotion of the moment is Christ's choice of leadership!

a.   It is true that it took years with Christ to bring discipline to his emotional nature!

b.   Jesus' love and guidance for an impetuous man gives hope for all of us who tend to be ruled by our emotions or the events of the moment ... keep your love for Christ, and when you make a mistake come back.  Jesus loves you more than you can know!

5.   Jesus' final words to Peter in this passage:  "FOLLOW ME"....

a.   This is how his nature would stay in check!

b.   As he followed Christ his very weakness would become the passion to do God's work and stay on course!

6.   There is yet hope for us CHRISTIANS, YOU KNOW -- ALL US EMOTIONAL CHRISTIANS!

CONCLUSION:   Peter is easy to identify with, like so many of us we go from hot to cold in our walk with God, often we are afraid, yet God loves us deeply!  Like Peter, our Lord keeps working with us.  Peter became a great disciple -- and so can you!