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Peter, A Rock For God Introduction: Peter is one of the best known of the Apostles. The first part of Acts deals largely with his preaching and travels. Yet in many ways Peter was the "average" man. He is one most of us can identify with as he was brave but also a coward, he was spontaneous, verbal, and a leader. In the list of the Apostles, Peter was always listed first. He was the unofficial spokesman of the group. I) Peter Before Christ, John 1.40-47; Matthew 4.18-20 A) A fisherman, a common worker(?), from Bethsaida, John 1.44 B) Lived in Capernaum of Galilee, Mark 8.5, 14 1. Capermaun was considered part of the "lower class" places 2. Jesus denounced Bethsaida and Capernaum for witnessing the miracles but not believing in Him, Matthew 11.21,23 C) The names of Peter 1. Simeon Bar-Jonas means Simon the Son of Jonas. Matthew 16.17 2. Cephas which was his proper name, John 1.42 3. Peter or Petros which means a rock or pebble, "it was not a proper name but rather a descriptive title", Zondervan Dictionary, page 641. Matthew 4.18 D) Other information 1. Was married (Matthew 8.14) and his wife was believing, (1 Corinthians 9.5) 2. Was considered "uneducated" in the Jewish religion, Acts 4.13 3. A devout Jew, Acts 10.10-16 II) Peter During Christ A) The chief spokesman, Matthew 10.2 1. Asked the hard questions. a. Matthew 18.21 "How often shall I forgive my brother?" b. Matthew 19.27 "What shall we have?" c. John 13.36 "Lord, where are you going?" B) The doer 1. Peter walked on water with Jesus for a time, Matthew 14.29 a. He understood the power of God, Matthew 14.28 b. But he took his eyes off of Jesus, Matthew 14.30 2. Peter made the "good confession" Matthew 16.16 a. Then Peter proceeded to rebuke the "Son of God", Matthew 16.22 b. Jesus then rebuked Peter, Matthew 16.23 3. Peter was at the Mount of Transfiguration, Matthew 17.4 4. Peter was the one who cut off Malchus' ear, John 18.10-12 5. He said he would never deny Jesus, Luke 22.31-44 6. He then proceeded to deny Jesus three times that night, Mark 14.66-72 7. He ran with John to the empty tomb, John 20.1-10 8. He jumped into the sea to swim to Jesus in John 21.7 9. He confessed his "love" for Jesus in John 21.15-19 III) Peter Serving Christ A) Preached the first recorded Gospel sermon, Acts 2 B) Preached the first sermon to the Gentiles, Acts 10.28,29, 34, 47-48 1. Later on he defended going to the Gentiles, Acts 11.3, 16-17 2. He spoke at the Jerusalem conference in Acts 15.7 C) Showed hypocrisy in Galatians 2.11-13 D) An elder in the church, 1 Peter 5.1,2 IV) Lessons A) Sin is a constant enemy, 1 Peter 5.8 1. Even an apostle had to overcome temptations and prejudices. 2. Luke 5.8 rings true for most of us. B) See great maturity in Peter, 2 Peter 3.18 1. Peter was humbled at his betrayal of Jesus, John 21. 2. Peter suffered persecution and death for the cause of Christ, 2 Peter 2.20 C) God can take the common and make it uncommon, 1 Peter 1.16 1. It is not our talent that limits us it is our faith and dedication. 2. Heaven will be made up of common people willing to obey God; and that is an uncommon trait. Conclusion: Peter was the imperfect Apostle but he was striving for perfection. We today have a Savior that understands our weaknesses and temptations. His death made our forgiveness possible. Will you tonight submit to Jesus and be immersed in water for the remission of your sins? 1 Peter 3.21
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