Hope Renewed May 18

What do you think? What are different ways people respond to failure? Today we consider spiritual failure … and how Peter responded. – When he failed, Jesus restored him. – Jesus will do the same for us.

Listen for Peter’s failure. John 18:15-18 (NIV) Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, [16] but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

Listen for Peter’s failure. [17] "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am not." [18] It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

Faltering and Failing What was potentially dangerous about the situation Peter and the other disciple inserted themselves? In what kind of situation could believers find themselves surrounded by folks who are totally against Jesus? In what contexts are we almost forced or required to associate with enemies of Christ?

Faltering and Failing What thoughts do you think were running through Peter’s mind? How do you respond to Peter’s fear of being identified with Jesus? Why do you think this story is in the Bible?

Listen for Peter’s realization of failure John 18:25-27 (NIV) As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." [26] One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?" [27] Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

Repeated Failure Let’s list all the different people who asked Peter about being Jesus’ disciple? Peter was gathered together with people keeping warm around a fire. How can standing with the wrong crowd result in denying Christ, or at least set us up to do so? What self-protective reasons might tempt us to deny that we are followers of Christ?

Repeated Failure When and where is it hardest for you to openly acknowledge your relationship with Christ? Peter failed three times in the same way in the space of less than an hour. How do we deal with the shame of repeated failure? How should we deal with it?

“Spiritual Breathing” From Campus Crusade for Christ Spiritual breathing (exhaling the impure and inhaling the pure) is an exercise in faith that enables you to continue to experience God's love and forgiveness.

“Spiritual Breathing” From Campus Crusade for Christ Exhale -- confess your sin -- agree with God concerning your sin and thank Him for His forgiveness of it, according to 1 John 1:9 and Hebrews 10:1-25. Confession involves repentance - a change in attitude and action.

“Spiritual Breathing” From Campus Crusade for Christ Inhale -- surrender the control of your life to Christ, and appropriate (receive) the fullness of the Holy Spirit by faith. Trust that He now directs and empowers you; according to the command of Ephesians 5:18, and the promise of 1 John 5:14, 15

Listen for Jesus’ restoration of Peter. John 21:15-19 (NIV) When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." [16] Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

Listen for Jesus’ restoration of Peter. [17] The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Listen for Jesus’ restoration of Peter. [18] I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

Restored to Jesus’ Service Jesus asked Peter of his love 3 times and he replied in the affirmative. What did Jesus tell Peter to do? Considering Jesus’ response, how should we demonstrate our love for Jesus?

Restored to Jesus’ Service What is your emotional reaction to the events in this passage? Why? How can we help each other when we stumble or fall? How are we to serve and care for other Christians, for Jesus sheep?

Application Be honest with God Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sins and failures. – Practice “spiritual breathing” as presented by Campus Crusade’s teaching on the Spirit filled life. – Breathe out in confession, breathe in God’s forgiveness and empowerment.

Application Seek reconciliation – If your sin has hurt other people, humbly ask for their forgiveness. – Follow God’s leadership to repair any damage you have caused.

Application Foster reconciliation in someone – Listen as someone tells you about a failure. – Pray together for God’s restoration. – Implement that restoration together.

Hope Renewed May 18