I.PARANOID ABOUT FAILURE 1 Tim. 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, [13] although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. [14] And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

1 Tim. 1:15-17 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. [16] However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. [17] Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Neh. 9:17 But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.

II.PERSPECTIVE ON FAILURE A.GOD EXPECTS IT B.GOD FORGIVES IT

Isaiah 30:18-19 Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. [19] O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.

II.PERSPECTIVE ON FAILURE A.GOD EXPECTS IT B.GOD FORGIVES IT C.GOD USES IT

Jonah 3:1-2 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, [2] "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you."

II.PERSPECTIVE ON FAILURE A.GOD EXPECTS IT B.GOD FORGIVES IT C.GOD USES IT D.GOD SEES PAST IT

Acts 7:23-25 Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. [24] And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. [25] For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand.

III.PREVAILING OVER FAILURE A.BEING REALISTIC ABOUT OURSELVES

1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

III.PREVAILING OVER FAILURE A.BEING REALISTIC ABOUT OURSELVES B.BY HAVING FAITH “Fear knocked at the door, faith answered and no one was there.”

Numbers 14:8-9 "If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey. [9] "Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them."

III.PREVAILING OVER FAILURE A.BEING REALISTIC ABOUT OURSELVES B.BY HAVING FAITH C.BY GIVING UP THE FALSE SECURITY IN FAILURE

Matthew 25:15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' “And I was afraid….” (v.25a)

THE EDUCATION OF PETER: LUKE 5:1-8: Daytime, bright skies, calm sea, Jesus in the boat, awake LUKE 8:22-25: Stormy seas, dark night, Jesus in the boat, asleep MATT.14:22-27: Stormy seas, dark night, Jesus is not even in the boat

MATTHEW 14:28: “LORD, LET’S TRY IT WITHOUT THE BOAT!” Matthew 14:30 But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

III.PREVAILING OVER FAILURE A.BEING REALISTIC ABOUT OURSELVES B.BY HAVING FAITH C.BY GIVING UP FALSE SECURITY D.BY SPIRITUAL WARFARE E.ONE STEP AT A TIME