The Peter Principle

Presented by: Lost Sheep Ministries

Thus, employees only stop being promoted once they can no longer perform effectively, so, "managers rise to the level of their incompetence." The Peter Principle is a concept in management theory in which the selection of a candidate for a position is based on the candidate's performance in their current role rather than on abilities relevant to their intended role.

In Christianity, this process is reversed: A Christian starts by being spiritually incompetent and grows into effective leadership from a life of humility. The Apostle Peter is a good example of the Christian Principle.

This presentation about Apostle Peter is taken from Andrew Murray’s book, Absolute Surrender, the fifth chapter, “Peter’s Repentance”

Peter was an uneducated fisherman: He was incompetent! Yet he was the first Disciple that Jesus told, “Follow Me and I’ll make you a fisher of men” Peter left everything including his nets. Peter: The Devoted Disciple of Christ

Though Peter knew there were no fish, he obeyed Christ and lowered his nets.

Peter had faith enough to walk on water

Who Do You Say That I AM? Peter was a man of Spiritual Insight Simon Peter replied, “You Are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16)

“Upon this Rock, I will build My Church.” And Christ said, “Blessed art thou, Simon; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.”

Peter paid his taxes

Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration with Elijah and Moses

Peter was a splendid man, a devoted disciple of Jesus, and if he were living nowadays, everyone would say that he was an advanced Christian. And yet how much there was wanting in Peter!

Peter’s Life of Self Christ began to speak about His sufferings, and Peter dared to say: “Be it far from thee, Lord; this shall not be unto thee.” Then Christ had to say; “Get thee behind me, Satan; for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but that be of men.”

Peter had left his boats and his nets, but not his old self! Though Peter performed such miracles as casting out demons, healing the lame, and walking on water, He still depended upon Self! Silver nor Gold Have I none but in the name of Jesus, Get up!

Jesus said, “If you are to be one of My Disciples, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” Peter assured Jesus that he would never deny Him! But instead of denying himself, Peter denied Christ!

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, “Before the cock crows, thou shalt deny Me thrice. “ And Peter went out, and wept bitterly (Luke 22:61-62) Peter’s Repentance

Peter was broken! This was the turning point from a life of incompetence to a life of greatness.

Following His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and the other Disciples. Jesus instructed the Disciples for Forty Days Before Ascending to the Honored position at the Father’s Right side.

Peter was instructed to wait until empowered by the Holy Spirit; Then he was to take the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea, Samaria, and the Uttermost parts of the world. Acts 1:4

Preaching at Pentecost Peter Preaching at Pentecost resulted in multitudes of believers in Christ

Peter was Pastor of the Jerusalem Church

He was inspired to write two books of the New Covenant

Unfortunately, We have resorted too much to the secular ways of church management and have left the Holy Spirit out! Ichabod !!

Unlike the Peter Principle in the management world, we, like Peter, are to be transformed from incompetence into Christian maturity empowered to bear much Kingdom fruit.