Day 15, Feb 19th 2024

Text: John 1: 35-42  

Text: Matthew. 4:18- 19.  John.1:42

Introduction

Welcome Back to Another Episode of 40 Days in the Word. Yesterday We looked at an interesting Character in the Bible, Andrew the brother of Peter.

Today, Day 15, we are going to be studying the life of Peter who walked with God boldy as a disciple of Jesus. He was a bold and committed disciple, who later became the head of the Disciples.  The Bible makes us to understand that Peter and Andrew his brother who were fisher men when He called them. Peter’s walk with Jesus, and this made him gained knowledge about a lot of things.  He learnt more about the kingdom, about commitment, the effect of pride, repentance and forgiveness.  He witnesses miracles wrought by Jesus. Even the healing of his mother -in-law. Peter though not perfect, had a heart for serving and played a key role in helping to establish and build the church. He gave his life to share the Gospel to help as many people as possible come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Peter’s life is marked by transformation, faith and human frailty. 

Matthew. 4:18-20.

Today let’s journey through the life of Peter as we glean so lessons that would be of benefit to us. 

Life Lessons: 1. Peter was very courageous and passionate person. 

Immediately Jesus called the brothers to follow Him to fish for men, Peter gave up everything to serve Jesus. This takes a lot of courage and strength, he did not need any persuasion or cajoling, he was willing and ready. Matthew.4:20 “At once they left their nets and followed him’. 

Though Peter did not know what the result of being with Jesus held for him, he believed that Jesus was the coming Messiah. He also showed this courage backed with faith, when Jesus granted his wish to walk on water, even though he later. doubted, Jesus still recognized his courage from the onsite When He changed His name from Simeon to Peter, meaning rock. As God Himself who knows all things, Jesus knew he would be steadfast, sturdy, focused and would be a force in spreading the gospel.  His passion and loyalty also showed forth when, he called Jesus aside and rebuked Him, when Jesus talked about His coming arrest and crucifixion.  

Also, at the transfiguration Peter was the one that was bold and spiritually sensitive enough to say they should build tabernacles for for what they saw. Matthew.17:4
He is also then only disciple that said Jesus is the son of God.  Mark.8:28 & 29. Matthew.16:17. (KJV)

Lesson 2: Courage in Faith

Peter’s courage to get out of the boat and walk on the water toward Jesus is an example of his willingness to take risks in faith. Even though he doubted when he took his eye off Jesus and looked at the storm, he walked on water in the stormy and uncertain seas, it would have taken a lot of courage to put faith into action like he did. Peter’s initial courage serves as a reminder of the power of faith over fear. Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV), Hebrews 12:2

Lesson 3: The Weakness of the Human Nature 

Peter’s threefold denial of Jesus, while in direct contradiction to discipleship, reveals his human weaknesses, failures, and flaws. Without God, we are just finite human beings who are bound to make mistakes. Remember, this is the same Peter who swore not to deny Jesus when Jesus foretold that he would be rejected, he boasted that it would not happen but when the time came, he did deny Jesus three times before the cock crowed. His boasting was border Line Pride. The key to overcoming pride in your life is to put on humility, which is just thinking less of yourself. 

1Cor. 10:12 , James.4:10

Lesson 4: Humility in Repentance

Peter was always quick to respond to rebuke, every time he oversteps his boundaries. For instance, Immediately the cock crowed after Peter denied Jesus, His heart smote Him, he was instantly repentant, his response to Jesus’ merciful gaze moved him to deep repentance and conversion. Peter’s example teaches us the importance of humility and repentance in our walk with Christ.

 Luke 22:61-62(NIV)

Lesson 5: Restoration by Grace.

Jesus’ return (Restoration) after Peter’s denial reaffirms the depth of God’s love and grace. Through the promises of Jesus, he restored Peter’s call to feed his sheep, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and commitment to Peter’s cause.  John 21:15-16

Lesson 6: Courage in Witness

Peter’s unflinching proclamation of the gospel before the religious leaders reveals his courage to testify to the truthfulness of Jesus Christ. Notwithstanding the opposition and harassment, Peter and the apostles remain steadfast in their resolve to obey God rather than men.  Acts 4:19-20 (NIV)

Lesson 7: Commitment to Service

In his letter, Peter emphasizes the importance of modesty and humility in relationships and encourages believers to be humble, while casting their cares on God. Peter’s counsel reflects his own journey of surrender and trust in God’s care. 1 Peter 5:5-7

Life Applications: 

1.As Christians we must do away with all lukewarmness in serving God. Our boldness and Passion in the service of God, must be obvious to our maker and others too.

2. The key to defeating pride in your life is to clothe yourself with humility, and humility is simply thinking of yourself less and submitting your all to God. James 1:5 (ESV)

3. We must always be quick and ready to repent of our wrong doings, so that we can have God’s forgiveness. Proverbs.28:13(NLT)

4. We must be bold in our faith by stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting in God’s assurances. Either in sharing our faith with others, pursuing God-given dreams, or facing challenges with courage, let us lean on God’s power and direction.

 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV ,Hebrews.11:1 (NIV)

5. It important to check our level of dedications in God’s service, and surrender by humbly serving others, knowing that God will take care of all that concerns us.  As we develop a spirit of humility and trust in God, we find His peace and provision in every situation. 1 Kings 8:61, Colossians 3:17, Hebrew.13:5.

6. Preaching the gospel of Jesus must be our priority.  2Timothy. 4:2.

Lesson of the Day:

The life of Peter acts as a profound demonstration of God’s transforming Grace, unswerving love, and faithfulness. As we reflect on his journey, we must gather valuable lessons for our own walk of discipleship and apply them with boldness, humility, and total submission to the will of God’s.

Complied by:  Pastor Toyin Akanle.