This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. In this series we have studied a few “grace cases” already. The overall series has been going on for over two and a half years, so we have studied several Biblical characters and subjects along the way. We saw how Joseph, Daniel and Paul were all grace cases. In a previous message I said,
“God took a man, Paul, who was extremely educated in the Law of Moses, a man who was an elite amongst the Jews, and He called him to preach the Gospel to the uneducated. In turn God took an uneducated man, Peter, a man who had spent his professional years as a fisherman, and called him to preach the Gospel to the educated elite amongst the Jews. God does things like this to force you to rely on Him and His grace!”
As my study of Daniel was coming to a close and I was praying about what to teach next, it dawned on me that I have never done and in-depth study of the life of the Apostle Peter. I often juxtapose Peter and Paul, and I have studied/taught on Paul extensively, but for whatever reason I have never studied Peter. I asked God if I could teach about Peter’s life in this series and He gave me the green light.
For the next few months we will study the curious case (a grace case) of Simon Peter. We can most certainly learn a few things about grace-based success from a man who started off as a fisherman and wound up as the leader of the New Testament church.
So what does this mean to you today? This morning I just wanted to introduce you to the Apostle Peter. My prayer is for the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for this series. As we go on this journey together, studying the amazing life of a once ordinary man. I pray you see yourself in Peter and that God would enrich your life through his. For today, I will share a few quick nuggets to serve as an introduction to the series.
- God took an ordinary man (Simon), changed his life (into Peter), and used him in extraordinary ways. God does this by His unearned and amazing grace. What He did for Peter He can do for you.
- When Jesus was looking for disciples, men who would spend quality and intimate time with Him, men who would continue what He started, Jesus did not look for the most educated, affluent or influential men of His day. Jesus picked simple, ordinary, hard working and industrious men to follow Him. These men changed the world. So don’t count yourself out if you don’t feel like you have the most impressive qualifications. You are a perfect candidate to be a grace case for Jesus!
- As a fisherman Peter was part of a culture that produced rough and rugged men. Simon the fisherman was not polished, refined, cultured or sophisticated. But he grew into Peter, the Apostle, the leader of the New Testament church. Peter’s story is a story of God’s grace, His love and His immeasurable power.
- As an unsophisticated man, Peter was known to ‘fly off the handle’ and to speak out of turn. When Peter did speak he often put his foot in his mouth. God looked past Peter’s faults, flaws and failures, and He saw Peter’s purpose. God birthed Peter for a purpose and He was determined to see that purpose come to pass. The same can be said of you.
- Peter had a rough and boisterous personality. God did not completely change him. God used Peter’s personality for His glory. God will do the same with you. When you come to God He is not looking to completely strip you of yourself. Your personality is what makes you special. He made you that way. He will use you, and your personality, for His glory. I am witness. I love my personality and I am thankful that God did not make me change it when I came to Him. God uses me, ALL OF ME, for His glory and He will do the same with you. I teach homiletics in Bible college and I tell my students that preaching is “God’s truth through your personality”. So don’t think you need to change who you are to be used of God. God can share His truth through your personality for His glory. Let Him do it!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. I am excited about studying the life of Simon Peter. You took an ordinary man and used him in extraordinary ways. As I study Peter’s life, my heart is open to hear from You concerning my own. I give myself to You afresh this morning. I rededicate my life to You. All that I am, and all that I am not, is ALL YOURS! I love You and I love myself. You made me this way. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am special in Your eyes. I don’t have to change who I am to be used of You. You can share Your love, light and power through me and my personality. I declare that You will. When people see me and interface with me, they will see Jesus. They will hear His voice coming through my voice, feel His love permeating through my heart, and see His power flowing through my life and personality. Thank You Father for giving me the grace to be ME! I enter this day determined to BE ME, by Your grace, for Your glory! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
