Peters changes

Peter’s Changes

Introduction

There are many different theories of sanctification in the Christian thought. Some believe that there doesn’t need to be any change, either before or after salvation, i.e., no sanctification. Others think that it happens all at once. Still others see a gradual, or progressive, sanctification.

Peter defies all these theories. As the apostle with the foot shaped mouth, he is seems to be a person who speaks before he thinks instead of thinking before he speaks.

Acts 4 (NASB95)

Exposition

Peter changed from follower to confessor

EXP

Peter becomes a follow of Jesus

Matthew 4:18-20; Mark 1:16-18

Peter becomes a confessor of Jesus

Matthew 16:13-17; Romans 10:9

APP

Salvation comes from Confession, not just following. Following is good, confession is essential. Don’t replace confessing with following. Just going to church doesn’t save. Have you confessed Jesus as Lord and believed in his resurrection power?

ILL

Peter changed from fisherman to shepherd

EXP

John 21

After Jesus’ death, Peter, Thomas and Nathanael went fishing along with two others of the disciples. This was where Jesus found at least Peter three years before. Now that Jesus is gone, Peter returned to what he knew, fishing for fish.

Remember, Jesus said that they would be fishers of men. Peter was transformed from a fisher of fish to a fisher of men, but then returned to the fisher of fish task.

This was his job, his vocation. He knew it well and generally did well, except this time. Again, Jesus met Peter where he was at, reiterated His love for Peter and reaffirmed His charge to Peter—you’re not a fisherman anymore, you’re a shepherd.

What’s the change? Being a fisherman is a job, being a shepherd is a ministry. Peter is now in the role of caring for the flock of Christ as a pastor/elder.

1 Peter 5:1-3

As a fellow elder, Peter exhorts the elders he is writing to shepherd the flock willingly, eagerly and as an example.

Being an elder is not just a job, it’s a calling. It is more than just providing for someone, it is caring for them.

APP

This is an example of Peter’s change of relationship with the Church. He went from being a disgraced person who had denied Jesus to a powerful preacher, leader and elder in the church.

This isn’t to say he was perfect. He certainly wasn’t. But God used him because of his obedience.

How about you. How has your relationship with in the church changed?

ILL

Peter changed from hypocrite to brother

EXP

Acts 9:19b-30 (especially v. 29)

Paul is converted, brought to Jerusalem. He met the apostles (including Peter) who confirmed his salvation.

Acts 11:1-12

Peter in the house of Cornelius with the sheet descending with unclean animals. He is told to kill and eat. The Jewish food restrictions were removed for the purpose of spreading the gospel.

Acts 15

Peter (as an apostle) gave hearty agreement to salvation by grace without the works of the law, especially circumcision.

All these passages are shown to illustrate that there is a history between Peter and Paul and it had to do with Jewish customs and the gospel. Peter knew Paul position, and approved of it. He had direct revelation (Acts 11) about this very subject, therefore he knew God’s heart on the matter. But, generations of Jewish custom and law are hard to shake. Galatians 2 shows us that Peter is still struggling with the idea of “Grace-only” salvation. But more than that, he was having a problem of trying to please men at the cost of his testimony and the purity of the gospel

Galatians 2:1-14

APP

ILL

Conclusion