1 Peter Introduction: The Apostle Peter

Introduction

Do you remember our church vision this year: look at the inside of your bulletin: Followers of God as dear children. As a church I want us to be focused on doing that ourselves, but also remember, God desires us to help those around us become followers too! People have challenges and shortcomings, yet it is in God’s design to take broken, ordinary people and turn them into trophies of his grace. The temptation is to look at the most gifted and most talented people and say that is somebody God wants to use. However, God doesn’t look at educational degrees for qualifications. He sees beyond the present to see what HE can make them.

In the next months we are going to look at the book of 1 Peter, but before we do I want to introduce you to the author who under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote 1 and 2 Peter. Peter is an ordinary man. He didn’t have rank or respect of the ruling class. He was a fisherman providing for his family.

Peter first hears of Jesus from his brother Andrew while in Judea. Andrew just heard John the Baptist declare Jesus the Lamb of God. Of the Brother Andrew appears to be the most religious of the two because he is also a follower of John the Baptist. Perhaps Peter and Andrew were up in Jerusalem celebrating Purim. We do not know. We do know it happened shortly after Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan.

At this early point, Jesus starts giving Peter a vision of what he wants him to be. He calls him Cephas, a stone. (John 1:42) Peter wasn’t like a stone at this point, he was a rather volatile and unstable. He is the one who would say things he’d regret to the point of betraying Jesus three times. Yet, Jesus saw the potential in Peter and knew he’d grow to be a rock in the early church.

Jesus has gathered Peter and several other disciples and they now go to wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12), a passover in Jerusalem (John 2:13-25), Jesus ministers in Judea until John the Baptist is arrested and imprisoned by King Herod (John 3:22-35) and then Jesus starts his Galilean ministry. It appears that Peter was not a full-time helper and disciple of Jesus at this point. For we find Peter has been doing away from Jesus as Jesus embarks on his teaching ministry in the region around Lake Gennesaret, more commonly known as the Sea of Galilee.

Luke 5:1–11 “1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

D. While Peter has been acquainted with Jesus, we find with Jesus continued friendship Peter becomes a follower of Jesus Christ.

P. When God saves a child of God, He has a purpose for them.

T. Through Jesus’ interactions with Peter we see how Jesus developed a redemptive relationship with Peter.

1. Peter’s boat is requested for use. Jesus requests to use one of Peter’s resources.

Luke 5:1–3 “1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.”

Explain

Jesus is pressed upon while he is sharing the Word of God.

Jesus is being pressed by the crowds so much he may be getting close to being pressed into the lake. He needs to find a spot be going for a swim. As he looks along the sure he sees that a couple of boats have made it to land, and the fisherman are washing their nets.

Nobody can really see Jesus well and there all trying to hear him.

Imagine trying hear Jesus speaking when you have all these people pushing and shoving to get a better spot. It was probably pretty hard to hear him.

as God knows this is going to happen prepared to test someone that he will ask to follow him.

Jesus sees two empty fishing boats. (This scene is in Matthew, Mark and Luke with each Gospel sharing different perspectives on the account Mt. 4:18-22; Mk. 1:16-20) These are not disagreements, but probably take in the facts of one account from three perspectives. Luke’s focus is on Peter being called.

Jesus has seen these two boats out fishing earlier and now they have come in from a long night of fruitless fishing. These boats were part of a fishing cooperative with the family of Zebedee and Simon Peter.

The owners were in the shallows washing their nets of the sea weed.

The last thing Peter probably is really wanting to hear is a big bustling crowd after a disappointing night of fishing.

Jesus steps into Peter’s boat. At this point, Peter is a disciple of Jesus, but not a full-time follower. He is still divided on his allegiance between fish and Jesus.

Jesus requests to use Peter’s boat to preach.

Jesus goes into one of those boats and you push your boat out in the water. I need to use it to preach?

The men are on the shore washing their nets and Jesus seizes the opportunity to make a boat a pulpit. He asks Simon Peter, “Can I use your boat please, and can you shove me out on the lake a little bit.

Peter launches Jesus out in the lake a bit and may be sitting in the boat as Jesus preaches the Word of God.

While Peter may not have caught any fish Jesus is drawing in Peter for a catch!

Argue

Why did Peter ask to use the boat. The Earth is the LORD’s and the fullness of it. (Psalm 24:1) Why didn’t did Jesus ask to use boat. He operated in respect of the rights and property of others.

Christ is testing the willingness of Peter to do as he asks little by little.

Illustrate

He that is faithful in little will be faithful in much. Peter has a boat Jesus needed to use. What do you have that God wants you to let him use?

Apply

God may ask you to give a little time, volunteer, use something you own for his service. He may ask when you’re tired and worked hard. Jesus creates an interruption of Peter’s net maintenance to test Peter to see how willing he is to follow Jesus and obey him.

In your ordinary life, you will be tested. When going to work, interacting with your family God is going to ask you to do things that interrupt your routines and test your willingness to let God use your resources.

It is easy to follow God when it’s on your schedule and a good day. But how about when things haven’t gone your way. A bad night fishing. You’ve worked so hard and there’s nothing to show for it and then someone is asking you to do things for them. You just wanna go to bed, but you answer the call anyways.

Are you willing to give of your resources to serve the Lord Jesus through your church, in your family and community?

T. Peter not only lets Jesus use his boat, but listens to Jesus’ preaching.

2. Peter receives the teaching of Jesus.

Luke 5:3b-4 “prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”

Explain

Thrust out the boat a little from the land.

There was a favor asked of Peter to be able to utilize his boat for preaching.

In the prior context Jesus had healed Peter’s mother-in-law. The gospels have this mentioned at different points, so it might not be chronological.

So, it seems logical that Jesus would ask for a little return.

Peter’s willingness multiplies Jesus effectiveness to reach more people.

Peter now become a participant in the work of Jesus by letting him use his boat.

Sat down and taught the people from the boat.

The Word of God is taught by the Word made flesh. John 1:14 “14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” It must’ve been amazing to hear Jesus preach.

Jesus knew the Word of God being God, but had limited himself to a being a man.

Lived by the Word of God. Matthew 4:4 “4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Luke 2:52 “52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

Peter is probably sitting in the boat listening to Jesus teach. He may even been rowing the boat to keep it in the same spot. Otherwise the boat will drift significantly.

although tired and worn listens to word.

The context shows that Peter is present for as soon as Jesus finished teaching, he addresses Simon Peter.

Jesus teaching content is unknown except that it was the Word of God.

Simon is tested perhaps on some of the things he has just heard preached. We don’t know for sure. However, I have noticed that often when God has showed me something in his Word it wasn’t for naught. He is preparing me for what he wants me to do next.

Argue

Luke is focused on a person. He is focused on the Peter. Peter would become a very important leader in the early church.

Luke is working on his character development to show how although Peter was worn and taking steps of faith and obedience to God.

When you’re tired and worn, are you willing to listen to God’s word? Or do you try to veg out on your phone, game, or TV that brings you immediate gratification? Peter was willing to help Jesus in his teaching ministry.

Illustrate

The church kitchen help pitches in and gets the job done when there is a fellowship.

Apply

Like Peter be mindful to hear the Word of God even when you are tired and worn. It may be hard to get to a Sunday or Wednesday Service. Are you willing to be as Peter who listened to the Word of God instead of going home and vegging out?

Psalm 19:10 “10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”

We might have financial goals.

We may have favorite snacks, is God’s Word more desirable to you than meeting these goals. Peter took the time to listen to God’s Word even when the job didn’t go well the night before.

Don’t bargain with God about going to church. Be obedient. Hebrews 10:25 “25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

My friend do you hunger and thirst for the Word of God?

When you have heard God’s word, are you willing to obey it? James tells us not only be a the word but a the word. James 1:22 “22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Peter gets tested right away.

3. Peter responds obediently to Jesus Command.

Luke 5:4–5 “4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”

Explain

Jesus Command: Launch out into the deep.

Jesus is known as the carpenter’s son, not an expert fisherman.

Peter has referred to him as Master, teacher.

Peter knows he is a rabbi, but to try to impose on his fishing business. This is a little much.

Peter’s admission.

professional - for a living. To have a carpenter tell him how to fish is probably a you don’t even know talking about but just because a good I will humor you.

toiled all night - you can only imagine how tired Peter is. He has worked all night. He stayed up extra to allow Jesus to use his boat hear the word of God.

caught nothing - when you’ve worked hard and long and it’s been fruitless, it is often easy to be irritable with people who ask you seemingly impossible and dumb things. We find a little bit of this in Peters retort

Peter’s submission.

At thy word - Peter heard Jesus request and he obeyed however, his obedience was, I will do the bare minimum. Notice what Peter said I will let down the net.

I will let down the net.

They had a plurality of nets.

Peter let down one net.

Argue

Peter didn’t expect to catch any fish. He was just doing the bare minimum of what Jesus asked

when God commands you to do something, you should expect him to bless obedience. Even if there are no immediate results remember God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of in the Lord.

Illustrate: the gardener does not expect fruit instantaneously

Apply

Do you believe Jesus has the authority to tell you how you do your business? Peter did.

Does your belief in God inform your family life, work ethic, your entertainment choices etc.

Sometimes we believe like Peter and respond to Jesus command with obedience, but little faith.

We give God one net instead of expectantly putting all our nets down.

William Carey, an English Baptist Missionary said, “Expect Great things from God, Attempt great things for God.”

What is God telling you to do in our church, your family, your personal life? Expect him to work.

Sometimes we’re like the screaming and kicking two year-old that literally has to be picked up and made to do what their parents asked him to do. Peter listened to the word and obeyed. Do you have to be forced or do you listen with delight to hear your Lord’s wishes.

We can think we are the experts and Jesus is telling us to do something that makes no sense. We offer many excuses about “why not” to God.

We fish at night, not during the day.

I’m wiped out.

I’m kind of discouraged. We didn’t catch anything and we definitely aren’t going to catch anything now.

I guess will humor you, Lord.

This is a ridiculous waste of time! HHHHHh!

What does God’s word tell us to do when we feel like God has asked us to do something we don’t think makes sense? He tells us to trust in him with all our heart, and not to lean to our own understanding proverbs 3:5

T. Although Peter does what Jesus commanded with little faith, he is is rewarded with a huge catch of fish.

4. Peter receives a miraculous catch of fish.

Luke 5:6–7 “6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.”

Explain

When - it is when Peter obeys he experienced the miracle.

Hebrews 6:10 “10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

Peter used his boat to help Jesus teach the people God’s Word. God didn’t forget his good work.

They enclosed a great multitude of fishes - God is pleased to bless those who obey.

The net was bell-shaped. It had lead weights around the perimeter with draw strings held by the fishermen. They through the net spread out on the water. The weights sank then the fishermen drew the strings of the net to enclose the fish.

It was probably the biggest catch Peter had ever seen. It defied his knowledge of the lake, the time of day, and this man Jesus whom he thought he’d known.

Peter and his crew beckoned to their partners to help - they needed help with all the fish they caught.

Filled BOTH ships so full they were sinking.

This was the catch of a lifetime.

It would provide their needs for their families.

He would have far less stress in his role as provider this month, perhaps even months.

Argue

God doesn’t need perfect faith reward, faith.

The man with the demoniac son, pray that Jesus would help his unbelief.

Apply

When ask you to do something that doesn’t make sense to you. Obey God.

Throw out your net at Jesus command, and you will be humbled at his rich reward.

T. When God exceeds your expectations do your repent of your sin?

5. Peter repents admitting he is a sinner.

Luke 5:8–10 “8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon...”

Explain

Peter sees the miracle Jesus did. He was in awe of what just happened. This was not an ordinary catch of fish. It was a miracle!

He falls down at Jesus knees and asks for the Lord to depart in his astonishment. Peter realizes his unworthiness.

He realizes his sinfulness upon seeing a glimpse of Jesus’ power.

Argue

When we get a glimpse of God’s we also get a glimpse of our sinfulness in an adequacy before God.

Until we recognize that we’re just beggars, we won’t be able to receive the gift of salvation. If you’re holding onto thinking that you’re pretty great guy is all everybody’s fault for the bad things that life. You don’t have the eye of faith. God is evil to use the bad things in your life for his glory.

Blessed the for theirs as a kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3.

Before Peter was calling Jesus teacher now he is calling Jesus Lord.

Illustrate

Apply

Repent of your sin.

Don’t take the blessings of God for granted.

When Jesus becomes real to you, he becomes your master and your Lord. He wants to be your Lord and Savior and have your recognition of it.

T. Jesus doesn’t say, yeah Peter you’re right I’m going to leave you. He graciously reaches out and says I’ve got a new purpose for you. I’m gonna make you one of my fisherman. Your gonna catch men now.

6. Peter is repurposed from fisherman to fisher of men.

Luke 5:10–11 “...And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

Explain

Jesus wanted Simon Peter.

Jesus calms his fears.

Jesus repurposes Peter from fisherman to fisher of men.

Jesus is followed and their occupations forsaken.

Peter enters full-time Christians service with Jesus.

Argue

Years later Peter would remind the believers of the call of God. It is a call to holiness. 1 Peter 1:14–16 “14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Peter didn’t say, I’ve got it made and retire. He went into a life of service. Perhaps he used that blessing of fish so he could.

Illustrate: The successful business man in my wife’s old church who sold his successful business and garnered prayer support for his foreign missions work.

Apply

I have heard to many Christians who play the lottery and say when I win the lottery I’m gonna give a lot of it to God. Peter in a sense won the fish lottery and he became a devoted follower of Christ. He didn’t let his unexpected business success steal his heart from service to God. Instead it created a deep loyalty to the one who repurposed him from fisherman to fisher of man.

My friend we have a good God who has blessed us in Christ with all spiritual blessings and many physical one too. Where are you? Are you yielded to be the fisher of men that God wants you to be.

Conclusion

Peter is called of God with a purpose. My friend God is calling on you to repent. Acts 17:30 “30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” He desires you to repent of your sin and turn to Christ. Will you listen?

My friend are you saved today? Do you realize like Peter you may just be an “uneducated fisherman”, but God want to use you to be a fisher of men. As Jesus fished for men from Peter’s boat, so may you use the pulpit and position God has given you in your vocation, home, community, and church to herald the news Jesus saves and teach what He commanded.