Rev. David Holwick P
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
April 30, 1995
John 21:15-19
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I. Second chances.
A. Are you capable of falling?
1) Most of us don't know how sinful we are.
a) Therefore we are shocked when we fall.
b) We prefer to be shocked when SOMEONE ELSE falls.
2) Examples of fallen pastors.
a) Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker.
b) Not limited to United States -
Back in the 1970's when communism still held sway in
Russia, the KGB did all it could to trip up pastors.
They found out one pastor was having an affair, and
followed around him with a camera.
The film of the pastor and his girlfriend was then
shown to the whole church.
Their reaction?
One of the members said, "He will be a better pastor
now that he has made a mistake."
The pastor made a very emotional public confession and
was later reinstated as pastor.
#3166
B. Forgiveness and restoration.
1) We are never beyond recovery.
a) Satan tries to make us think we are.
b) We can have a full Christian life again.
1> It is never "over" for a Christian, even a leader.
2> Forgiveness is always available.
2) Restoration is another matter.
a) Leaders must be more accountable, since they make
a greater impact.
b) We must look deeper than a few tears.
c) (Example of pastor from Celeste's church: adultery, cancer...)
d) Some argue that a fallen leader should be forgiven,
but never restored to his old position.
e) Others say we can be forgiven AND restored.
C. Jesus' treatment of Peter gives us insight.
II. The Fall.
A. At Last Supper, Jesus gave command to love one another. 13:34
1) Peter went beyond this to pledge his life. 13:37
2) He could be said to have followed it up, by drawing
a sword at the arrest, and going to the court session.
B. Three-fold denial: "I don't know him."
1) The strain of the trial was too much, and he wavered.
2) Peter's fall was due to self-confidence.
III. Christ's Question.
A. Their relationship started over from scratch.
1) Simon, son of John - same as initial greeting. 1:42
2) Less familiar, challenges the level of friendship.
B. Do you love me?
1) Different words for "love" are used.
a) 100% love vs. 60% love. [Boice]
1> Humble Peter uses 60% word.
2> Jesus concludes with 60% word.
b) Variation has no special meaning, just for style.
1> Note that Peter accepts what Jesus says, he doesn't
reject it.
2> Jesus is not concerned with Peter's impulsive action but
with his heart.
2) Three questions goes with three denials.
a) It must have burned Peter to hear it repeated.
b) Does Peter love Jesus unselfishly?
1> Words alone are not enough.
2> Peter is not a "rock" apart from Jesus.
c) Jesus asks for a love of total attachment and exclusive
service. Deut 6:5, 1 Pet 5:2-3
3) Is Jesus being cruel?
a) Public confession is necessary for full forgiveness.
b) Making it public ends the matter.
C. More than these. 21:15
1) Two interpretations:
a) Objects, like fishing.
b) These other disciples.
1> Jesus never encourages spirit of rivalry.
2> But Peter boasted of his love at Last Supper.
A> "They will fall away - I won't." Matt 26:33
2) Peter no longer draws comparisons with others.
a) He has changed and become humble.
b) He can only appeal to Jesus' inner knowledge.
IV. Jesus knows all things.
A. What does Jesus know about us?
1) We are all aware of what he wants to say to others.
2) Jesus knows us better than we want to know ourselves.
B. Joy in God's knowledge.
1) He knows the worst about us, and still loves us.
2) He knows the best about us, when others do not.
C. Searching our own hearts. [very popular with congregation]
Discipleship Journal posed five questions that reveal our
spiritual health:
1) Whom am I really trying to please?
2) What needs am I trying to meet?
3) With whom/what am I competing?
4) What rewards am I seeking?
5) What guilt or shame might I be covering? #3041
V. Reinstated for a reason.
A. Peter is commissioned to be a shepherd.
1) Spiritual feeding should be yardstick of all ministry.
a) Not entertainment.
1> Are you growing? Being challenged?
b) Do you feed yourself on God's Word?
1> I can only give spoonfuls.
2> Learn to feed yourself.
2) Peter himself saw this image as key to ministry. 1 Pet 5:2f
a) Sheep belong to Jesus, not pastor. ("My" sheep)
b) Healing through caring for others.
B. Peter is commissioned to fulfill his vow - death. 21:18
1) Stretching out his hands on a cross.
2) Tradition of "Quo Vadis?"
VI. The road to restoration.
A. There is no virtue in falling.
1) We can learn from our wounds, but don't seek to be wounded.
2) Jesus grew strong from his testing, not any failure.
3) God wants us to be blameless. 1 Tim 3:2
B. Biblical procedure for restoration:
a. Remorse for sin (not consequences).
b. True confession.
c. Accountability.
d. Fruits that belong to repentance, especially humility.
e. Restitution - paying back those whom we wronged.
f. Retreat to seek God.
g. Genuine call from God before moving on.
*1232
C. We are restored to serve.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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