Sermon Central
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Following At A Distance
Contributed by Craig Benner on Sep 29, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: Does being a follower automatically make you a success? Peter shows us what it is to follow at a distance and the reprecussions that it can bring to your life if you are not willing to follow at the side of Jesus. Fortunately, Peter changed his ways and
Following at a Distance
Jn. 21:1-9; 15-19
Ups and Downs of life (Altibajos)----we all experience them.
Like Peter, we have our moments in life when we are ready to die for Jesus, then, a little later, in midst of uncertainty and anxiety, we are at the point of denying Him
Peter had some Problems.
I. Problems with Distance (v.54)
-following in the dark shadows, half hid; not wanting to be recognized or associated directly with Jesus (at least not in this time and situation)
II. Problems with Discernment (v. 56)
-he wanted to appear as a spectator, but not a participator.
-he sat at the fire of the enenmy, hoping not to get burnt
III. Problems with Denial (vs. 57,58,60)
-careful who you run with
-friendship and fellowship with the world will make you act like them
-there was a lack of commuion and participation with the Lord.
Even unsaved family members can place you in denial.
Lk. 14:26
26 Si alguno viene a mí, y no aborrece a su padre, y madre, y mujer, e hijos, y hermanos, y hermanas, y aun también su propia vida, no puede ser mi discípulo. (RVG04)
26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (KJV)
hate = love less than
IV. Problems with Destiny Related Decisions (Jn. 21:1-3)
In verse 3, Peter says "I go a fishing" = going back to (greek)
Indecision = the cock is still crowing (singing) in his mind. Peter decides to go back to his former occupation.
The Lord is not through with Peter, and he Pursues him.
A. The Presence of the Lord (v. 4)
Jesus appears on the shore. Even though Peter was out trying to get away from his past failure, Jesus comes looking for him.
B. The Power of the Lord (vs. 5,6)
Who else can do such a miracle as this?
C. The Provision of the Lord (v.9)
Breakfast was prepared
Come and Dine (v.12)
D. The Proving that the Lord Demanded (vs.15-17)
--3 times He asks Peter if he loved Him (for the 3 times that he denied Him)
E. The Plan of the Lord (vs. 19,22)
"Follow Me" , but not from afar.
Peter did in fact die on a cross for his faith; he asked to be crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to die in the exact same manner as his Saviour.
