A New Beginning
GNLCC 1/4/2002 Psalm 89:1-8 Luke 22:54-62 John 21:15-19
Have you ever swore that you would never do something only to discover that later on you did the very thing that you said you would never do? Now that can be a good thing when you did something positive that you wouldn’t have thought of doing, but often times its something negative. I know when I’ve said, “I’ll never” and then did ,I have wanted to beat up on myself, and ask myself the question, “how could I have been so dumb to do something like that.”
When we look back over 2001, how many of us can see some dumb things we did or said which we now regret. The best thing we can do when we do something dumb or run into failure is to make the decision to end the episode and decide to look for a new beginning. Our lives become too much to handle if we try to carry it all with us at one time.
There is a reason we are alive in the year 2002. Not a single person here is an accident in the eyes of God. You were born, when you were born, because God had a plan in mind for you for this year 2002. You cannot let any of the failures of 2001, keep you from becoming what God wants you to be in 2002.
Let me introduce you to Peter. When Jesus was alive, he chose 12 people as his special disciples. Out of the 12, he chose three disciples that He truly invested himself in, and provided them with spiritual experiences that the others did not have. One of the inner three was Simon Peter. Jesus went even further with Peter and told him he would be the leader among the 12 and would be crucial in the establishment of the church.
Peter was proud of Christ and committed to him. Then one day Jesus told Peter, “when I am arrested, all of you will run and turn your back on me.” Peter’s response was, “not me Lord, I’ve got your back no matter what.” Even if all the rest run away, if they take you to jail, they’ll have to take me. I am ready to die for you if that’s what its going to take.” Jesus responded, “Brother I feel you, but before a rooster crows three times you will deny me.”
Sometimes when we make our commitment to follow God, we do not understand that God’s way of doing things are not our way of acting in a given situation. We might find ourselves saying, “ to do that would be stupid. Noboby is going walk over me without a fight. “ Well on the night when the soldiers came at night to arrest Jesus and everything was about to go down, one of the disciples said, Lord should we fight back with our swords. Before Jesus could answer, “Peter must have yelled out “it’s on”, because he quickly drew his sword, and cut off one of the guy’s right ear.”
But instead of Jesus saying “ This is it! Let’s go for it! he tells them put away your swords. He reaches out and heals the ear of the man Peter just caught off.” When the disciples saw that they were willing to risk their lives fighting and Jesus would not let them fight, they were out of there. They must have thought, “Look if he’s going to give up without a fight then that’s on Him.”
Peter could not understand how Jesus would give up so easily when he still had the power to do miracles. When they took Jesus away, he followed at a distance just to see what would happen to Jesus. Instead he found out what would happen to him. Peter tried to mingle in with crowd as they looked on from a distance. Somebody lit a fire to keep warm, and Peter went over to the fire. But a woman was looking at him, and recognized him. She said, this man was with him. But Peter denied it and said, “Woman, I don’t know him.”
A little later someone else recognized Peter and said, “You also was with him.” Peter shot back, “Man I am not”. After hanging with the group for about an hour, Peter kept on talking. The more he talked, the more they picked up on his northern accent. Somebody said, “You most certainly was with him, because you are from Galilee.” To prove his point this time, “I swear to you, and if I’m lying let me be cursed, I don’t know the man you are talking about.” No sooner than he got the last word out of his mouth, he heard a rooster crowing in the distance.
The very thing he swore he would never do, he had done. He had denied Jesus three times. He looked at Jesus from a distance, and Jesus turned his head and looked straight back at him in a moment of truth. Peter just fell apart and went away and wept bitterly. He was a man in need of a new beginning.
Have you ever been in Peter’s shoes in which your whole world just seemed to be collapsing around you. You seem to be losing everything that’s precious and dear to you. You don’t even know how you got to the place where you are now. When you woke up, it was just another day, but now your life seems forever changed in a direction you neither expected or wanted it to go. You can’t believe that is actually happening to you.
One thing Peter did not know about was that after Jesus was crucified, dead and buried, on the third day he would come back to life. When Jesus arose from the dead, he appeared to the disciples and they were overjoyed. But Jesus did not stay with them as before. Instead he had appeared twice and then disappeared again. But there was a strain in the relationship between Jesus and Peter.
You know what it feels like to know that you’ve let someone down, but haven’t had a chance to talk about it, or you were in an argument, but didn’t get the chance to fully resolve it. You can be happy for things that happen to the person, but you just don’t feel connected because of the break in the relationship. You know and the other person both know you are in need of beginning again in the relationship, but so far it has not happened. You are going to have to talk about it. Try starting with the words, “I’m sorry our relationship is like this…..
Well there was this strain between Jesus and Peter. One day, when Jesus was gone and the disciples were not sure if Jesus was gone for the last time or not, Peter issued a challenge. He said to six of the other disciples, “Man, I’m going to go fishing.” The other disciples said, “yo, we’ll go with you.” When Jesus first called the disciples, many of them were fisherman by trade. But after their last big catch of fish, Jesus had told them, “from now on I will make you fishers of men.” So their choice to go back fishing was actually a decision to change the direction that Jesus had provided for their lives. They wanted to go back to what was familiar and what they thought would be easy. They were starting to remember the good ole days. But the good ole days were never quite as easy as we thought they were.
They had visions of eating a good fish meal and putting some extra money in their pockets from the extra fish they would sell on the market. It seemed like a good plan. They were on their way to a new beginning in life. The only problem was, this new beginning was not of God. They got a boat and net from somewhere and went back to fishing. They may have gone into debt to rent it or to buy it. Don’t go into debt for a new beginning unless its for your education or training.
The fact that they caught nothing all night did not cause them to give up. If they had borrowed money, they had to keep on working. When the sun’s rays were making light possible, they were still tired, hungry and broke. They heard a voice from the shore saying, “Friends you don’t have any fish do you.” They probably thought, “aw man, there goes our first customer.” They yelled back, “No.”
Jesus yelled out to them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some them.” Reluctantly they tried it, and the net had so many fish inside of it they could hardly pull in the nets. Do you see how close we can be to a blessing, but if we choose to ignore the word of God, we can miss it. The fish were right there on the other side of the boat. That desire we want to see fulfilled in 2002 may be far closer to us than we think it is. Don’t stop saying I’ll do what God wants me to do. Believe God that this is going to be your year.
The apostle John immediately recognized that this was Jesus on the shore. Peter jumped into the water clothes and all to get to Jesus. He remembered it was just like this before, years earlier when Jesus had done a similar miracle and in the process he gave Peter a new beginning for his life. Peter wanted to get rid of the strain in his relationship to Jesus. He wanted to begin again. He knew he needed a new beginning.
When he got to the shore, Peter discovered, Jesus already had some fish for them to eat, and not only that Jesus was cooking the meal. Even after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus chose the life of a servant. He invited the disciples to sit down and eat with him. This is the third time he’s appeared to the disciples since raising from the dead.
As they sat and talked, they must have talked about some of the old times together. But talking about old times eventually would lead up to those final days. That was a period in which no one was really that proud of their actions. All had deserted Him. Everybody knew they had failed somewhat miserably in the end.
But you know something, God always has a way or restoring us when we fail Him. God never says, “You dummy, you stupid idiot, how could you have done such a thing.” No God desires for us to begin again in our walk with him. As the song writer says, “we fall down, but we get up.” We get up because God’s hand is reaching out to lift us up. God can turn our worst mistakes into opportunities for Him.
Jesus did not say in front of the others, “You know Peter, you really blew it big time on those three denials. All that big talk and no action. Do you think you know me now.” No, when we need to work out something with someone in a broken relationship, the Christian way is to do it privately. There’s not need to make a scene. No need to front, no need to hate. No need to act big and tough. The goal as believers is restoration and to remove the crack in the relationship.”
Jesus could see, Peter’s desire and probably said, “Come on Peter, let’s take a walk for a minute.” I believe the conversation in John 21:15-19 took place in private because verse 20 says, Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. Now the disciple could not have been following them if Peter and Jesus were still sitting around the camp fire.
In verse 15, Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” The most important question we need to ask going into the year 2002 is how much am I going to love Jesus. You see Jesus really is not interested in all the new year resolutions we may choose to make. He’s only interested in how much we love him. When we love Jesus it becomes far easier to do the hard things that Christians are required to do. It is only when we love Jesus, that we keep His commandments.
When Jesus asked more than these, what is he talking about. Is he pointing back to the fish and the money they could bring to Peter’s pockets. Peter do you love me more than the comforts and pleasures that money in this life can bring. Is he referring to Peter’s former career, saying will I have to compete with your time because of how much you love your job, leaving so little time for my plan for your life. Is he referring to Peter’s love in comparison to the other disciples, because Peter had boasted his commitment was stronger than theirs and even if they all fall away, he’d be there for Jesus no matter what. Peter do you still think you love more than the guys do? Is he referring to Peter’s love for his family and closest friends Few people meant more to Peter than these 6 other guys back around the fire.
The bible does not tell us exactly which one Jesus meant or if he meant them all. Part of the reason is that Jesus is asking the same of us as we enter the year 2002. When He says “do you love me more than these”, what is it that we love so much in our lives that we dare not lose it. What area is there in our lives that we let God know, “I know what your word says, but I just can’t turn this area of my life over into your control.” Is it a career, a dream, a person, our tongues, our money, or our demand to live life as we want to live it. Do you love me more than these Jesus asks. As long as we hold on to it, there will be a crack in our relationship to God.
Peter responded, “Yes lord, you know that I love you.” Peter probably expected Jesus to say, then why did you do it. But instead Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus was not talking about lambs but about people. He’s saying Peter I’ve got a plan for your life, and I want you to take care of people who are young believers. Peter was probably very happy to hear Jesus say, “I still have confidence in your ability as a leader and I’m restoring you to your position.”
But then Jesus asks him again, “Simon, son of John do you truly love me.” Now was it that Peter was going to be used by God that made him happy. Was he in love with being in the limelight or was it truly Jesus that he loved. You see in giving Peter a new beginning, Jesus had to make sure Peter had his priorities in order. Peter was somewhat caught off guard that Jesus asked him a second time, but he responded once again, Yes Lord, you know that I love you.
With this second declaration of love came another responsibility for ministry. You see loving God always is going to involve meeting the needs of others. Jesus then told Peter “Take care of my sheep.” When those lambs grow, don’t abandon them. I expect you to be faithful with the passing of time. God is telling us He’s not calling us for short time service, but a lifetime of commitment.
Then Jesus asks him a third time, Simon son of John, do you love me? This third time for Peter was a little too much. It hurt inside for Jesus to have asked this third time do you love me. But Peter had forgotten that three times he had openly declared before the world he did not know Jesus. As painful as it was, Jesus had presented him with three opportunities to boldly cross out those three earlier denials. Perhaps Jesus also asked this question to see if Peter could speak of his love for Christ, even when he felt that Christ had hurt him deeply without cause.
It’s easy to say we love Jesus when he’s giving us something, but can we say it when we feel hurt by him. When we did all the right things and things still did not go our way. You know something, this is when we need a new beginning the most. When we are hurt and not sure of which way to go. Peter was still able to say, Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.
Jesus gave him a third ministry assignment “feed my sheep”. Jesus was letting Peter know there would be no end to the call of discipleship upon his life. As the sheep aged, Peter was to age in service to them providing them with the teachings and word of God. Jesus also revealed to Peter that not only did he have a plan for his life, he even had planned the way in which Peter would die many years later.
You see if Jesus did not know of our ending, how could we fully trust Him with our present. We were not born to make a difference for God in some other era. We have been born to make a difference for God in the year 2002. The most important question we will have to answer again and again is, “do you love me, more than these?” Each time we say no, we will drift further from God, but each time we say yes, we will discover the purpose God has for our lives in this new year.
2. Getting Priorities In Order For A New Beginning
3. The Need To Examine Our Motives For Our Service
4. Peter Caught Off Guard—But Responds Yes
5. Second Declaration—Additional Assignment
6. Willingness To Meet The Needs Of Others
7. Feed My Sheep—Be There When They Grow
8. Long Term Service Expected
P. Jesus Ask The Question For A Third Time
1. Peter Feels Hurt For The Thorough Exam
2. Forgot That There Were Three Denials
3. Presented With Three Opportunities To Wipe Clean
4. Could Peter Speak Of his Love When Hurt
5. Easy To Affirm Love When Things Come Our Way
6. What About When Christ Wounds Us
7. We Are Faithful, But We Come Up Short
8. Can We Say Yes When We Are Unsure Or
Confused
9. A New Beginning Needed The Most
10. Peter Declares A Third Time-Lord You Know All
Things, You Know I Love You
11. Jesus Gives Assignment—Feed My Sheep
12. No End To The Call Of Discipleship Or Service
13. Let’s Peter Know Of His Plan For His Death
14. God Must Know Of Our End To Know Our
Present
15. We Were Born To Make A Difference For God
In 2002
16. No Resolutions—Just A Choice To Love
17. No Is Further---Yes Is Discovering
Sermon Outline Pastor Rick GNLCC 1-4-2002
A New Beginning Psalm 89:1-8 Luke 22:54-62
John 21:15-19
A. But I Will Never Do, I Will Never Say
1. Surprise—Good Positive Usually Negative
2. Personal—Beat Up—How Could I Be So Dumb
3. Any Dumb Regrets From 2001—Don’t Carry It All
B. We Made It 2002 For A Reason
1. No Accidents, The Timing Was Perfect, Plan
2. No 2001 Failure May Enter
C. Meet Peter—One Of The 12---One Of The 3
1. The Leader –Crucial For The Church
2. Proud And Committed---Jesus’ Prediction
3. Got Your Back, Depend On Me, Jail, Ready To Die
4. Jesus I Feel You But Before Rooster….
D. When We Make Commitments—God Does Not Act
1. That’s Not Smart—Nobody Is Walking Over Me
2. The Night Of The Fight—It’s On—Should We Fight
3. Cut Off Ear—Put It Away--Healed Ear No Fight
4. We’re Out Of Here—Peter Confused—Why Lord
5. Trying To Mingle In The Crowd & Warm Fire
6. Woman Recognize, Man Recognize, Hour Later
7. The Galilean Accent—The Oath, The Curse,
8. Rooster—Eye Contact With Jesus—
9. But He Said Never---Went Away And Wept
10. In Need Of New Beginning
E. Ever Been There With Peter
1. World Collapsing—Losing All Dear To You
2. How Did I Get Here—When I Woke Up
3. All Changed Direction- Not Expected Or Wanted
F. Peter Did Not Know Of Jesus’ Coming Resurrection
1. Peter Overjoyed At Resurrection With Disciples
2. Jesus Appeared Twice And Then Gone
3. Strain In Relationship Between Jesus & Peter
G. Dealing With The Strain
1. Happy For The Person But Not Really Connected
2. Caused By Disappointment Or Not Resolving
3. Both Know You Are In Need Of New Beginning
4. Going To Have To Talk About It—Begin I’m Sorry
H. Strain Led Peter To Get Off Track John 21
1. Not Sure About Coming Back—I’m Going Fishing
2. I’m Gong Fishing—6 We’re Gong With You
3. Came To Jesus After Big Catch—Fishers Of Men
4. Choice to Go Fishing—Change In Direction
5. Going Back To Familiar Not Always Easy
6. Good Ole Days-Not That Good Visions Food & $$$
7. New Beginning But Not Of God--
8. Boats & Nets—Was It Debt---Hard Work—Nothing
9. Rise Of Sun And The Man On The Beach
10. Friend you don’t have any fish---Lost Customer No
11. Throw Your Nets On The Right side Of The Boat
12. Fish Galore—Close To A Blessing—Obey God
13. 2002—Blessing & Desire Closer- Cling To God
I. John Recognizes Jesus On The Shore
1. Peter Goes First---Remembers The Last Catch
2. Wants To Get Rid Of The Strain
3. Jesus, Cooking, Preparing, Serving, 3rd Appearance
4. Talking About The Good Ole Days Until The Last..
5. Nobody Is Too Proud Of What Happened
J. God Seeks To Restore Us When We Fall
1. No Dummies, Idiots, How Could You Do
2. God Desires Us To Enter A New Beginning
3. Songwriter—We Fall Down But We Get Up
4. God Can Turn Our Worst Mistakes Into
5. Jesus Did Not Rank On Peter In Front Of Others
6. Blew It Big Time, Big Talk No Action
7. Take Care Of Business In Private For Healing
8. No Scene, No Front, No Hate—Restoration Goal
L. A Long Walk To Make Things Right
1. Come On Peter---Not Before Group John 21:20
2. John Was Following---Had To Be Moving
3. Verse 15 Simon Son Of John Do You Truly Love
Me More Than These
4. The Question Of 2002—Not Resolutions But Love
5. Love Will When We Won’t—Love Me-Keep My
M. What Are The More Than These
1. Money From The Fish—Comforts Pleasures
2. Job—Leaves Little Time For Me
3. The Others Whose Commitment Was Challenged
4. Six Who Were Closest Friends & Family
5. Bible Not 100% Clear On This One
6. 2002—The Question Is The Same For Us
7. Too Scared To Lose, Or Will Not Give Up
8. Career, Person, Dream, Tongue, Money, Control
9. Hold On To And Keep The Crack In Relationship
N. Peter—Yes Lord, You That I Love You.
1. Expecting—Then Why Did You Do It
2. Feed My Lambs—Not Animals—But Believers
3. Jesus Still Had A Plan And A Purpose For Peter
4. Peter Heard—Restoration, Confidence In You
O. Jesus Asks The Question, Simon Son Of John….
1. Peter In Love With Leadership And Limelight
