Group Notes | March 18

Crossroads: Facing Points of Brokenness!
March 18, 201
Dr. David Wheeler

 

Open:

It is often we hear the expression, we are “at the end of our rope.” If you have recently used this to convey feelings that you are facing more than you feel you can deal with, what did you do to work through your situation?

We are in the third sermon of the series “Crossroads,” as we look at Biblical characters whose lives intersected with Jesus. Peter, the disciple known best for denying Christ prior to His crucifixion, is our subject today. We will see his strengths, his pride, and his weaknesses—much like our own. Let’s see what truths we can apply to our lives from this giant of a disciple.

Focal Passages: John 20:1-31; 21:1-16.

Discuss:

It always begins with the resurrected Lord

  1. Read John 20:19-20. How long had Jesus been out of the grave when this passage occurs? How did the disciples react?
  2. What is the one fact that makes all the difference between Christianity and any other religion in the world?

How did Peter respond?

  1. Read John 21:1-9. In previous verses of chapter 20, Peter is said to have been one of those who ran to the tomb. In chapter 20:10, how had he reacted to it?
  2. Peter saw Jesus at least two more times after the tomb, but with no conversation recorded. How do you think he was feeling inside? How do you feel inside when you have disappointed or disobeyed Jesus?
  3. Read 21:3. How many times when we are in despair, or circumstances which we feel we cannot overcome, do we turn again to an old way of life? Is this what Peter did?

It all changed when Peter was again confronted by the risen Christ

  1. Read 21:4-7. When John announced that it was Jesus, how did Peter respond? Do you think everything in him wanted to be restored to the relationship he had had prior to the crucifixion? Why?
  2. Read John 21:15-17. What was Jesus trying to get Peter to acknowledge?
  3. What was the condition of Peter’s heart when he cried out his last response to Jesus’ third question in verse 17?

What should we notice?

  1. Peter, who had been the main disciple to be brash, always speaking words that were unfiltered, and seemingly proud, was at last desperate and broken. Why is that important when finally coming to the Lord?
  2. He was now moldable and willing to surrender—this is always the key! Why can Jesus not use someone who is unwilling to surrender their will to Him?

“Lord, You know everything!”

  1. When Peter spoke those four words, his life was ready to be transformed. Have you spoken those words to Jesus, out of desperation and the desire to be restored to Him in fellowship?
  2. Peter was now on the brink of his most magnificent ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, ready to reach thousands for the kingdom of his Christ. Are YOU?

Close

Arrogance and pride are insidious sins, and will silently crawl in the back door of your life, slowly overtaking just one small facet of your life if you’re not constantly vigilant. Maybe it’s your hard work in your job, and the resulting accolades. Maybe it’s your pristine, clean house, or your shining, obedient children. Perhaps it’s the way you dress, your size, or the home you live in. Eventually the pride creeps slowly into more of your heart, until one day you find yourself in a position of being—or feeling—self-sufficient. God can’t really use you.

Perhaps you’re busy in the church, wanting others to notice how you’re dependable, always willing to serve, always singing with gusto. But it’s not quite as satisfying on the Sundays the pastor isn’t there to see you. When you find he’s not going to be there, you don’t go. God can’t really use you.

When is the last time you came to Him in brokenness of spirit, perhaps not wanting to do what He has asked, or follow where He is leading? Your way is familiar, your way is comfortable, and His way is scary. What then? Did you cry out “Lord! Increase my faith!” or “Lord—You know EVERYTHING! You know I’m scared, but I’ll go where You lead!” He can use you now. You are moldable, and on the brink of being used to reach people for His kingdom. Have you submitted yet?

KEY VERSE: John 20:21: So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

Quotes: “In spite of the world’s attempts to trivialize Christianity, and to marginalize Christians, make no mistake that from the immaculate baby to the miraculous risen Savior, the message is the same: it’s all about hope and restoration.”

Jim Cymbala: “I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him.”

 

/by