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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Simon Peter: Strength and Weakness
I want to introduce you to a man with great strength—and a few weaknesses as well. I guess we would have to say that he is much like you—and me.
True, when all eyes were on him Peter did deny Christ. It is also true that Peter played the hypocrite and deserved Paul’s public rebuke, Galatians 2:11-14. But he also overcame those sins to become one of Christ’s strongest and most effective spokesmen. I do not condone nor do I minimize his weaknesses, but he had qualities known and seen by Jesus that revealed his leadership potential.
Most of us are like Peter. Some of us have—either by word or action—denied Christ. Others have stayed so far in the background that no one would even guess that we are one of Christ’s disciples. Maybe we should review some of Peter’s positive qualities:
- Peter had a tender and gentle heart. In the hours before His crucifixion, Jesus washed the feet of His apostles. This may have embarrassed Peter, and he may have thought it inappropriate for the Son of God to be washing his feet. Peter said, “Thou shalt never wash my feet,” John 13:4-9, but when he realized Jesus’ intent, he said, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” His tender heart wanted nothing to come between him and His Lord. It is good to have a tender, gentle, kind heart.
- Peter was bold in his preaching. A man with a tender heart and boldness as well? Yes, that was Peter. In the first few days of the church’s existence, all Christians received close scrutiny. When the apostles preached publicly, Jewish leaders responded with a series of threats and arrests. Given a mandate to halt their preaching, Peter and John said of Jesus:
“This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which is become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,” Acts 4:11-12.
Those Jewish leaders expected cowering fear, but what they saw was courage, determination and faith:
“When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized they had been with Jesus,” Acts 4:13.
Yes, he weakened—as many of us do, for boldness is dangerous—but now he was strong and bold.
- Peter did not let his mistakes control his life. It would have been easy for him to surrender to the grief he felt when he realized he had given in to that weakness, Galatians 2:12. It may have hindered him at times, but he quickly got back on track, standing firm for truth, and helping those who were in pain because of their weaknesses. All of us stumble and fall on occasion, but we can follow Peter’s example by overcoming regret and turning it into repentance.
- Peter was a leader in spite of his fears. Both the Jewish High Priests and Rome tried to silence the followers of Jesus. They used intimidation, threats, and even prison. Did Peter have any fears? No doubt he did, but early Christians needed someone who would give them direction and motivation. Such a person would endanger his life by so doing, but Peter took that risk, leading men and serving His Lord. In times of danger today, Jesus needs men and women who are afraid, yes, but willing to take control of their fear and instead, be strong, 1 Corinthians 16:13.
- Peter was mature enough to be grateful to those who rebuked him. How do you react when rebuked by a sermon, in a Bible class or by a person who seeks your best interests? Do you swell up like an old toad frog? Do you resent their “interfering” in your life? Or do you count them your friend, your brother or sister in Christ? Peter had been publicly rebuked before many of his own friends, but when he thought it over, he realized Paul was a true friend. He learned from it, appreciated the one who gave the rebuke, and acted on it. He didn’t sulk or retaliate, but called Paul his “beloved brother, Paul,” 2 Peter 3:15.
Do you see anything worth imitating in Peter’s life? He was just a man, but a man who dealt with life with faith and a courageous heart. We could do a lot worse than imitate Peter in these things.
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“Courage is not the absence of fear, but resisting and mastering fear.”
“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”
“It is wonderful what strength of purpose and boldness and energy of will are roused by the assurance that we are doing what is right and good.”
“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful,”
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong,”
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