The Gospel of Grace According to Peter
André Ong
John 21:4-19 (NIV)
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
[5] He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"
"No," they answered.
[6] He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
[7] Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. [8] The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. [9] When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
[10] Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
[11] Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. [12] Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. [13] Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. [14] This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
[15] When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
[16] Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
[17] The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. [18] I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." [19] Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
1. Do we like Jesus more than the gifts and blessings He can give us – do we like Jesus because He is the means to our ends or is He the END?
Simon Peter, do you PãáðÜù (agapao) me more than ôïýôùí (touton)?
Simon Peter, do you PãáðÜù (agapao) me?
Simon Peter, do you Ößëïò (phileo) me?
Genesis 28:20-21 (NLT)
Then Jacob made this vow: "If God will be with me and protect me on this journey and give me food and clothing, [21] and if he will bring me back safely to my father, then I will make the Lord my God.
Mark 14:54 (NIV)
Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.
2. Only when we first experience the fullness of God’s unconditional love and grace will our hearts be circumcised and moved to love back in degrees
1 John 4:19 (NIV)
We love because he first loved us.
We cannot love if we don’t experience His love first!
Receiving God’s Grace and Love → Conversion → 1 Receiving God’s Grace and Love → 2 Changed Heart → 3 Christian Service and changed lives→ 1, 2, 3…
After conversion, we wrongly…
Hear Teaching → Christian Service → Hear Teaching → Christian Service…
Self-salvation under law makes us pay for our own sins, while grace humbly accepts the payment that Jesus already paid on our behalf
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed when the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His in-finite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. (Annie Johnston Flint)
Law says – If I break it, I must pay for it. Grace says – I break it, but Jesus has already paid for it, and when I realize just HOW MUCH He actually paid, that will move me not to break anything anymore!
3. Those who serve God most effectively are those who have already decided that encountering and receiving God’s love takes priority over anything else!
Rev. 1:17-18; 2:2-5 (NLT)
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. [18] I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever!..."I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. [3] You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. [4] But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! [5] Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
There is no greater priority for the Christian than to return to Jesus as our first love and receive His grace, above any other service or Christian responsibility