Message exposed on October 26th, 2003 - Text: Luke 22:31-34

INTRODUCTION:

• Peter is the main character of this text
• Jesus says: "Today you will deny me three times";
• Let's observe other "betrayals"
• Matthew 26:56 - The betrayal of the disciples at the apprehension of Jesus.
• Matthew 26:25 - The betrayal of Judas.
• Do you know anyone named Judas?
• With certainty you know someone named Matthew, Mark, Andrew, John, Philip...
• These three texts (Judas - Peter - Apostles) show that we are all the same.
• All betrayals are directly linked to the death of Jesus.
• Strong Peter: Luke 22:33
• Weak Peter: Luke 22:61
• This is how we all are. With Highs and Lows. .IP 3 (We love and hate / laugh and cry / tell truths and lies / we care for other and we ignore others )

1 - FIRST WORK OF GOD IN OUR LIVES: HE FORGIVES US

• V. 31: "Simon, Simon". This words are filled with sadness and love.
• Simon means "Cane".
• Peter means "Stone".
• John 1 : 42 , we see Jesus changing Peter's name.
• Lucas 23:34, Peter is included in Jesus' prayers.

2 - SECOND WORK OF GOD IN OUR LIVES: HE RESTORES US

• V. 32 "And when you have turned back, strengthen yours brothers."
• Will Peter be saved?
• What is the meaning of "turned back" in the text? .IP 3 When a sudden change takes over your life. .IP 3 When you have a new purpose in life. .IP 3 When you pay a new service to God.
• This happens with Jesus resurrection.
• Peter is affected/stricken by the resurrection.
• Luke 24 : 24 - 1 Corinthian 15 : 5 / Jesus appears to Peter first.
• Illustration: A woman breaks her cherished glass vase.
• She puts it back together the best way she can.
• Even with all the imperfections she continuous to use the vase.
• Today we can restore things with perfection. (Furniture, teeth, jewelry)
• That is exactly what Jesus does to us.
• Luke 22 : 62 - It is a restoration made with tears.
• Luke 22 : 32 - Jesus prays for Peter.
• John 17 : 9 - 20 - Jesus prays for us.

3- Third work of God in our lives: HE COMMISSIONS US

• - John 21 : 15-17 The "reunion" - see Luke 22 : 61
• - The question still the same: "Do you love me?"
• - Acts 2 : 14-37-41 The result of Peter's work in the kingdom of God.
• - Illustration: Moddy was listening to a preacher speak. .IP 3 "God is waiting for a man to submit his entire self to Him, to see what He can do through his life." .IP 3 Moddy and a young person are walking in the streets of LA. .IP 3 Moddy: Are you a believer? .IP 3 Young person: That is none of your business. .IP 3 Moddy: Yes, it is! .IP 3 Young person: Then you must be Moddy.

Conclusion

• Every believer is:

           FORGIVEN

           RESTORED

           COMMISSIONED

• That is the work that God wants to do in your life.
• Work with God.

Pr. Alcione T. Santos