The Restoration of Peter (Part I)

2024-07-31

Given by Pastor Ibrahim

Luke 22.31-32

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

You know Peter. There are many Peters among us, but here you have the intercessory power of the Lord Jesus Christ. When I read this text it reminded me that there is no one in Heaven who has power on Earth. Do you realise that? Except the Lord Jesus Christ. That is very powerful.

While Christ was on earth, he has the same power, he could anticipate and pray for Peter, and in Heaven he still prays for us.

In the background of this text, you have the institution of the Lord's Supper. Then you have the betrayal of Judas, this highlights the wickedness of our human nature without God. Then comes the denial of Peter, which shows the weakness of our faith. Normally we can give parallels between Judas's repentance and Peter's genuine repentance. The denial of Peter shows the weakness of our flesh.

The context again, the disciples were contesting their social position. Actually it is not the first time that this is discussed. But let us see why Peter failed.

Why Peter Failed

There are 4 things to remember about Peter's fall.

1. He failed to pray. We do not wrestle against the flesh, against human powers. How much have I prayed today? I ask myself.
2. If you look at 54, "Peter followed afar off". I hope no one is like this, one who follows afar off is not a Christian at all. I do not like a Christian who says "I keep myself to myself". We have to integrate in the church, we are part of a body if the Lord has worked that work of salvation in our souls. Once converted I do not belong to myself anymore, I cannot just do things for myself, that is very selfish. He was even far off from the apostles. But brothers and sisters, Christ said "Abide in me and I will abide in you". You know the word "abide" means to dwell with, to have intense fellowship with the Lord Jesus.
3. Never sit with the world Look at v55. Peter sat with the enemies of God. The brash, bold, brave Peter sat not with the apostles, but he came on a cold night and sat in the midsts of the unbelievers and the Lord's enemies, not at the fringe. This is a clear teaching about the believer being a separated person. Bad company corrupts good manners. We don't have to sit at the barbecue while they condemn our faith. While sitting there, Peter was asked the question "you are one with the Lord" and you heard many times that Peter denied with cursings and oaths, swearing even.
4. v31-32. The one great lack - faith. Peter lost to exercise that faith. Faith is a gift, but you and me once received must exercise it.

And this is where we see Peter denying, never denying that Christ is who he says who is.

Peter was not prayed to become rich. But the greatest lack in our faith is our need of faith - faith that can move mountains.

Luke 22.60

60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

The Backslider Heard Something

The rooster/cock was faithful to his position, but Peter was not. You can learn a lot from this rooster, all the animals are under his rule and ownership. Here we see Peter meeting with the piercing eyes of Christ as soon as the crock crowed. I don't think it was a reubking look, but a loving look.

Peter then remembered the Word of God. So Peter remembered that and looks to the Lord Jesus Christ, and we also need to look to him all the time.

There are three more headings in this instance or event of the Lord Jesus Christ. You find there are 3 persons involved. Tomorrow we will come back to Peter and find more that you can learn about how we can be restored to full fellowship with Christ.

Luke 22.31

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

The Accuser

Satan is the most active preacher in the world, his duty is to sift. The devil, the enemy of souls, a murderer, a liar. Do you know that we have defected from Satan's camp? That is the most beautiful deception.

Satan makes us to be converted, and to be weak. Satan has so many skins. Satan has sifted many many churches, many many seminaries. If you ask Dr Pastor later, you could hardly recommend one seminary in the UK. Because Satan has sifted those seminareis and churches.

Noise is always a sigh of immaturity. Satan will bring discord to bring difficulties. It is important that we are always on our guard, sometimes he will even discredit church officers who are doing their best.

The Advocate

He speaks to Peter here. Look at how he is addressed, "Simon" to remind him of his old nature. Often we are like Simon. Peter is the new name given by Christ, he is a new creation. All things have passed away, all things have become new. Your new name is in James 2.7 - "a worthy name". Don't be ashamed to be called a Christian because it is a worthy name.

The Lord will lose none of his. Peter, the Lord prayed for him in v31 and 32. There is the desire to pray for you and me in these different situations.

Christ intercedes for us, that should make us serve the Lrod, knowing that the Lord is praying for me in Heaven there. Praying that shame would not be brought on his name, so Christ's intercession is based on the cross of Calvary. It will keep you from every temptation.

Any temptation you are going through, take these 6 words to fight it as a buckle and a shield. The promise of Christ can be applied to each one of us, because he intercedes for us.

Applications

This text is packed with truth.

1. Christ's intercession. His intcessant prayers meet all our needs. No one can come and say I'm praying for you, so it must happen.
2. Christ prays for our specific needs. His prayer is for our specific needs, and we need to pray for faith, which is why Peter is told to put on the shield of faith.
3. Christ's intercession is personal for you, but never just for you, but for common benefit. If the gift you have is just for you, that is selfishness. Any gift for you, is a gift forever. Peter would be an apostle and a teacher. Pastor thinks that this prayer saved the church, Christ prayed for him and he stood tp preach the word of Christ.
4. Christ is not against us, but for us. Romans8.31-32.
5. Self-confidence, pride, these things we should always be aware of. Never think you are too strong, self-confidence is not part of the spiritual life, because that is part of the human spirit.
6. Peter learned the lesson and he can teach us what we should be doing when the roaring lions appear.

1 Peter 5.7,12

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

The last one is in Luke 22.46.

Luke 22.46

46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

May the Lord use this short devotion in our spiritual walk, renewing us to help other people, like Peter strengthened not just for himself, but to help his brother.