#3: Simon’s Ministry & Message

 

The work and writings of Peter, proved that he obeyed the last words of Jesus spoken to him.

First: STRENGTHEN THE BRETHREN, Luke 22:32. 

Last: FEED THE GOOD SHEPHERD’S SHEEP, John 21:15-17.

 

His message proved Simon grew into the “Rock” (Peter) Jesus wanted as a leader. Peter’s mission in strengthening the brethren and feeding the sheep is something we can ALL participate in. In order to do this, we need to take his message seriously. But what was his message? The theme of his letters is SUFFERING, 1 st. Peter 4:1. Victory over suffering as exemplified in the Life of

Christ is what the apostle Paul declared also, that leaders will not enter the Kingdom without suffering, Acts 14:22. Peter knew this and didn’t want Christians to harbour bad feelings toward God who leads us through problems and into salvation. Here are the highlights of Peter’s message:

 

1. The fiery trials, 1 st. Peter 1:7. There is a Divine power by which saints are kept victorious while in suffering. The power’s benefit is through our faith and joy in the fact of growing into gold refined by fire at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

 

2. The blood of Christ, 1 st. Peter 1:19. Priceless and planned before the foundation of the world. The way the blood affects us and motivates Christians to live and work, amazes angels.

 

3. The living stone, 1 st. Peter 2:4. From Jesus, we get to become a living temple for a living God. When the inanimate becomes animate, the power of choice comes into effect. Living stones can either choose to obey and support what they are shaped to support, or they can choose to disobey and fall out of place, becoming a stumbling block to others.

 

4. Christ himself, 1 st. Peter 2:6. The chief cornerstone, on which all other stones (Christians) find their strength.  When we are supporting the Temple as we should be, He sees us as royal priests, a holy nation and a choice people to tell of his marvellous light, the Light of the world.

 

5. The meek and quiet spirit, 1 st. Peter 3:4-7. Peter is the only writer which equates the efficiency of husbands prayers with how he treats his wife. Could it be that the meek & quiet spirit is what God honors? Of course. To God, it is a beauty which is eternal.

 

6. The believer’s faith, 2 nd. Peter 1:1-3. Precious and pertaining to everything we need to live a godly life. How versatile is the gospel? In every way, it empowers people of all cultures, countries and centuries to live righteousness.

 

7. The divine promises, 2 nd. Peter 1:4-8, and their 7 fruitful steps fulfilling the promises of God. Goodness, Knowledge, Self-control, Patience, Service, Kindness, and Love. This will make the faith God gives you grow.

 

8. The possibility of falling from grace and into judgment, 2 nd. Peter 2:20-22. A Christian’s potential peril.

 

9. The destruction of this world, 2 nd. Peter 3:10-12. Lost people have no hope, since you have a living hope, how should you live?

 

10. Grow! 2 nd. Peter 3:18. Stay still and you shrink to death.

 

Simon’s Savior has 7 Salient Truths

Jesus is our…

1. Only source of hope

   1Pe 1:3

2. Sacrificial lamb

   1Pe 1:19

3. Chief corner stone

   1Pe 2:6

4. Perfect example

   1Pe 2:21

5. Suffering, Sin-bearing Shepherd

1Pe 2:23-25

6. Exalted Lord

   1Pe 3:22

7. Glorious Judge – 2 nd. Peter 1:16-3:10.