The Miracle Of Mercy - Part 3 - God's Mercy & My Failures

GOD MERCY & MY FAILURES

Sunday, October 2, 2016 - Pastor Chuck Bernal

 WHAT CAUSES OUR PERSONAL FAILURES?  THE 3 THINGS PETER DID WRONG

 1. He overestimated his own ______________________ - “I WILL NEVER DENY YOU!”

 Jesus said ‘Tonight every one of you will desert me”  . . .  Then Peter boasted, ‘But Lord, even if everyone else fails you, I will NEVER deny you!  (Matthew 26:31-35)

 If you think, “I am strong! I can handle this. I’d never fall for that temptation,"  then be careful! For you could easily fall too!  (1 Corinthians 10:12)

 2. He feared  the _____________________________________________ of other people

“I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT”

 Peter followed Jesus at a distance . . .  He went in and sat down with the guards to see what was going to happen to Jesus . . . a servant girl came up to him and said, “You were with Jesus of Galilee, weren’t you?” Peter denied it. “I don't even know what you're talking about!”, he said.  (Matthew 26:58, 69-70)

 It is a dangerous trap to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you’ll be safe.  (Proverbs 29:25)

 3. He spoke without _____________________  - “I DON’T EVEN KNOW THAT MAN”

 “We KNOW that you are one of them because your Galilean accent gives you away.” Peter lost his temper and started cursing and swearing. He shouted ‘I don’t know the man!’ Immediately he heard a rooster crow. (Matthew 26:71-74)

 The tongue is a small thing, but can do enormous damage! As a tiny spark can burn up a great forest, the tongue is a flame of fire. That part of your body is full of wickedness and can poison everything  in your life. It is set on fire by hell itself and can turn our whole lives into a flame of destruction and disaster. (James 3:5-6)

 WHAT CORRECTS OUR PERSONAL FAILURES?  THE 3 THINGS PETER DID RIGHT

 1. He _________________________ over his failures – ADMIT IT AND OWN UP TO IT!

 Peter heard the rooster crow and remembered that Jesus said, “Before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me 3 times.” Then Peter left & WEPT BITTERLY.  (Matthew 26:75)

 The sacrifice God wants is a broken and contrite spirit, God will not reject a humble and repentant heart.  (Psalm 51:17)

 Now this type of deep sorrow, godly sorrow, is not so much about regret; but it is about producing a change of mind and behavior . . .  (2 Corinthians 7:10 – Voice)

 2. He received support from _________________   ________________ (Easter morning)

Mary Magdalene found the disciples together, grieving and weeping. (Mark 16:10)

 That evening the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in the middle of the group, and said “Peace be with you!” . . . A week later the disciples were together again meeting in a home. (John 20:19-20, 26)

 If you have sinned, you should tell each other what you have done. Then you can pray for one another and be healed.  (James 5:16 - CEV)

 3. He cast himself totally on the ________________________________________ of God

 Because of his great mercy God has given us a new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope . . .  (1 Peter 1:3)

 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  (1 Peter 5:7)

 WHAT DOES JESUS DO WITH OUR FAILURES? LUKE 22 & JOHN 21

 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned back to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

 1. Jesus isn’t ____________________________________ by our failures – He knows us!

 God knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust. (Psalm 103:14)

 2. Jesus constantly  _______________________________________ for us – He loves us!

 Jesus is able to save us completely because (in heaven) he lives to intercede on our behalf. He is always talking to the Father, asking him to help us. (Hebrews 7:25)

 3. Jesus never stops  _____________________________________ in us – He values us!

 . . . so WHEN you have repented and turned back to me again . . . (Luke 22:32)

 For even though a righteous man falls 7 times, he will rise again! (Proverbs 24:16)

  “I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. But he is not here—he’s risen from the dead. Now go tell his disciples, AND tell Peter!” (Mark 16:6-7)

 4. Jesus shows us _____________________ when we are at our worst – He forgives us!

 (2 weeks later Jesus makes breakfast on the beach for the disciples – John 21:1-14)

 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

5. Jesus always gives a second chance to do His ___________________  – He uses us!

I prayed for you. I have prayed that your faith will hold firm and that you will recover from your failure and become a source of strength for your brothers. (Luke 22:32)

Jesus recommissions Peter for the purpose for which He called him. (John 21:15-17)