John 21:15-17

The Restoration of Peter


When you think of the word restoration you immediately think of a building that has had little attention for many years. You see cracks in the foundation, a roof that is deteriorating; needing new shingles, and windows that are a struggle to open, doors that shut out of square, floors that are warped and appliances that are antiquated. Restoration takes a lot of hard work whether it is a building or our spiritual lives before the Lord. Thank the Lord that He specializes in damaged goods. He knows how to restore and encourage us to be productive in the Kingdom of God. Gal.6:1, 2


  1. THREE PERTINENT QUESTIONS

    1. Peter’s Fall

      1. Peter’s self confidence – John 13:34, 38

      2. Peter putting himself above the rest of the disciples

      3. Three denials – Matt 26:31-35


    1. Examining the questions;

        1. Peter’s love described – phileo – v.15

        2. Do you love Me with 100 % love? (agape) v.16

        3. Do you even love Me with 60% love? V.17


    1. Observations and Application:

      1. Why does Jesus ask Peter essentially three times the same question? (Reinstatement of a Minister)

      2. Peter’s falls but not his faith – Luke 22:31,32

      3. Peter’s awareness of Christ Omniscience


    1. Application:

      1. Jesus knows the worst about us and still loves us – Rom.5:8

      2. Jesus knows the best about us, though others do not – Phil. 1:6


  1. THREE DIRECT COMMANDS

    1. The Lord is not finished with Peter; He will become a spiritual and theological giant.


    1. What is the perquisite for being a Faithful Shepherd?

      1. It’s not moral perfection

      2. It’s not a slew of academic degrees

      3. It’s not a wise administrator

Answer: It is to feed and guide the flock


    1. Threefold emphasis:

      1. Tend, Shepherd and Tend

      2. Two distinct words:

        1. Tend – Gk. bosko, “to feed” (Present imperative)

        2. Shepherd – Gk. poimaino, “to lead, guide, and rule the flock unto pasture” (Acts 20:28; I Pet.5:2; Rev.2:27; 7:17; 12:5; 19:15)

      3. Two distinct words for sheep:

        1. Lambs – v.15 Gk. arnia, “little lambs” Heb.5:13; I Pet.2:2

        2. Sheep – v.16,17 Gk. probation – “Older sheep or sheep of all ages” – Heb. 13:20; I Pet.2:25





Conclusion:


  1. Perhaps we are like Peter, filled with self confidence, but because of it we have fallen, discouraged and afraid. Put your confidence in Christ and not in the flesh – Phil. 3:3


  1. Like Peter we have been RESTORED to serve Christ. So let’s get busy serving other sheep. Pastors and Elders have a monumental task to feed and care for the flock. But all sheep are called to serve one another – I John 3:18








Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

6/15/2008