Peter
Galatians 5:22
But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith,
Teaching Aid – A light bulb.
Have any of you ever considered where the power in
this light bulb originates. Does it really
have any power of its own? In that
respect this bulb reminds me of the Apostle Peter.
The Apostle Peter was an interesting man. He was very typical of many of us. Peter was a common man, a fisherman, who
eventually rose to do great things.
However in reaching his potential he suffered numerous failures. Does this sound familiar. Many great men failed a lot in early
endeavors. The first light bulb Edison
made did not work or even the hundredth.
Colonel Sanders build his Fried Chicken Empire when he was in his
sixties. Dave Thomas, the founder of
Wendy’s, had numerous businesses fail.
Peter’s problem however was not really one of
perseverance, because he sure had the drive and ambition. Peter like us had a heart problem,
pride. He felt he could accomplish it
on this own. How many of us have felt I
will stand up to the task no matter what.
What did Peter say, not I Lord I will stay to the end to the death? Well we all know what happen before the
Rooster crowed.[1] How many of you have tried to change a
habit? Stop losing your temper? To
Always be kind to other people? You had some early success but then
circumstances caused you to fall flat on your face.
What made the difference in Peter? Pentecost! At Pentecost the Holy Spirit come upon them. Peter proclaimed the Gospel boldly and was an instrument in leading 3000 to the Lord.
Remember:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.[2]
He leadeth me, He leadeth
me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.[3]
Originally Peter failed to check if the current was on. At Pentecost it was the power source that made the difference. Are you plugged into the source? Is the current on?
Father
we give thanks that it is not by our power but your power. Not by our goodness but your goodness. Amen
