Breakthrough – Busting through the obstacles that take us to the next level and maximize our potential.
How many times have you failed?
Big Idea: Choose to learn from failure and allow God to propel you forward.
What does the life of Peter teach us about failure?
o No one plans to fail
§ Matthew 26:31-35 NLT – 31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” 33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.
§ Matthew 26:38 NIV – 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
o Failure often catches us by surprise
§ Galatians 6:7 NIV – 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
§ Matthew 26:69-75 NLT – 69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. 71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. 73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.
§ Luke 22:61a NLT – 61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter.
o Failures can lead to retreat and band aids
§ When you fail…what do you do?
§ John 21:3 NLT – 3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.
§ Jesus in His grace…shows that He is still Lord. He is still all powerful and the mission hasn’t changed.
· He then tells Peter, “Follow me!”
What do we do when we fail?
o Remember who you are in Christ
§ Ephesians 2:10 NLT – 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
o Avoid the temptation to isolate or medicate
§ 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV – 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
o Surround yourself with people who will breathe life into you
§ Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV – 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Are you still wounded from a failure from the past?
o Romans 8:1 NIV – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Next Steps
o Memorize: Romans 8:1
o Evaluate: Where are past failures keeping me from moving forward with God and moving forward in life?
o Action: Receive forgiveness from the Lord and forgive yourself.