Peter's Return and Service

The Rest of the Story

INTRODUCTION:

1. You are familiar with Paul Harvey and his popular radio spot, "The Rest=

of the Story."

2. This is a follow-up to Peter's fall; it is unfair to leave him in

despondency when Scripture doesn't.

3. Lk. 22:32 tells the rest of Peter's story:

DISCUSSION:

I. "When You Have Returned:"

 

A. Suggests three important points:

1. Can depart (1 Cor. 10:12; Heb. 3:12-13; etc.).

2. Peter departed.

3. Can return.

B. The "return" (cf. Lk. 15:17-24):

1. Don't have specifics about Peter; can learn from prodigal son.

2. Prodigal son recognized (v. 17 - "came to himself"):

a. How far he had fallen (v. 17; cf. vv. 13-16,30).

b. Deceitfulness of sin (vv. 14-16; cf. Heb. 3:13; 11:25).

c. Only he could make his correction (v. 18a).

d. Need to confess sins (v. 18b).

e. Personal unworthiness (v. 19).

3. Prodigal son took personal responsibility:

a. "Arose and went" (v. 20a).

b. "I have sinned" (v. 21a).

c. Relied on Father's mercy (v. 21b).

4. Father's mercy - incentive to return (vv. 20,22-24; Rom. 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:12-17).

C. Peter restored (Mk. 16:7; Jn. 20:2-6; 21:15-17,19).

II. "Strengthen Your Brethren:"

A. Correction not end of story; Peter went on to great service.

 

B. How Peter strengthened his brethren:

1. Not mistake-free future (Acts 10:9-17; Gal. 2:11-14).

2. Leadership in early church (Acts 1:15ff; 5:1-11).

3. Sermons recorded (Acts 2; 3; 8:25; 9:32; 10:1-11:18).

4. Bold during danger (Acts 4-5; 12; cf. 4:29; 5:41-42).

5. Restored Simon (Acts 8:20-24).

6. Discussion on Moses' Law/circumcision (Acts 15:7-9).

7. Wrote 1st/2nd Peter (cf. 2 Pet. 1:12-15).

C. What can we do to strengthen brethren after our return?

1. Our return itself strengthens brethren.

2. Our return encourages others to return.

3. Our return (how we did it) can help others to return.

4. Our experience can help prevent others from falling.

5. Can serve publicly/privately afterwards.

6. Teach others.

7. Pray for others.

8. Etc.

CONCLUSION:

1. Peter fell, but returned.

2. He strengthened his brethren after his return; you can too!

3. "Now you know the rest of the story!"

- - Richard Boone

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