God's Call to Allegiance
A Call to Action Pt 4
Bud Wrenn 06.04.11
John 18:25-27 (NLT) 25 Meanwhile, as Simon Peter was standing by the fire, they asked him again, “You’re not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “No, I am not.” 26 But one of the household slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Didn’t I see you out there in the olive grove with Jesus?” 27 Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.
Allegiance comes only with restoration.
A. What you need to know about restoration.....
1) Jesus will always make Himself available for restoration.
John 21:4-5 (NLT) 4 At dawn Jesus was standing
on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called
out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied.
2) Jesus will go
to any length to restore you.
John 21:5-6 (NLT) 5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
3) Jesus wil always provide a safe place for restoration.
John 21:12-13 (NLT) 12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish.
B. The process of restoration. Restoration requires ....
…Us to face the challenge that Jesus gives us.
John 21:15 (NLT) 15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
…Us to allow repetition to help us develop new habits.
John 21:16 (NLT) 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
Staying on Track....
1 Tim. 4:7-8 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. [8] Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.
a) Communion with God: personal worship.
b) Connecting with God: intentional prayer.
c) Learning about God: personal Bible study.
d) Self-control in God: fasting, moderation.
e) Giving to God: stewardship, life management.
….Jesus to validate the purity of our motive.
John 21:16 (NLT) 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” …
John 21:17 (NLT) 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. …
….Jesus to ask for demonstration of our commitment
John 21:17 (NLT) 17 …. Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
Practical Keys to Moving Forward
Embrace God’s offer of salvation and live it out
Honor God’s sanctity for relationships
Remember that marriage is a HUGE deal. Choose the right spouse the first time. Your choice of dating partners and a spouse will make or break your life. WAIT!
Remember that parenthood is not a hobby or a solution to a problem. It is a responsibility that if not done well can lead to HUGE problems. Wait until you are ready for it.
Don’t overestimate your maturity level. Be realistic about it.
Work hard. Make it on your own.
Ask for help, but not for someone to do it for you
Don’t procrastinate
Pick up after yourself
Put things back where you found them
Return what you borrow from others
Live within your means
Pay your bills and debts on time
When you open something, close it when you’re through
Take care of your stuff
Stay in good physical shape
When you have conflict, deal with it immediately
Don’t use anything that can get you addicted – physically or emotionally