In this lesson we examine the Apostle Peter and how he continued to grow in the faith. We look at the call of Peter until the death of Peter. Both audio and slides can be enjoyed together at www.cmcoc.org Sermon and slides by Brian Birdow

1. The growth of Peter
by
Brian Birdow
www.cmcoc.org

2. Objective of lesson
1. What is the root of Christian growth?
2. To show that growth takes time.
3. To show the Growth of Peter

3. God “Called” Peter!
★1 John 1:42—And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon)
to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him (Simon), He
said, Thou art Simon the son Jona: thou shalt be
called Cephas, which is by interpretation, a stone.
★Called (Gk. Kaleo) to call aloud, to bear a name or title
among men. To bid, to call forth
★Cephas—Is transliteration of Aramaic word stone or
rock.
★Peter—Is the English equivalent of the Greek word
Petros which means stone or rock.

4. What is the
root of
Christian
growth?
Matthew 16:16-19
A firm belief that Jesus is
the Christ
A firm belief that Jesus is
the Son of the living God.

5. The “Root” of Peter’s growth
When Jesus was tried by the Sandherin or Jewish leaders
they asked if He was the Son of God (Matthew 26:63-66).
To be the Son of God is to be of the same nature as God
and to be God. So when Jesus said yes, they said He
blasphemed. (Hebrews 1:3)
Thus, in their mind (Jewish rulers) He is worth of death
per the Law (Leviticus 24:15)
Peter believed this, it was revealed to him by God the
Father. (Matthew 16:16-19)

6. Physical growth takes time
Spiritual growth takes time.

7. Growth takes
time.
1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I
spoke like a child, I
reasoned (understood)
like a child. When I
became a man, I gave up
childish ways.

8. Some grow faster than
others.
Ecclesiastes 9:11— Again I saw that under the sun the race
is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the
wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with
knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.
Do not become discouraged if you can not quote all the Bible.
Simply quoting the Bible does not equate to spiritual growth.
Do not become discouraged when love ones choose not to
obey the gospel (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Do not become discouraged if you do not understand certain
passages as well as others do currently. It will come over
time with prayer and study!

9. God expects Growth or
Fruit with time.
Just like you and I expect physical growth from our children,
God too expects spiritual growth from us (Luke 13:7-9)!
Hebrews 5:12—For though by this time you ought to be
teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic
principles of the oracles of God. You need milk and not solid
food.
John 14:9—Jesus said to him, Have I been so long a time
with you, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has
seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “show us
the Father?”

10. The Growth of Peter
John 21
Agapo Gk.—is a self sacrificing love, a love as displayed by God
when He sent Jesus to die for our sins. A love not based on
merit!
Phileo Gk.—To be fond of, to kiss, to treat affectionately or
kindly. To have a special interest. To regard and treat someone
as one’s own people.
John 15:13—Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay
down his life for his friends.
Agapo is what Jesus ask and Phileo is what Peter responds.

11. Peter Glorified
God
According to tradition, Peter
was crucified in Rome
under Emperor Nero
Augustus Caesar. It is
believed he was crucified
upside down because he
saw himself unworthy to die
the same way as Jesus.