Sermon Notes – June 7th, 2026 – Heroes of the Faith
If the great Apostle Peter was here in person to talk about his life, I don’t think he’d start by talking about the day he walked on water. I don’t think he’d start by talking about his famous Pentecost sermon where 3,000 Jews converted to Christianity in a single day.
If Peter were here today, I think he’d talk about FAILURE. Because Peter learned something most of us spend our entire lives trying to learn:
”QUOTE” – “Failure doesn’t have to have the last word, and it doesn’t have to define your life.”
Simon is first introduced to us in the middle of a failure
Luke 5 1:7 NLT – “Master,” Simon replied, “WE WORKED HARD ALL LAST NIGHT AND DIDN’T CATCH A THING. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
Hard work is a virtue that we can admire about Simon.
Proverbs 14:23 NLT – “Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!”
Work is SUPPOSED to bring profit. But in this case, Simon had no profit to show for his work. He’s probably a little peeved with God. “I worked hard…and I still failed!” Instead of profit, Simon is on his way home, yet again, empty-handed. Another failure. He has a family. He has obligations…But failure doesn’t have the last word.
IF we yield to whatever Jesus says to do:
Luke 5:5 NLT – “But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again. And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.”
Here we get our first lesson about failure from the life of Peter.
WITH JESUS, SETBACKS BECOME SETUPS
His failure actually put Simon in the right place at the right time! His surrender to Jesus in this moment of failure was a set-up for every success that Simon Peter would later become famous for.
That’s just the kind of God we serve!
(Personal Example)
Luke 5:8, 10, 11 NLT – “When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man” …Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”
Later on, Jesus gave Simon a new name, “Peter”, which mean’s rock or stone. A rock symbolizes strength, stability & reliability. Peter was humbled by Jesus having chosen someone like him, and he became determined to be Jesus’ rock. He saw miracles. He walked on water. He became a part of Jesus’ inner circle. Peter started to look more and more like his name, so much so that he started to believe he was unbreakable.
JESUS SEES US BEYOND OUR NEXT FAILURE
Luke 22:34 NLT – “But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even knew me.”
Mark 14:31 BSB – “But Peter kept insisting. “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.”
Peter’s problem is that he started to believe the press about himself. Jesus said, “Satan is looking to devour you” and Simon says, “Jesus, do you know who I am? I’m your rock!” WRONG ANSWER!
Peter’s focus was on his commitment to never fall. Jesus’ focus is on him having faith to get back up.
Later, Peter would write this:
1 Peter 5:6, 8 NIV – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Just as Jesus prophesied, Peter is about to fail – miserably…
Peter’s in a bad way – not just because he messed up, but because he did something he never thought he was capable of.
I can relate. Maybe you can too. You never thought YOU would be the person who…
Peter would say “Welcome to the club. Jesus saw my failure coming and while I refused to accept it was even possible, He was already preparing me for my next assignment!”
JESUS SPECIALIZES IN RESTORATION
Let’s look beyond Peter’s failure, to see Jesus’ response. The night Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter pulled out his sword to try to cut a guy’s head off (not his ear).
Later that night/early morning, Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times.
Luke 22:60 – 62 GNT – “But Peter answered, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” At once, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned around and stared at Peter, and Peter remembered that the Lord had said to him, “Before the rooster crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me.” Peter went out and wept bitterly.”
Mark 16:7 NKJV – (After the resurrection, the angel gives these instructions)
“But go, tell HIS disciples—AND PETER—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”
Isn’t Peter already a disciple? He was…but he wasn’t feeling like one. So, Jesus sent him a special message to let him know, “Despite your failure, I still have plans for your future.” And, He’s sending you a special message today as well!!
Some of us spend years trying to bury our failures. Jesus wants to redeem them. Because God never wastes pain. God never wastes disappointment. God never wastes failure. He uses all of it.
Romans 8:28 NLT – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28 NLT – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Maybe you’re convinced: “I’ve failed too much. I’ve wandered too far. I’ve blown too many chances.”
But Peter would stand up and say:
“QUOTE” – “The love God has for you is greater than even your greatest failure. I’m living proof that failure doesn’t not have to be final!”
What is God’s purpose for you?