From Loser to a Leader

Topic:               From Loser to a Leader

Theme:             Transforming a Loser to a Leader

Title:                 There are No Losers in God’s Transforming Hands

Texts:                Gospel, Acts and Epistle of Peter

Introduction:

How can God transform a loser to a leader? Christians are followers of Christ: the Victor! We who follow Him must live up to that testimony as leader of our pack.

Insight: Peter was considered one of the best church leaders of early Christian church. But his journey to the pinnacle of leadership was filled with rough and life-changing experiences that transformed him to a remarkable leader in the history.

Peter as a Loser

Peter’s life without Jesus – reference – the Gospel

Occupation: Fisherman in Galilee – Mark 1:16

His character:

Arrogant – Mark 14:27-31

Faithlessness – Matthew 14:28-31

Temper – John 18:10

His ignorance:

Became an instrument of satan – Matthew 16:21-23

Unaware of the future, though revealed by Jesus plainly – The Transfiguration – Mark 9:5-6

His fall –

Denied Christ three times, his arrogance and independence from God has led him to fall. Matthew 26:33-43; John 18:15-26

Returned back to fishing – John 21:1-3

Peter’s life when he encountered Jesus John 21

Relationship restored:

1.       Jesus make Himself known to Peter by reminding Him of their first meeting – going back to where and when we first encountered God would brighten our clouded mind filled with memories of our failures and sins.

2.       Forgiveness was initiated by Jesus, when Jesus asked Peter the first time; he wants Peter to recall of his commitment found in Matthew 26:33-35. Jesus is giving Peter the chance to regain himself by asking where his commitment lies, this is a question of priority. It could be that the choice is between his work, the fish and Jesus. Sometimes we are torn by our priorities and God-priorities, there is no option for the place of number 1 in our list, and we should always have a foremost priority. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” what are “The These” in your life that hinders you to perform your duty as a leader in full potential…Jesus promised that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all “THESE things shall be added unto you.” It sn no coincident that Jesus used the same allegory in Matthew 6:33 and in John 21 in referring to priorities in life.

3.       Jesus asked Peter the second time to make him feel uneasy, Jesus’ question was direct, no options given, it is a question requiring a direct answer, a question of intimacy, Jesus was asking Peter on the basis of his knowledge about his Savior, who Jesus is to Peter and who Peter was and is to Jesus. A connotation of Peter’s past which Jesus forgave and restored, his present which Jesus renewed and his future which Jesus prepared and determined. By this second question, Peter was shaken because he remembered how he failed Jesus, he was humbled, wanting to be sure not to commit same mistake, he answered Jesus by using the phileo term of love not the agape love which Jesus required. Jesus was satisfied to see his arrogance had changed to humility. God’s loving dealing with our sins is powerful enough to put us back to track. We may have fallen as a leader, but let us remember our failures are God’s means to humble us so that we may fully depend on Him.

4.       Jesus 3^rd question was a question of appointment, upon hearing Peter’s reply to Him, Jesus was determined to strengthened him by allowing Peter to freely reflect on his failure when he denied Christ, seeing that Peter was humbled by his mistakes gave Jesus the opportunity to strengthen his shaken confidence in himself and restoring him by appointing him of leadership. Jesus also told Peter what manner of death he will face, instead of being afraid, Peter embraced Jesus’ words and appointment, he was delighted for he will never commit the same mistake again unlike before when Jesus foretold of his downfall. Their conversation caused Peter to acknowledged God’s sovereignty and his frailty. What a comfort to all leaders appointed by God, because before we enter into the world of leadership, God will strengthen us first so we will come out victorious!

The Transformation of Peter – First Step of Making a Leader Initiated!

Peter’s life was changed when he encountered Christ and he made a sure decision to follow Him even if he learned what manner of suffering he has to take. – John 21:18-19

A person who encountered Christ will be transformed by the power of God, a person who is humbled by his weakness will walk in humility and will depend on God every step of the way for he knew his tendency to fall. Peter realized this, and this is what Jesus wants to see in Peter, the humility before he could take the leadership position. Our position should not cause us to be proud, but it should create a humble spirit that we may reflect Jesus’ leadership.

After Peter’s Transformation comes his empowerment – 2^nd step of Making a Leader in progress – Acts 2

The Holy Spirit empowered Peter and the rest of the disciples, fulfilled. The work ahead of them was vast and impossible without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s leadership will not be validated, strengthened and empowered without the equipping of the Holy Spirit. Godly and Christian leaders will be able to withstand the challenges of the position: from feeding the lambs, tending the sheep and feeding the sheep and especially following Jesus even to the point of death. Peter’s empowerment brought miracles and healing:

Boldness to preach the Word

Miracles upon miracles follow.

Preaching to the Gentiles

Preaching to the leaders of the council

His insight pertaining to Transfiguration was changed and now he saw the future glory of Christ and the courage to face death. 2^nd Peter 1:12-18

These are important because a leader producing amazing results has proven himself worthy of followers.

Peter’s Leadership – The Continuity of a Leader

Peter’s leadership traced back to his intimate conversation with Jesus, Jesus reminder, appointment and commission to Peter became his pattern for leadership: an example of servant hood, humility and sacrifice. 1^st Peter 5:1-5. How can you serve as a leader or overseer?

Servant hood:

1.       You serve willingly not by force

2.       You serve eagerly, ready for work even if there is no compensation involve.

3.       Serving as an example for them to follow: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet

4.       Begins with a command to feed the sheep, not to fleece them, not to lord over them. A sheep’s wool or fleece is a source of fine linen for textile manufacturing and industry. Wool is taken out of the sheep by shaving them which is tremendously painful – this is a process of fleecing. A leader should not take advantage of his position over his followers whether in monetary or power control, not take advantage of their trust but care for them the same way Jesus cared for His flock.

Humility – v.3

1.       Not acting as boss, lord or master over your flock but as good examples of service, humility: setting pattern of true leadership, because in a leadership position, there is a tendency to become domineering or demanding, some failures of a leader is imposing what they think is right now based on God’s Word, implementing policies with a hand of iron and demanding service from men which are very opposite to Christ’s nature of leadership but similar to satan’s leadership – because he wanted to be served, worshipped and honored: Lucifer’s downfall. Humility reflects on the character of Christ and must be seen in every godly leader.

Sacrifice – v. 2-3

1.       Godly leaders are willing to sacrifice

2.       For the growth of their flock

3.       For the fulfillment of God’s desire for the flock

4.       For his life for the flock

5.       When Jesus talked to Peter, Peter never forget Jesus’ words, sacrificing is required for every leader because when you sacrifice you set aside yourself for the good of your flock – that’s what Jesus did!

Conclusion:

Whether you are an aspiring leader, or already in the position or you think you cannot do anything for God because you think you are a loser, remember that in Jesus hands, there is no such thing as a loser, submit, surrender and be transformed and empowered in His mighty hands to do great things for Him!