This week, we conclude our Heroes of Faith series by looking at the life of Peter. Peter’s life is a story of transformation. He went from being an impulsive fisherman to a fearless apostle who helped establish the early church. Despite his weaknesses, God’s grace empowered him to fulfill his divine calling.

1. Peter was Called by Jesus
   

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   Luke 5:1-8 NLT

   1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God.
   2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.
   3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
   4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
   5 “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.”
   6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
   7 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.

   8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.”

    

2. Peter Walked in Faith, but He Struggled with Doubt
   

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   Matthew 14:22-33 NLT

   22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
   23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
   24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
   25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
   26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
   27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! ”
   28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
   29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
   30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
   31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
   32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

   33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

    

3. Peter Denied Jesus but was Restored
   

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   Matthew 26:31-35 NLT

   31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
   32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
   33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”
   34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

   35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.

   Luke 22:54-62 NLT

   54 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance.

   55 The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.

   56 A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”

   57 But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”

   58 After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!” “No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted.

   59 About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.”

   60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

   61 At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

   62 And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.
4. Peter was Filled with the Holy Spirit and Preached Boldly
   

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   Acts 2:37-41 NLT

   37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
   38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
   39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
   40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

   41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

    

5. Peter Played a Key Role in the Early Church
   

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   Matthew 16:18-19 NLT

   18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
   19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”