Peter: A Leader Who Learned from His Failure
No New Testament leader realized more deeply his own fallibility than the apostle Peter.
At the moment of truth, Peter—the same one who stepped out of a boat to walk on water when Jesus called him (Mt 14:27–30); the same one who identified Jesus as the Christ (Mt 16:13–20); the same one who witnessed the transfiguration (Mt 17:1–8)—miserably failed his Lord, denying him three times on the night of his arrest.
Yet this man, in the face of incredible persecution and opposition, got up off the ground to do incredible things for Christ’s church. Now he writes to Jewish Christians enduring intense persecution for their faith, encouraging them to persevere through their suffering by remembering that their reward awaits them.
This is not the brash, impetuous, emotional Peter who traveled with Jesus during his earthly ministry. This is a Peter who has matured in his faith, a man who has learned from his failures—and who, most of all, has been filled with the Holy Spirit of God.
Effective leaders walk by the power of the Holy Spirit. They realize that all of us—even those with the best of intentions—are prone to fail when we walk in our own strength and not in the empowerment of the Spirit.
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Leadership Is Built on the Foundation of Focus and Self-Discipline
Focus and self-discipline provide the foundation for solid leadership. Peter learned this lesson the hard way. Over three and a half tough years, God transformed Peter from an impetuous, loud influence to a thoughtful, humble leader. Consider the marching orders Peter gives leaders:
1. Gird your minds (v. 13).
Just as men would gird their loins so their robes wouldn’t get caught on obstructions as they walked, so we are to gird the loins of our minds. We must remain focused and sober.
2. Guard your hearts (v. 14).
Leaders must prevent old patterns from penetrating their hearts. Peter specifically warns against former lusts, which would not only distract them, but might also destroy their leadership.
3. Guide your lifestyle (vv. 15–16).
Leaders must pursue holiness—and the only way to attain it is to embrace the model Christ gave. Since God is holy, we must copy what we see him doing.
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Every leader in the body of Christ is to serve in response to a divine calling. Five times Peter brings up the issue of calling (1Pe 1:15, 2:9, 21; 3:9; 5:10).
God’s call is twofold and is confirmed in two ways. There is a general calling he offers to everyone; anyone who responds to him is considered the “called” (Isa 6:8). But a second call is more specific. This call is given to individuals who are meant to serve in a particular role (Ac 9:3–6). This calling is confirmed both by an inward witness of the heart and an outward recognition by the body of Christ.
What is your calling? How is your call recognized by others?
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The Law of Sacrifice: Christ Is Our Model for Leadership
Peter calls everyone to respect and submit to authorities, regardless of how the authorities might treat their subjects. He reminds us that no one occupies a leadership position without God’s sanction.
To illustrate his point, he brings up Christ’s leadership (1Pe 2:21–23). Jesus suffered unjustly and endured it without complaint. Just as our Lord sacrificed so much in heading toward the cross, we are to practice the Law of Sacrifice, giving up the pleasures and comforts we might normally enjoy. Consider how Jesus practiced this law:
What Happened to Him | His Sacrificial Response |
1. Insults and mockery | 1. Didn’t retaliate, but kept silent |
2. Suffered through beating | 2. Made no threats |
3. Accused falsely | 3. No deceit was in his mouth |
4. Carried our sin | 4. Entrusted himself to the Father |
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No home can thrive without functioning according to sound leadership principles.
Peter first challenges wives to submit to their husbands, even those who do not submit to Christ. This is the principle of authority and submission. It shows up most pointedly when you disagree with the leader. When the wife submits even though she opposes her husband’s decision, she gives a powerful witness to Christ and brings a special honor to him.
Husbands are called to live with their wives in an understanding way. They are to honor their wives and model submission and service. They are to initiate blessing, rather than retaliate when things go wrong.
Spiritual leaders assume responsibility for the health of their relationships. This means they set the tone. They must initiate what they want others to do.
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Sarah: “Yes, Lord” No Matter What
Sarah said yes to a lot of difficult things—when asked to leave home, accompany Abraham on a thousand-mile journey, and live like a nomad in the wilderness. Even when asked to say she was Abraham’s sister. But when it came to waiting on God’s solution to her childlessness, she didn’t. Perhaps the negative consequences from that impatient disobedience later reminded her to say, “Yes, Lord” no matter what, for she is commended in the New Testament for her submission and her faith (Heb 11:11).
Sarah may not have influenced large numbers of people during her lifetime, but the influence she did have shaped the world. Her example challenges you to make sure your leadership decisions are guided by faith, not driven by frustration or fear.
If you are frustrated in your leadership, don’t let it provoke you into making bad decisions. Don’t try to get ahead of God when he isn’t moving fast enough for you. When you must wait, focus on God’s character, not your circumstances. Your situation—no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may seem—are nothing to God. His promises are true no matter what. Knowing God’s will is not enough. Doing God’s will is essential. That requires total trust. That requires saying, “Yes, Lord” no matter what.
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Spiritual Gifts: We Lead Best When We Lead from Our Gifts
In this passage, Peter encourages us to make five observations about our spiritual gifts:
1. Every one of us has at least one spiritual gift (v. 10).
2. Spiritual gifts are intended to serve people, not bolster our reputations (v. 10).
3. We use our gifts as stewards, not owners (v. 10).
4. God is the source and the sustainer of every gift (v. 11).
5. We are to employ our gifts as though we were serving the Lord (v. 11).
Three disappointments result when we fail to use our gifts properly:
1. We are disobedient.
2. The Body of Christ suffers.
3. God is not glorified.
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Peter closes his book by addressing the church elders and encouraging them to lead well, according to a whole new paradigm of leadership. He urges them to follow Christ, not only as their suffering Savior, but as their example of leadership. A leader is called to be . . .
1. A minister to the people (v. 2).
Peter exhorts them to shepherd their flock, serving them before being served.
2. A mentor of the people (vv. 2–3).
Peter asks them to eagerly invest in the flock, not as lords, but as examples.
3. A manager of the people (vv. 2–3).
Peter calls them to exercise oversight over those entrusted to their care.
4. A model for the people (v. 3).
Peter tells them to be examples to the flock, demonstrating how to live.
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At the end of his first letter, Peter furnishes a motive check for leaders. Note that he calls us to: lead and serve voluntarily, not for selfish gain; eagerly do God’s will, not to get ahead; serve as an example, not as a lord. Take the following motive check:
1. When you lead, do you remember the example of Christ’s sufferings? (v. 1).
2. When you shepherd, do you do it out of a sense of obligation, or privilege? (v. 2).
3. When you serve, are you motivated by the will of God, or men? (v. 2).
4. When you minister, are you driven by personal gain, or godly passion? (v. 2).
5. When influencing others, does your life example speak clearly? (v. 3).
6. When sacrificing, can you wait for the ultimate reward, or must you see an immediate payback? (v. 3).
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The Law of Sacrifice: Leaders Humble Themselves to Be Exalted
To the degree that we display pride, God removes his grace from us. The leader is to humble himself by casting all his cares on God (1Pe 5:7). Only then does God promise to exalt the leader. What do you find yourself doing these days—humbling yourself, or feeding your pride?
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