What Is Your Number One Priority?

What Is Your Number One Priority?
Pastor Terry Wilcox

John 21:15-17; 21-22

The restoration of Peter required heart surgery.

John 21:21 – “more than these?”
, boats, , home? Perhaps, do you love me more than  ?
The context is chapters 18-21.

Matthew 26:33

The Triple By-Pass

1. John 21:15 – Jesus used the Greek word “agape”
   He cuts through the  of others.
   In Peter’s reply, Peter used the Greek word “philia.”
   It’s used in I Corinthians 16:22. “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed.”
   “Philia” means  .

   Jesus’ response, “Feed my lambs.”

2. John 21:16 – Jesus clarifies, I am not asking if you have brotherly affection for me, I’m asking for your .  “Agape” is  love.

   Jesus’ response, “Take care of my sheep.”

3. John 21:17 – Amazingly, Jesus asks a third time, only he uses “philia.
   “Do you have a friendship love for me”
   John 21:17 says this third cut into Peter’s heart “hurt.”
   Jesus’ response, “Feed my sheep.”
   Peter’s honesty results in Jesus restoring Peter
   John 21:19b, “Then he said to him, ‘follow me.'”

   Priority one (before serving) is  .
   Deuteronomy 6:4-5

   Jesus proclaimed the same priority in Matthew 22:37-39.

   Jesus used three direct questions, Peter made three declarations.
   Jesus gave him three commands, and Peter was .

   All measurements of ministry success are subservient to  .

   Believing loving God is priority liberates from:
   a. The tyranny of statistics.
   b. Comparison with .
   c. Other things.
   d. The of exclusivity.

How Do We Get There?

1. Be ruthlessly  with yourself and God.
2. Word and .
   Faithfulness is not . See Luke 15:28-31
3. Cultivate heart  with the Spirit of Jesus.

Personal Notes