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GOD'S INCREDIBLES: 
What Bible Characters Teach Us About Life, Leadership, and the Power of God
"PETER: An Incredible Example of How to Bounce Back from a Mistake" 
Pastor Jeff Duchemin
Sunday, September 4, 2005

Different levels of mistakes:
1- Minor Mistakes or Accidents
2- Larger mistakes

Matt 26:69-75--Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said. But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth." He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!" After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away." Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.


How to Bounce Back when you Make a Mistake

1- Seek the forgiveness of God and those you may have wronged.

Rom 12:18--If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

5 of the most important words in the human language: 
I’M SORRY PLEASE FORGIVE ME.

What happens when we seek forgiveness after we make a mistake?
1- It biblically releases you.
2- It allows people to see your heart.
3- It demonstrates spiritual growth in your life.
4- It creates healthier relationships.



2- Don’t live in guilt.
Phil 3:13-14--Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 16:18--“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.”



3- Determine to learn and not return.

What can I learn from this mistake?
How can I not make this mistake again?

KEY: When we fail, we need to fail forward.

Isa 1:16--Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Luke 22:31--"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Have you made a mistake that you are still recovering from?

2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 

3. What steps can you take today to "fail forward"?

4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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