Upside Down Way of God – Weakness is Strength

Weakness is Strength

What happens when the thing you trust most about yourself finally fails?

In this message, we explore the life of Peter and the surprising journey from self-confidence to Spirit-dependence. Peter loved Jesus. He wanted to obey Jesus. He believed he would never abandon Jesus. Yet time after time, Peter found himself relying on his own courage, understanding, devotion, and strength. It wasn't until his confidence in himself finally collapsed that he discovered the power of God's grace.

Through Peter's story, we'll wrestle with some honest questions: Where do we trust ourselves more than God? Where do we rely on our own effort instead of His presence? And what happens when life reveals we're weaker than we thought?

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, we'll discover that God's power is not perfected through our strength, but through our surrender. Because before Pentecost, Peter was drawing strength from Peter. After Pentecost, Peter was drawing strength from the Spirit. And that changes everything.

God is not looking for impressive people. He is looking for dependent people.

Philippians 2:5-8

Discussion topics

HEAD – What did Jesus say to you through the Word?

What stood out to you most from Peter's journey?  Was there a specific moment in Peter's life where you saw yourself?

Before Pentecost, Peter was drawing strength from Peter. After Pentecost, Peter was drawing strength from the Spirit.  What do you think is the difference between self-confidence and Spirit-dependence?

Which of Peter's "strength strategies" do you relate to most?