## What’s It To You?

## John 21:15-22

This week was "Spirit Week" at GBA and when it came to judging winners and passing out prizes guess who got the job? On Friday, prizes were limited and I told the boys and girls that I would choose their prize for winning. One little boy was very vocal about what he thought about the idea. He said, "That’s not fair!" Perhaps we have all either voiced that opinion about something or at least we have felt that way about a decision that was made.

We may even think that about God at times. I think about Uzzah who was struck dead when he reached out to steady the ark of the covenant in 2 Sa. 6:6-8. David didn’t think it was fair for God to slay him.

And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.

Perhaps there are some times when you have thought that God made a mistake. Or at least that He was unfair in His dealings with us. But here are eight words that can change our lives if we will get a grasp on what our Lord is trying to teach Peter.

I. "...What is that to thee? follow thou me."

A. First a question. "What is that to thee?"

B. Then a command. "Follow thou me."

C. Here begins a new chapter in Peter’s life.

1. He had left all to follow Christ.

2. He had denied his Lord three times.

3. After the resurrection: Fishing ...the setting of this scene:

a. Questions: ‘’Do you love me more than these?’’

b. The Lord reveals something of Peter’s ministry and death.

c. What shall this man do? What is that to thee?

II. Consider the Lord’s question if you are allowing another person to keep you from trusting and serving the Lord.

A. What is that to thee?

1. Now we are in a sensitive area:

a. So many look at the failures of others.

b. So many hide behind the hypocrites.

2. Remember: you are not accountable for the sins of others. Ro. 14:12, "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

3. There will be no excuses when we stand before God.

4. Do not allow others to keep you from coming to Christ!

5. Look past the failures of others . . to Christ...if others fail, what is that to thee?

III. Consider the Lord’s question if you have been hurt by another Christian.

A. It is true that Christians can be very cruel.

1. A thoughtless word spoken can do much damage to others.

2. This is why we are admonished repeatedly concerning the use of our tongues.

3. Note: James 3:5, 8-10

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

B. A two-fold admonition.

1. To all of us, we need to be careful what we say and how we say it!

Eph. 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

2. To those who have been hurt by what another Christian has said:

Eph. 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

3. Unfortunately, bitterness has replaced blessing for many believers.

4. Casualties can be found everywhere.

5. "...What is that to thee? follow thou me."

IV. Consider the Lord’s question if you envy another’s talent or position.

A. "Lord, what shall this man do?"

1 . Peter wants to compare his work to that of John.

a. "I am going to feed the sheep. What will John do?"

b. "I am going to die as a martyr. What will John do?"

2. Have you been losing God’s best because you are envious?

a. Another’s position? Talents? Speaking ability?

b. Another’s success? Money? Attention?

3. What is that to thee? Follow thou Me!

B. God often chooses to use those who think they have little to offer.

C. He often uses those who, others think have little to offer.

V. Consider the Lord’s Command.

A. Follow thou me!

B. Perhaps this is an area of failure for us

C. Jesus clearly directs Peter’s mind away from his concerns about John and brings him to focus on that which is most important.

D. The challenge before us all is to follow Christ!

1. That first necessitates salvation: have you been born again?

2. Next is submission: have you submitted your will to God since you have made a profession of faith?

3. Then comes service: are you actively serving Christ or looking for excuses? Whatever your need this morning, won’t you come to Christ today?