Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction & Text

• The sermon opens with prayer and the reading of Luke 22:31-34, focusing on Jesus’ warning to Simon Peter about Satan’s desire to “sift” him.
• Theme: The significance of names and the transition from one’s old nature (Simon) to their God-given identity (Peter).

II. The Significance of Address (“Simon vs. Peter”)

• Intentionality: Jesus never spoke without purpose; addressing the disciple as “Simon” highlighted his old nature during a moment of strife and unawareness at the table.
• The Name Change: Jesus had previously renamed him Cephas (Peter/Rock) to signify his future commission, but here He addresses the man who is currently vulnerable.

III. The Concept of “Sifting”

• Satan’s Intent: To sift like wheat meant to destroy, eliminate, and remove the disciple from the equation entirely.
• God’s Intent: The speaker uses a flour sifter analogy to explain that God allows sifting to remove “impurities” (sorrow, grief, bad memories, and hurts) so the believer can be used effectively for His purpose.

IV. The Promise of “When”

• Jesus said, “When thou art converted,” not “if.” This implies the certainty of Peter’s survival and return.
• This “conversion” in context refers to returning to the commission and promise after failure, rather than initial salvation.
• The use of “When” assures believers that there is an exit from their current valley or trial.

V. The Mandate: “Strengthen Thy Brethren”

• The purpose of surviving the sifting is to use that testimony and strength to support others.
• Strength is derived from God’s word and Spirit, not human emotion.

VI. Conclusion: The Believer’s New Name

• The sermon concludes with the speaker contrasting his birth name (“Todd”) with the new spiritual names/identities God has given him through Scripture (Redeemed, Justified, etc.).

List of Scriptures Mentioned

Primary Text:

• Luke 22:31-34 (Main passage regarding Simon’s sifting)

Supporting Scriptures:

• John 1:42 (Jesus renames Simon to Cephas/The Stone)
• Matthew 16:16 (Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ)
• Luke 22:24 (Context of the strife among the disciples)
• Acts 1–3 (Peter walking into his commission)
• Psalm 23:4 (Walking through the valley of the shadow of death)

The “New Name” Identity List (Closing Section):

• Ephesians 1 (Redeemed)
• Romans 5:1 (Justified)
• Romans 3:22 (Righteous)
• Psalm 32:1 (Blessed)
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New Creation)
• 1 Corinthians 6:11 (Washed)
• Ephesians 1:13 (Holy Ghost Filled/Sealed)
• 1 John 1:9 (Forgiven)
• 1 John 1:7 (Purified)
• 2 Corinthians 5:18 (Reconciled)