The Agony of Peter

Lenny Chapman
12/12/15 - Sun PM

The Agony of Peter

Matthew 26:70-75

 

 

 

Introduction:

            I.          Who is this bitterly weeping?

                        A.         The same Peter that saw the transfiguration (Mat. 17:1-5)

                        B.         The same Peter that drew his sword to defend Jesus (vv. 51-52)

                        C.         The same Peter had said he would die for Jesus (vv. 33-35)

            II.         Why is Peter weeping so bitterly?

                        A.         Remembered his Lord’s words (v. 34)

                        B.         Realized what he had done (vv. 69-74)

            III.        Peter made three “mistakes” that led him to this miserable state.

 

Discussion:

           

            I.          He Got Too Sure of Himself (vv. 33-35)

                        A.         Danger of over-confidence (Riding a bike, driving a car, operating machinery)

                        B.         Paul confident, but cautious (1Cor. 9:26, 27)

                        C.         Paul’s warning to the Corinthians – “Flee Idolatry” (1Cor. 10:12-14)

                                    1.         Warns of overestimating spiritual strength of self and others (8:1-7; 9:27; 10:1-13)                               2.         Warns of underestimating power of influence on self and others

 

            II.         He Got Too Far from Jesus (VV. 57-58)

                        A.         Too far to be clearly identified with his Lord

                                    1.         Half-hearted loyalty (Mat. 22:37)

                                    2.         Half hearted following (Rev. 3:15-17; Josh 24:15; 1Kings 18:17, 18, 21)

                        B.         Too far to draw strength from his Lord (Jas. 4:8)

                                    1.         Many put too much distance between self and church

                                    2.         Many put too much distance between self and faith

                        C.         Too far to really serve his Lord

                                    1.         Many too far to really know His will – seldom study

                                    2.         Many too far to really worship and work

                                    3.         Many so close, yet so far (Luke 22:61)

                        D.         Too far to defend his Lord

                                    1.         Must defend (Phil. 1:17; Jude 3)

                                    2.         Must stand with defenders (2Tim. 4:16)

 

            III.        He Got Too Close to Sinners (v. 69; Luke 22:55)

                        A.         He placed himself in a position conducive to denying his Lord (1Cor. 15:33)

                                    1.         Avoid places, people, and positions where it would be hard to confess Christ

                                    2.         Avoid unequal yoking with unbelievers (2Cor. 6:14, 17)

                        B.         He cast his influence with enemies of Christ under pressure

                                    1.         The pressure of Persecution

                                    2.         The pressure of Popularity

                                    3.         The pressure of Peace

                                    4.         The pressure of Conformity

                                    5.         The pressure of Ease

                                    6.         The pressure of Materialism

 

Conclusion:

            I.          If you are a Christian, follow Jesus closely

            II.         If you are not a Christian, begin by following Him today!