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Anatomy of a FallGraphical sermon notes by,Rev. Ed WhitmanSunday, May 4, 2014

Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts Copyright 2014 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.Anatomy of a Fall John 18:15-18, 25-272John 18:15-18, 25-27 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest,he went with Jesus into the high priests court-yard,but Peter had to wait outside at the door.Denial # 1 The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. You arent one of this mans disciples too, are you? she asked Peter. He replied, I am not.

Denial # 2 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a firethey had made to keep warm. Simon Peter also was standing with them, warming himself So they asked him, You arent one of his disciples too, are you? He denied it, saying, I am not.

Denial # 3 One of the high priests servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off,challenged him, Didnt I see you with him in the garden? Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.Anatomy of a Fall 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. Luke 22:31,327Fuddle

To put someone into a state of confusion: muddle8Remember Promises Made to Yourself, Others and God?First day of High SchoolCollege

First day on the job

Your Wedding Day

Day you first believed9Self-destruct? Deny?Judas Yes!

Peter No, Never! No Way!! Impossible!!!10SHOCKER! You are not one of His disciples, are you? the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, I am not. John 18:17

11SHOCKER! As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, You are not one of His disciples, are you? He denied it saying, I am not. John 18:25

12SHOCKER! One of the high priests servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, Didnt I see you with Him in the olive grove? Again Peter denied it(and) began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, I dont know this man youre talking about. John 18:26 & Mark 14:7113Jesus Said it Would Happen 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. Luke 22:31,32

Satan fuddled Simon R. Johnson14Falling HappensPart of becoming Rock-LikeNot inevitableDoesnt have to be the end15Falling HappensPart of becoming Rock-LikeNot inevitableDoesnt have to be the end I Corinthians 10:13 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.16Mark 14:72And Peter broke down and wept bitterly.17

Lets Pray18How Could It Happen?Evidence / clues from the Gospel accounts19Too SmartLord, are you going to wash my feet?...You shall never wash my feet. Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well! John 13:-9

20Too Smart Years laterPrepare your minds for action I Peter 1:13

Do not be surprised as the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. I Peter 4:1221Too Smart Years laterBe alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

You must understand that in the last days scoffers will come. II Peter 3:322Too ConfidentThis very night you will all fall away on account of Me. Matthew 26:31

Even if all fall away, I will not. Mark 14:29 Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death. Luke 22:33

23Too ConfidentThis very night you will all fall away on account of Me. Matthew 26:31

I will lay down my life for You. John 18:37

Even if all fall away on account of You, I never will. Matthew 26:33

24Too Confident Years LaterA gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in Gods sight. I Peter 3:4

Be humble I Peter 3:8

Do not fearanswer everyone who askswith gentleness and respect. I Peter 3:14-1525Too Confident Years LaterGod opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. I Peter 5:5-626Too TiredMy soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.Matthew 26:38Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Get up, watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Mark 14:37-38

27Too TiredAre you still sleeping and resting? Enough! Mark 14:41

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Matthew 26:41

28Too Tired Years laterBe clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. I Peter 4:729Too Filled with WorldThe disciples said, See, Lord, here are two swords. That is enough, Jesus replied. Luke 22:3830Too Filled with WorldThen Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priests servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, Put your sword back into its place. All who draw the sword will die by the sword. No more of this! John 18:10, Matthew 26:52, Luke 22:5131 Too Filled with World Years laterBeing shielded by Gods power. I Peter 1:5

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing. I Peter 3:9

Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourself also with the same attitude I Peter 4:132 Too Filled with World Years laterResist the devil, standing firm in the faithAnd the God of graceafter you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 5:933Too Far Away From JesusPeter followed Him at a distance. Mt 26:58, Mk 14:54, Lk 22:54

Simon Peter and another disciple (presumably John) were following JesusThe other disciple came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. Jn 18:15-16

34Too Far Away From Jesus - Years LaterIn your hearts set apart Christ as Lord I Peter 3:15Above all, love each other deeply. I Peter 4:8

35Too Close to EnemiesWhen they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him Luke 22:55-5636Too Close to Enemies Years laterDear friends, I urge you as aliens and strangers in the world to abstain from sinful desiresLive such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God I Peter 2:1137In the EndThe devil usedthree minor characters to push Peter over the edge38Your Impressions?Too Smart Too Confident Too Tired Too Much of the World Too Far Away from Jesus Too Close to Enemies

39What Happened to Peter Could Happen to You Satan has asked to sift (shake, separate) you as wheat. (leaving only base, perishable chaff) But I have prayed for you, (not exempt from temptation) That your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, (recovery possibility) strengthen your brothers. (future ministry)40Do-You-Get-It Application?Warning: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you dont fall. I Corinthians 10:12Encouragement: And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:3241