Denying The LordPeter’s Path To Denial

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Introduction

“Backsliding” is a real danger! (2 Pet. 2:20-22)

Turning away from God is worse than never knowing

Occurs gradually, can overtake us slowly

Outline

Pride

Laziness

Cowardice

Worldliness

Denial

Peter’s Path To Denial

Outline

Pride

Laziness

Cowardice

Worldliness

Denial

Peter’s Path To Denial

Pride

Peter is boastful that he will not stumble (Mark 14:27-31)

Pride is often a first step towards falling away (Prov. 16:18)

Pride

Pride is the opposite of humility (Matt. 18:3-4)

Without humility, we cannot enter Heaven

Notice Peter’s advice for pride (1 Pet. 5:5-6)

Are You Prideful In Your Faith?

Outline

Pride

Laziness

Cowardice

Worldliness

Denial

Peter’s Path To Denial

Laziness

Mark 14:32-42

Peter told to keep watch, put kept falling asleep

A lack of diligent preparation here in the garden

Peter will later be caught off guard later

Laziness

Spiritual laziness happens over time (Heb. 2:1)

Notice Peter’s advice for laziness (1 Pet. 5:8-9)

Already diligent? (2 Pet. 1:10, 3:14)

Peter stresses the importance of diligence

Are You Diligent Or Lazy In Your Faith?

Outline

Pride

Laziness

Cowardice

Worldliness

Denial

Peter’s Path To Denial

Cowardice

Peter displays cowardice (Mark 14:53-54)

Doesn’t want to be identified with Jesus

He was unprepared for facing ridicule and persecution

How Closely Are You Following Jesus?

Cowardice

Ashamed to stand up for our Lord Jesus?

Ashamed to let others know you’re a Christian?

Ashamed to be seen reading your Bible?

Ashamed to be seen praying?

Without Diligent Preparation, We Too Can Become

Guilty of Cowardice!

Cowardice

Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel! (Rom. 1:16)

Remember how Jesus will deal with cowardice (Mark 8:38)

Cowards don’t enter Heaven (Rev. 21:8)

Peter’s later advises “don’t be ashamed” (1 Pet. 4:16)

We can bring glory to God by suffering for Him

When we’re ashamed of Christ, it’s easy to go along with worldliness

COWARDICE

Are You Cowardly In Your Faith?

Outline

Pride

Laziness

Cowardice

Worldliness

Denial

Peter’s Path To Denial

Worldliness

Ashamed of Christ, Peter mingles with the world, enjoys their comforts (Mark 14:54)

Once we become “friends with the world”, we’re one step away from denying God (1 Cor. 15:33)

Notice Peter’s advice for worldliness - “Abstain!” (1 Pet. 2:11-12)

Remember you’re a “sojourner and pilgrim”!

Are We Become Too Worldly?

Outline

Pride

Laziness

Cowardice

Worldliness

Denial

Peter’s Path To Denial

Denial

Away from Christ & comfortable with the world

Peter denies his Lord & Savior (Mark 14:66-71)

Peter is now in spiritual danger (Matt. 10:32-33)

Will We Deny Jesus?

By Words? By actions?

Denial

We are called to worship.

We are called to serve God.

We are called to suffer for His name.

Will we make excuses?

Do we render little or no service?

Do we stand far off in the safety of worldly comforts?

All Who Deny Will Face The Lord In Judgment...

Denial

Peter had to face the Lord (Luke 22:60-62)

Just Imagine how Peter felt

He wept bitterly!

Notice Peter’s advice for denial (1 Pet. 3:13-17)

Was Peter ready for his defense?

Being “ready” Involves preparation (2 Pet. 3:17-18)

DENIAL

Outline

Pride

Laziness

Cowardice

Worldliness

Denial

Peter’s Path To Denial

Have You Been

Denying The Lord?