WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.200 Please open up your copy of God's Word to the Gospel according to Mark. 00:00:05.360 --> 00:00:07.219 ! We're in chapter 14. 00:00:08.320 --> 00:00:13.339 We're continuing our verse-by-verse exposition through Mark's Gospel. 00:00:14.259 --> 00:00:19.339 ! Before we get there, I had intended to make an announcement at the beginning, but I was kind of getting some conflicted reports. 00:00:19.960 --> 00:00:25.879 Those of you who have been around for a while know that this building has some water issues. 00:00:25.879 --> 00:00:29.960 We're on a well, and sometimes the water doesn't work so well. 00:00:30.119 --> 00:00:30.699 Don't pun intended. 00:00:32.460 --> 00:00:38.799 And this seems to be one of those mornings for us, and so it wasn't working, and then it was working, and again, now it seems to not be working. 00:00:38.979 --> 00:00:44.039 And most of us have dealt with that before, so it seems to be kind of working at the moment. 00:00:44.239 --> 00:00:49.460 So, just as a heads-up for whatever you may want to go do in the building concerning water, 00:00:49.879 --> 00:00:53.920 to be aware that it may or may not work at the moment that you try. 00:00:53.920 --> 00:01:01.960 But, I'm glad that the reason that our church exists is for the supremacy of Christ and not for the beauty of a building. 00:01:03.780 --> 00:01:08.859 As we have issues like this, it's just my constant recitation in my head, 00:01:09.320 --> 00:01:14.159 but we have no debt, but we have no debt, but we have no debt, and we praise God for that. 00:01:14.280 --> 00:01:16.060 So, it is a blessing to us. 00:01:16.579 --> 00:01:20.640 Our text for today is Mark chapter 14, verses 66 through 72. 00:01:20.640 --> 00:01:27.760 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 00:01:28.260 --> 00:01:30.900 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, 00:01:31.319 --> 00:01:33.299 You also are with the Nazarene Jesus. 00:01:33.840 --> 00:01:38.040 But he denied it, saying, I neither know nor understand what you mean. 00:01:38.599 --> 00:01:41.000 And he went out into the gateway, and the rooster crowed. 00:01:41.480 --> 00:01:44.740 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, 00:01:44.900 --> 00:01:46.420 This man is one of them. 00:01:46.840 --> 00:01:48.599 But again, he denied it. 00:01:48.599 --> 00:01:51.859 And after a little while, the bystanders again said to Peter, 00:01:52.199 --> 00:01:55.039 Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean. 00:01:55.559 --> 00:01:58.140 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, 00:01:58.259 --> 00:02:00.919 I do not know this man of whom you speak. 00:02:01.539 --> 00:02:04.619 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. 00:02:05.079 --> 00:02:07.419 And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, 00:02:07.819 --> 00:02:11.439 Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times. 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:14.479 And he broke down and wept. 00:02:14.479 --> 00:02:20.119 This is God's word to us, written for his glory and our good. 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:24.319 We would all do well to listen to it in order to obey its promises, 00:02:24.959 --> 00:02:29.159 excuse me, believe its promises, and obey its commands. 00:02:29.599 --> 00:02:30.340 Let's pray together. 00:02:30.340 --> 00:02:39.819 Father, we again praise you for this morning and the opportunity for us to come together as a church. 00:02:40.539 --> 00:02:45.020 A people called out of the world and called together for your mission. 00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:48.740 We thank you, Father, that you have not left us alone, 00:02:48.800 --> 00:02:51.039 but you have given to us a helper, the Spirit, 00:02:51.159 --> 00:02:52.960 and you have given us your word, 00:02:52.960 --> 00:02:58.020 the tool that he employs in our lives to shape us and change us for your glory. 00:02:59.020 --> 00:03:01.180 And so we would ask this day that you would do this, 00:03:01.319 --> 00:03:06.719 that he would be alive and active in my speaking and in all of our hearing. 00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:12.520 That the things that we hear today will not merely be taken into our minds, 00:03:12.600 --> 00:03:14.060 but they will be applied to our hearts. 00:03:14.939 --> 00:03:18.680 That all of us will be changed from one degree of glory to another. 00:03:18.680 --> 00:03:25.020 That we will leave this place proclaiming the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness 00:03:25.020 --> 00:03:27.240 and into his marvelous light. 00:03:27.879 --> 00:03:29.400 We pray this in Christ's name. 00:03:30.280 --> 00:03:30.580 Amen. 00:03:32.599 --> 00:03:34.099 So in our text this morning, 00:03:34.540 --> 00:03:38.700 Mark records for us the failure of Peter following Jesus' arrest, 00:03:38.819 --> 00:03:41.360 just as Jesus had predicted. 00:03:42.260 --> 00:03:44.500 But before we address Peter's failure, and we will, 00:03:44.500 --> 00:03:49.379 let's recall together the failure of our author of the Gospel of Mark. 00:03:49.460 --> 00:03:54.460 I know that many of you weren't with us when we first began working through this Gospel account. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:58.699 And in the very first sermon that we worked through together, 00:03:59.120 --> 00:04:02.599 I told you a little bit about who Mark is. 00:04:02.659 --> 00:04:04.300 And he's an interesting character, 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:09.939 and there's much for us to learn and to be encouraged by his life. 00:04:09.939 --> 00:04:13.460 So with me, if you will, just for a brief break from Mark, 00:04:13.500 --> 00:04:16.139 you can mark it, no pun intended, once again, 00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:17.620 turn to the book of Acts, 00:04:18.180 --> 00:04:20.360 and we're going to begin in chapter 12. 00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:24.800 Apparently when I'm tired I speak in puns. 00:04:33.759 --> 00:04:36.680 We did this once before, so I'm going to do it rather quickly, 00:04:36.779 --> 00:04:38.740 but I just want you to see this together. 00:04:38.740 --> 00:04:48.639 I believe that Mark's desire to record what Peter did is fueled by his own experience. 00:04:48.780 --> 00:04:50.879 So Acts chapter 12, verses 1 through 5. 00:04:51.560 --> 00:04:56.800 About that time, Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 00:04:57.439 --> 00:04:59.680 He killed James, the brother of John, with a sword. 00:05:00.180 --> 00:05:03.600 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. 00:05:04.220 --> 00:05:05.960 This was during the days of unleavened bread. 00:05:05.959 --> 00:05:08.039 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, 00:05:08.159 --> 00:05:11.299 delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, 00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:13.939 intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 00:05:14.459 --> 00:05:15.599 So Peter was kept in prison, 00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:20.079 but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. 00:05:20.180 --> 00:05:21.919 So Peter is imprisoned by his faith. 00:05:22.019 --> 00:05:26.179 The persecution of the churches is really on the upswing at this time. 00:05:26.599 --> 00:05:28.779 And as the church is praying for him, 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:34.919 Peter is delivered from prison by an angel later there in Acts 12. 00:05:35.379 --> 00:05:37.519 Peter recognizes it was an angel. 00:05:38.279 --> 00:05:41.719 Verse 12 records this for us of the Lord that led him out of prison. 00:05:41.819 --> 00:05:42.939 And it says, verse 12, 00:05:43.339 --> 00:05:48.259 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, 00:05:48.659 --> 00:05:51.239 whose other name was Mark, 00:05:51.439 --> 00:05:54.259 where many were gathered together and were praying. 00:05:54.259 --> 00:05:58.379 And so this is the Mark that wrote the gospel of Mark, 00:05:58.480 --> 00:06:01.620 or we could call him John Mark if we would like. 00:06:01.759 --> 00:06:04.300 I'm Joseph Nathan, if you don't know that. 00:06:04.699 --> 00:06:05.379 And I go by Nathan. 00:06:05.500 --> 00:06:08.399 So here we have John Mark going by Mark in many cases. 00:06:09.079 --> 00:06:11.360 I'll go a little further in that chapter to verse 25. 00:06:11.360 --> 00:06:18.520 And Barnabas and Saul, soon to be Paul, or was Paul at this time, 00:06:18.580 --> 00:06:20.879 returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, 00:06:21.000 --> 00:06:25.680 bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. 00:06:25.759 --> 00:06:27.340 So they picked up a companion in their travels, 00:06:27.460 --> 00:06:29.259 and this is John Mark, 00:06:29.300 --> 00:06:32.680 who's now traveling with Barnabas and Saul or Paul. 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:35.460 Acts 3, verses 1-5. 00:06:35.459 --> 00:06:40.019 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, 00:06:40.639 --> 00:06:42.620 Barnabas, Simeon, who was called Niger, 00:06:43.299 --> 00:06:44.439 Lucius of Cyrene, 00:06:45.060 --> 00:06:47.539 Menaion, a lifelong friend of Herod the Tetrarch, 00:06:47.740 --> 00:06:48.199 and Saul. 00:06:48.579 --> 00:06:50.120 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:51.000 the Holy Spirit said, 00:06:51.139 --> 00:06:55.240 Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 00:06:55.939 --> 00:06:57.279 Then after fasting and praying, 00:06:57.359 --> 00:06:59.579 they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 00:07:00.179 --> 00:07:01.759 So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, 00:07:01.759 --> 00:07:03.099 they went down to Seleucia, 00:07:03.219 --> 00:07:05.240 and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 00:07:05.959 --> 00:07:07.419 When they arrived at Salamis, 00:07:08.019 --> 00:07:10.819 they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogue of the Jews, 00:07:11.159 --> 00:07:14.659 and they had John to assist them. 00:07:14.799 --> 00:07:18.399 So Barnabas and Paul set aside for a work to the Gentiles. 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:21.719 Of course, they still visited the Jewish synagogues and preached to the Jews, 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:24.439 and John Mark is with them. 00:07:25.079 --> 00:07:26.979 Now in verse 13 of chapter 13, 00:07:27.060 --> 00:07:28.620 in case you lost where we were at. 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:34.379 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos 00:07:34.379 --> 00:07:37.060 and came to Perga in Pamphylia. 00:07:37.620 --> 00:07:41.680 And John left them and returned to Jerusalem. 00:07:42.040 --> 00:07:43.899 So John Mark goes with them on this journey, 00:07:43.959 --> 00:07:44.899 the beginning of it, 00:07:45.100 --> 00:07:47.560 and as they're about to go on to another stage, 00:07:47.699 --> 00:07:49.399 he leaves and returns to Jerusalem. 00:07:49.600 --> 00:07:50.620 In the account so far, 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:51.339 that's all we know. 00:07:51.399 --> 00:07:52.199 Just that he left. 00:07:52.199 --> 00:07:54.039 We don't know why he left, 00:07:54.439 --> 00:07:56.560 but we find out later the very reason. 00:07:56.659 --> 00:07:59.339 Turn a couple of chapters over to Acts chapter 15. 00:07:59.339 --> 00:08:07.619 And after some days, 00:08:07.859 --> 00:08:09.099 Paul said to Barnabas, 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:12.279 Let us return and visit the brothers in every city 00:08:12.279 --> 00:08:13.799 where we proclaim the word of the Lord 00:08:13.799 --> 00:08:15.679 and see how they are. 00:08:15.819 --> 00:08:17.439 This is Acts 15.37 now. 00:08:18.399 --> 00:08:20.739 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them 00:08:20.739 --> 00:08:23.419 John called Mark. 00:08:23.739 --> 00:08:25.399 He's actually the cousin of Barnabas. 00:08:25.399 --> 00:08:28.639 But Paul thought best not to take with them 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:31.659 one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia 00:08:31.659 --> 00:08:34.220 and had not gone with them to the work. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:36.439 And there arose a sharp disagreement 00:08:36.439 --> 00:08:38.539 so that they separated from each other. 00:08:38.879 --> 00:08:40.100 Barnabas took Mark with him 00:08:40.100 --> 00:08:42.220 and sailed away to Cyprus. 00:08:42.319 --> 00:08:45.220 And this is when Paul picks up Silas in his journey. 00:08:45.519 --> 00:08:48.600 So there becomes a division between Paul and Barnabas 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:52.159 because Barnabas really wanted John and Mark 00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:53.759 to go with them on the journey. 00:08:53.759 --> 00:08:56.259 But Paul said, No, he abandoned us. 00:08:56.580 --> 00:08:58.700 He bailed out on us. 00:08:59.179 --> 00:09:00.740 This man was fickle. 00:09:01.100 --> 00:09:03.779 Likely due to fear of the advance 00:09:03.779 --> 00:09:04.779 and the preaching of the gospel 00:09:04.779 --> 00:09:06.179 and the things that were happening in his time, 00:09:06.419 --> 00:09:08.059 he went back to Jerusalem. 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:10.319 And Paul wants nothing to do with him 00:09:10.319 --> 00:09:12.179 at this point in his journey. 00:09:12.759 --> 00:09:13.759 Barnabas so convinced, 00:09:14.399 --> 00:09:16.659 Barnabas seems to be the second chance guy, 00:09:17.379 --> 00:09:18.600 John Mark is now ready, 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:19.919 that he goes with him. 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:22.259 We don't know exactly where 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:24.539 Barnabas disappears from the New Testament narrative 00:09:24.539 --> 00:09:25.480 for two years, 00:09:25.639 --> 00:09:27.100 with nothing about the timeline, 00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:29.220 for two whole years after this incident. 00:09:29.799 --> 00:09:32.139 John Mark disappears from the biblical text 00:09:32.139 --> 00:09:33.740 for ten years. 00:09:34.679 --> 00:09:36.019 But he does reappear. 00:09:36.559 --> 00:09:37.600 He reemerges. 00:09:38.340 --> 00:09:39.340 Now after some time, 00:09:39.500 --> 00:09:42.059 Paul is in prison for preaching the gospel. 00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:43.939 And during his first imprisonment, 00:09:44.319 --> 00:09:46.600 he writes his letter to the Ephesians, 00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:47.819 his letter to the Colossians, 00:09:48.279 --> 00:09:50.059 the letter to Philemon, 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:51.139 and to the Philippians. 00:09:51.859 --> 00:09:53.859 And we see in two of those, 00:09:53.979 --> 00:09:56.479 particularly in Colossians and in Philemon, 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:59.619 Paul's companion in prison 00:09:59.619 --> 00:10:02.479 is none other than John Mark. 00:10:03.339 --> 00:10:05.119 So they, by some circumstance, 00:10:05.219 --> 00:10:06.159 have rejoined one another 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:08.419 and either been thrown in prison together 00:10:08.419 --> 00:10:12.500 or found each other once again in prison. 00:10:13.439 --> 00:10:15.599 In Paul's second imprisonment, 00:10:15.739 --> 00:10:17.519 one of his last letters he wrote, 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:19.139 2 Timothy 4.11, 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:20.819 he writes this, 00:10:21.480 --> 00:10:23.559 Do your best to come to me soon, 00:10:23.659 --> 00:10:24.340 writing to Timothy, 00:10:24.860 --> 00:10:26.519 for Demas, in love with his present world, 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:28.559 has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:30.460 Crescens has gone to Galatia. 00:10:30.819 --> 00:10:32.240 Titus to Dalmatia. 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:34.659 Luke alone is with me. 00:10:34.819 --> 00:10:36.399 And then the instruction he gives to Timothy 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:38.079 is get Mark. 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:39.899 This is John Mark he's referring to. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:42.840 Get Mark and bring him with you, 00:10:42.840 --> 00:10:46.440 for he is very useful to me for ministry. 00:10:47.220 --> 00:10:49.800 So we see this young disciple 00:10:49.800 --> 00:10:51.879 that's taken on this journey to begin with 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:54.860 and bails out on the Gospel mission, 00:10:55.259 --> 00:10:58.180 likely for fear of what would happen to him, 00:10:58.440 --> 00:11:01.379 now re-engaged in Gospel ministry 00:11:01.379 --> 00:11:04.139 in a major way as a fellow servant 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:05.460 along with Paul, 00:11:05.899 --> 00:11:07.540 later pinning for us 00:11:07.540 --> 00:11:10.759 the Gospel account that we've so richly enjoyed 00:11:10.759 --> 00:11:12.419 over this past year. 00:11:13.340 --> 00:11:16.299 The redemption that is pictured in this 00:11:16.299 --> 00:11:17.799 that has to be pieced together, 00:11:17.939 --> 00:11:20.779 but yet we find it all the same. 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:24.980 Sinners and recovering sinners 00:11:24.980 --> 00:11:29.100 are the only type of people that there are. 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:33.039 So there's much space for us this day 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:36.899 in even considering Peter's denials. 00:11:37.299 --> 00:11:38.840 We think about Mark's life, 00:11:38.840 --> 00:11:41.519 and later Peter's life, 00:11:41.580 --> 00:11:43.080 the things that will be accomplished 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:45.180 by God through him 00:11:45.180 --> 00:11:46.899 to reflect upon our own lives 00:11:46.899 --> 00:11:50.320 and the ways in which we've failed our Lord. 00:11:50.800 --> 00:11:52.519 The ways we've turned our back on Him. 00:11:52.580 --> 00:11:55.899 The ways that we have denied Him 00:11:55.899 --> 00:11:59.580 to receive joy and encouragement 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:02.379 from the lives of Mark and of Peter. 00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:05.060 Now in last week's text, 00:12:05.059 --> 00:12:09.079 Mark places Peter in the courtyard of the house 00:12:09.079 --> 00:12:11.319 where Jesus' trial is occurring 00:12:11.319 --> 00:12:13.619 on the night of His arrest. 00:12:13.819 --> 00:12:16.159 And if you'll look back in Mark 14, 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:19.259 verse 53 and 54 reads, 00:12:19.379 --> 00:12:21.679 And they led Jesus to the high priest. 00:12:21.799 --> 00:12:23.699 And all the chief priests and the elders 00:12:23.699 --> 00:12:26.159 and the scribes came together. 00:12:26.799 --> 00:12:29.819 And Peter had followed Him at a distance 00:12:29.819 --> 00:12:32.679 right into the courtyard of the high priest. 00:12:32.679 --> 00:12:34.659 And He was sitting with the guards 00:12:34.659 --> 00:12:37.419 and warming Himself at the fire. 00:12:38.359 --> 00:12:39.459 Now the other disciples, 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:39.899 it would seem, 00:12:39.959 --> 00:12:41.139 have already fled at this time. 00:12:41.179 --> 00:12:42.319 We have no record, 00:12:42.399 --> 00:12:43.379 no account of them. 00:12:43.739 --> 00:12:45.519 Although John's Gospel account 00:12:45.519 --> 00:12:47.239 does tell us that the way 00:12:47.239 --> 00:12:48.759 that Peter got into the courtyard 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:50.719 is that John was known 00:12:50.719 --> 00:12:52.359 by the family of the high priest. 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:54.659 So it's likely that John went along 00:12:54.659 --> 00:12:55.000 and said, 00:12:55.099 --> 00:12:56.879 Hey, it's okay to let him in. 00:12:56.959 --> 00:12:58.439 But it would seem that John's already 00:12:58.439 --> 00:13:00.359 left the scene at this point. 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:02.740 The disciples fleeing is a fulfillment 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:04.580 of Zechariah 13.7, 00:13:04.860 --> 00:13:06.480 the last half anyway, 00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:09.940 which Jesus quotes in Mark 14.7, 00:13:10.320 --> 00:13:12.320 Strike the shepherd and the sheep 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:14.800 will be scattered. 00:13:15.399 --> 00:13:20.379 So we find Peter having followed at a distance, 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:22.860 having been so bold in the Garden of Gethsemane 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:26.759 that he strikes the ear off of one of the temple guard, 00:13:27.320 --> 00:13:28.680 rebuked by Jesus for it. 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:31.339 And then he follows from afar, 00:13:31.579 --> 00:13:34.519 wants to be near what's going on. 00:13:34.559 --> 00:13:35.919 And this trial is taking place 00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:38.099 in the home of the high priest, 00:13:38.239 --> 00:13:40.459 which is Caiaphas in this year. 00:13:41.179 --> 00:13:43.679 Likely also the home of Annas, 00:13:43.959 --> 00:13:45.319 also called the high priest. 00:13:45.459 --> 00:13:47.639 He is Caiaphas' father-in-law. 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:50.559 That title never passed away from someone 00:13:50.559 --> 00:13:53.039 once they served in the role of high priest. 00:13:53.579 --> 00:13:55.099 And Annas is kind of like 00:13:55.099 --> 00:13:57.120 the godfather of the Sanhedrin. 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:59.639 He has been appointing high priest. 00:13:59.740 --> 00:14:01.740 People do what Annas says. 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:03.940 So there's been a trial before Annas, 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:05.259 which is not recorded in Mark. 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:07.659 And then he's been delivered from Annas, 00:14:07.740 --> 00:14:08.399 Jesus has, 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:11.159 to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:14.279 This would be 70 men plus the one 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:15.159 being the high priest. 00:14:15.279 --> 00:14:20.620 71 men that hold this sort of trial, 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:23.039 this perversion of justice. 00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:24.620 We talked about last week. 00:14:24.719 --> 00:14:26.419 We saw the contradiction, 00:14:27.079 --> 00:14:29.779 the juxtaposition of the false witnesses 00:14:29.779 --> 00:14:31.939 against Jesus' faithful witness 00:14:31.939 --> 00:14:33.379 to who he was. 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:34.719 And this is where we find, 00:14:34.799 --> 00:14:37.199 as this is happening upstairs 00:14:37.199 --> 00:14:38.319 in one of the apartments 00:14:38.319 --> 00:14:40.039 of this massive home, 00:14:40.639 --> 00:14:41.679 Peter's sitting in the courtyard, 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:43.779 warming himself with the temple guard 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:44.939 around a fire. 00:14:45.980 --> 00:14:47.179 John MacArthur says of Peter, 00:14:47.179 --> 00:14:50.159 he was caught between fear and faith. 00:14:50.579 --> 00:14:53.219 He was caught between love and terror, 00:14:53.639 --> 00:14:56.299 between courage and cowardice. 00:14:57.019 --> 00:14:59.139 Certainly, Peter loved our Lord 00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:01.919 and followed Him because of that. 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:04.959 There's some zeal in Peter 00:15:04.959 --> 00:15:06.779 that we certainly should admire, 00:15:06.939 --> 00:15:08.000 that he even was willing 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:09.419 to follow that far, 00:15:09.559 --> 00:15:11.659 that he was willing to sit outside 00:15:11.659 --> 00:15:13.399 in the very home, 00:15:13.500 --> 00:15:14.600 enter through a gate, 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:16.620 and be in that place. 00:15:17.959 --> 00:15:19.259 But yet he fails. 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:22.799 Now remember who we're talking about, 00:15:23.039 --> 00:15:24.120 this Peter. 00:15:24.219 --> 00:15:25.959 Back in Mark 8, 00:15:26.539 --> 00:15:27.740 beginning of verse 27, 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:29.839 Mark records, 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:31.319 And Jesus went on with His disciples 00:15:31.319 --> 00:15:33.100 to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. 00:15:33.299 --> 00:15:33.959 And on the way, 00:15:34.039 --> 00:15:35.259 He asked His disciples, 00:15:36.079 --> 00:15:37.379 Who do people say that I am? 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.360 And they told Him, 00:15:39.799 --> 00:15:40.779 John the Baptist. 00:15:40.779 --> 00:15:42.339 And others say, 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:42.879 Elijah. 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:43.980 And others, 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.139 one of the prophets. 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.759 And He asked them, 00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:49.360 But who do you say that I am? 00:15:49.879 --> 00:15:51.459 And it's Peter that answers Him, 00:15:51.559 --> 00:15:54.199 You are the Christ. 00:15:54.620 --> 00:15:55.819 And in saying that, 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:56.899 that phrase that He's saying, 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:59.959 He is saying that you are the Son of God. 00:16:00.079 --> 00:16:01.459 You are the Messiah, 00:16:01.579 --> 00:16:03.000 the One that has come to take away 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:04.939 the sins of the world. 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:06.279 Our prophet, our priest, 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:07.500 and our King. 00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:10.279 You are the Christ. 00:16:11.759 --> 00:16:12.980 Matthew's account adds, 00:16:13.120 --> 00:16:14.159 And Jesus answers him, 00:16:14.959 --> 00:16:15.759 Blessed are you, 00:16:16.279 --> 00:16:17.059 Simon Barjona, 00:16:17.480 --> 00:16:18.679 for flesh and blood 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:19.799 has not revealed this to you, 00:16:19.839 --> 00:16:20.659 but my Father, 00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:22.079 who is in heaven. 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:22.480 So, 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:24.939 God Himself has revealed this truth 00:16:24.939 --> 00:16:25.759 to Peter. 00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:26.500 And I tell you, 00:16:26.539 --> 00:16:27.139 you are Peter. 00:16:27.579 --> 00:16:28.559 And on this rock, 00:16:28.600 --> 00:16:29.679 I will build my church. 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:31.059 And the gates of hell 00:16:31.059 --> 00:16:32.899 shall not prevail against it. 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:35.600 The truth that Jesus is the Christ, 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:37.600 is the rock that He'll build His church on. 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:38.579 He says, 00:16:38.679 --> 00:16:40.159 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, 00:16:40.199 --> 00:16:41.340 and whenever you bind on earth, 00:16:41.600 --> 00:16:42.480 shall be bound in heaven. 00:16:42.759 --> 00:16:43.980 And whenever you loose on earth, 00:16:44.379 --> 00:16:46.019 shall be loose in heaven. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.759 This is the Peter 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:49.179 that we're talking about. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:49.980 And so, 00:16:50.120 --> 00:16:51.139 set against the backdrop 00:16:51.139 --> 00:16:52.639 of Peter's bold proclamation 00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.919 of Jesus as the Christ, 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:55.720 Mark tells us of his failure 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:58.059 on the night of Jesus' arrest. 00:16:58.600 --> 00:17:00.480 Charles Spurgeon wrote of this text, 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:02.980 This fall of Peter 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.259 is doubtless intended 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:05.039 to be a lesson 00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:07.400 to the whole church of Christ. 00:17:08.079 --> 00:17:10.140 It is recorded for our learning 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:11.660 that we may be kept 00:17:11.660 --> 00:17:14.120 from like sorrowful overthrow. 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:15.940 It is a beacon 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:17.980 mercifully set up in Scripture 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:19.299 to prevent others 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:21.220 making shipwreck. 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:23.839 So we must pay attention. 00:17:24.039 --> 00:17:25.839 It's important that we stop and look, 00:17:25.920 --> 00:17:28.140 not just as a mark in Peter's life, 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:29.240 but what are we meant 00:17:29.240 --> 00:17:30.460 to learn and to understand? 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:31.120 We must understand 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:32.559 by this record. 00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:34.299 And to do that, 00:17:34.339 --> 00:17:35.519 we must examine the condition 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:36.480 of Peter's heart, 00:17:36.819 --> 00:17:37.880 which ultimately led 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:38.799 to these denials. 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:40.019 You see, 00:17:40.079 --> 00:17:40.900 there must have been something 00:17:40.900 --> 00:17:41.819 at work in him 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:43.900 to cause him to betray his Lord, right? 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:45.839 He wasn't on top of the mountain 00:17:45.839 --> 00:17:47.539 and suddenly in the valley 00:17:47.539 --> 00:17:49.019 there was something happening in him 00:17:49.019 --> 00:17:50.740 and we have record 00:17:50.740 --> 00:17:52.900 and account of what that was. 00:17:53.620 --> 00:17:54.740 Remember that Peter had given up 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:56.860 everything to follow Christ. 00:17:57.360 --> 00:17:58.799 He had sacrificed everything 00:17:58.799 --> 00:18:00.059 and he'd been with him now 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:01.919 three plus years 00:18:01.919 --> 00:18:03.379 bringing him to this point. 00:18:03.480 --> 00:18:04.279 What is happening 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:06.179 in the heart of Peter 00:18:06.179 --> 00:18:07.419 that would cause him 00:18:07.419 --> 00:18:08.379 to deny Christ 00:18:08.379 --> 00:18:09.940 at this time? 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:12.279 There are at least three things 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:12.940 we should observe. 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:13.960 At least. 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:14.619 There may be more, 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:15.500 but at least three things 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:15.960 we should observe 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:17.339 that we're going to do this morning 00:18:17.339 --> 00:18:19.960 lest we also fail 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:21.119 in this way. 00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:22.699 Firstly, 00:18:22.899 --> 00:18:23.899 and primarily, 00:18:25.299 --> 00:18:26.339 Peter was prideful. 00:18:27.699 --> 00:18:29.819 Peter was self-sufficient 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:31.899 in his own mind. 00:18:32.139 --> 00:18:34.119 None of us really are self-sufficient. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:35.500 All of us are sustained 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:37.239 by the power of God. 00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:41.139 All of us are very, very, very finite 00:18:41.139 --> 00:18:43.099 and so desperately in need 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:44.479 of an infinite God. 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:47.419 Peter didn't recognize 00:18:47.419 --> 00:18:48.259 this was the case. 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:49.700 He was prideful. 00:18:50.900 --> 00:18:55.039 Mark 14, 26-31 says, 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:56.539 And when they had sung a hymn, 00:18:56.619 --> 00:18:57.819 they went out to the Mount of Olives. 00:18:58.700 --> 00:18:59.879 And Jesus said to them, 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:02.480 You will all fall away. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:03.720 For it is written, 00:19:03.859 --> 00:19:05.019 this is from Zechariah, 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:06.079 I will strike the shepherd 00:19:06.079 --> 00:19:07.700 and the sheep will be scattered. 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:09.579 But after I am raised up, 00:19:09.619 --> 00:19:10.859 I will go before you to Galilee. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:12.559 Peter said to him, 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:13.779 listen to the words 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:16.279 that Peter responds to Christ. 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:18.000 Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:19.079 by His own admission, 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:19.619 has said, 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:21.259 You will all fall away. 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:23.579 This will come to pass. 00:19:23.639 --> 00:19:24.920 And Peter responds to Him, 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.920 Even though they all fall away, 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:28.759 I will not. 00:19:30.099 --> 00:19:31.240 And Jesus said to him, 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:34.019 Truly, I tell you, 00:19:34.460 --> 00:19:36.420 this very night before the rooster crows twice, 00:19:37.059 --> 00:19:38.980 you will deny Me three times. 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:41.579 But He said emphatically, 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:44.480 If I must die with you, 00:19:44.579 --> 00:19:47.279 I will not deny you. 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:50.099 And they all said the same. 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:52.019 You see the pride there. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:53.140 Jesus is telling them 00:19:53.140 --> 00:19:56.059 the very thing that will come to pass. 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:57.200 And He's having nothing of it. 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:58.360 Not believing His Lord 00:19:58.360 --> 00:20:00.319 and the prediction that He's giving to Him. 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:03.960 This man has seen Jesus accomplish 00:20:03.960 --> 00:20:04.980 amazing things. 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:07.160 He has established His authority 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:07.860 over sickness. 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:09.819 He's established His authority over death. 00:20:09.899 --> 00:20:10.959 He's raised people from the dead. 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:12.819 He's calmed storms with His voice. 00:20:13.199 --> 00:20:15.079 He has forgiven sin. 00:20:16.159 --> 00:20:16.679 Amazing. 00:20:16.979 --> 00:20:17.839 Amazing things. 00:20:17.939 --> 00:20:19.199 And He says a simple thing to Him. 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:21.919 And He is so full of Himself. 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.919 He is so arrogant 00:20:23.919 --> 00:20:25.859 and so self-sufficient 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:26.819 that He says, 00:20:27.299 --> 00:20:29.059 I will not. 00:20:29.139 --> 00:20:31.399 I will not deny you. 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:35.500 Are we not this way so often? 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:36.359 Proverbs 16. 00:20:36.359 --> 00:20:36.380 Proverbs 16. 00:20:36.440 --> 00:20:37.099 18 says, 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:39.980 Pride goes before destruction 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.920 and a haughty spirit 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:43.619 before a fall. 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:46.099 Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10. 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:46.559 12, 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:47.980 Therefore let anyone 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:50.680 who thinks that he stands 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:52.140 take heed 00:20:52.140 --> 00:20:53.680 lest he fall. 00:20:54.640 --> 00:20:55.099 Beloved, 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:56.920 we are always 00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:58.440 at all times 00:20:58.440 --> 00:21:00.400 in desperate need 00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:03.039 of the intervening work of God 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:04.159 on our behalf. 00:21:04.819 --> 00:21:05.240 There are certainly 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:06.339 times in our life 00:21:06.339 --> 00:21:07.180 that this is 00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:09.559 exclamart. 00:21:10.059 --> 00:21:11.359 I just made that word up. 00:21:11.879 --> 00:21:13.099 There is an exclamation mark 00:21:13.099 --> 00:21:14.039 placed on this 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:15.079 at times in our lives. 00:21:15.159 --> 00:21:16.980 Let me give you a full sentence 00:21:16.980 --> 00:21:17.799 to explain what I meant 00:21:17.799 --> 00:21:19.579 by exclamart. 00:21:21.159 --> 00:21:21.599 Punctuated, 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.599 I think is what I was trying to say. 00:21:22.599 --> 00:21:26.879 God's providence 00:21:26.879 --> 00:21:28.500 reigns at all times. 00:21:29.159 --> 00:21:30.259 Moments in our life 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:31.179 were made very, 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:33.500 very aware of this. 00:21:33.659 --> 00:21:34.219 Daniel Gentry, 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:35.099 a member of our church, 00:21:35.179 --> 00:21:35.919 and I have been 00:21:35.919 --> 00:21:36.879 looking toward 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:38.119 and praying for 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.839 the possibility 00:21:38.839 --> 00:21:39.579 of our church 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.379 doing some work 00:21:40.379 --> 00:21:41.539 on the east coast 00:21:41.539 --> 00:21:42.480 of Nicaragua. 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:44.119 The west coast 00:21:44.119 --> 00:21:44.759 of Nicaragua 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:46.139 is the developed 00:21:46.139 --> 00:21:46.939 part of Nicaragua. 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:48.119 You can get a direct flight 00:21:48.119 --> 00:21:48.759 on Delta 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:50.319 from the Atlanta airport 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:50.859 straight into 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:51.659 the Managua airport. 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:53.340 From there, 00:21:53.460 --> 00:21:54.400 the normal way 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:54.940 that you get 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:55.680 to the east coast 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:57.060 is you hop on another flight 00:21:57.060 --> 00:21:58.940 to a town called Bluefields. 00:21:58.960 --> 00:22:00.259 Then you get on a water taxi 00:22:00.259 --> 00:22:01.540 that takes you to 00:22:01.540 --> 00:22:02.700 the place that we were going, 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:04.180 a place called Pearl Lagoon. 00:22:04.840 --> 00:22:06.480 We decided instead, 00:22:07.140 --> 00:22:08.120 we had a trip of four, 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:08.680 there were four of us 00:22:08.680 --> 00:22:09.380 planning on going 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:10.540 at the time we did this, 00:22:10.800 --> 00:22:11.740 that it would be cool 00:22:11.740 --> 00:22:13.279 to rent a truck 00:22:13.279 --> 00:22:14.560 and drive 00:22:14.560 --> 00:22:16.840 to the town of Pearl Lagoon. 00:22:16.920 --> 00:22:17.519 We just wanted to have 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.279 some flexibility, 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.259 not be so dependent 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:20.279 on other people 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.140 to give us rides. 00:22:21.140 --> 00:22:22.040 We really wanted to be able 00:22:22.040 --> 00:22:23.120 to check out the area. 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:25.759 Our trip of four people 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.540 quickly became a trip 00:22:26.540 --> 00:22:27.420 of two people. 00:22:27.780 --> 00:22:28.840 So Daniel and I 00:22:28.840 --> 00:22:29.880 flew into 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:31.240 the Managua airport. 00:22:31.860 --> 00:22:33.140 Our flight was very, 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:33.640 very late. 00:22:33.720 --> 00:22:35.040 We just happened to catch 00:22:35.040 --> 00:22:36.980 the Alamo Rent-A-Car 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:37.880 attendant 00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:39.360 as she was locking up. 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:41.460 She was the only employee 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:42.860 that spoke any English 00:22:42.860 --> 00:22:44.140 for Alamo Rent-A-Car 00:22:44.140 --> 00:22:45.420 and Daniel and I 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:46.720 spoke no Spanish. 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:49.600 We stayed across the street 00:22:49.600 --> 00:22:50.880 at the Best Western 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:52.600 that night 00:22:52.600 --> 00:22:54.059 and the next day 00:22:54.059 --> 00:22:55.059 we struck out 00:22:55.059 --> 00:22:56.240 across Nicaragua. 00:22:56.819 --> 00:22:57.720 A couple of white guys 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.240 from Georgia 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:58.839 who don't speak 00:22:58.839 --> 00:22:59.559 any Spanish 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:02.279 in a rented truck. 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:04.120 And I was never 00:23:04.120 --> 00:23:05.740 not aware 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.779 of God's providence 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:07.660 in that trip, 00:23:07.860 --> 00:23:09.360 that we made it. 00:23:09.620 --> 00:23:11.019 The Alamo Rent-A-Car 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:12.480 attendant told us 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:14.440 that her mother 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.759 lived in Bluefields 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.920 and that she had never 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:17.700 heard of a road 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:18.400 that went to the place 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:19.079 where we were going. 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:21.140 There were no maps. 00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:22.440 We couldn't buy a map 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:23.099 in the place. 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.099 And yet, 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:26.200 God sustained us. 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:27.400 God brought back 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:28.460 some of my high school 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:29.079 Spanish 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:31.819 to ask for directions. 00:23:33.620 --> 00:23:35.259 Brought in this town 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:35.860 that seemed to be 00:23:35.860 --> 00:23:36.559 the dead end 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:37.220 of our trip. 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:38.299 Brought into 00:23:38.299 --> 00:23:40.339 in a bizarre way 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:42.259 one English speaker 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:43.400 who used to live 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:44.819 in Roswell, Georgia. 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:46.920 And he gave us 00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:47.819 directions to where 00:23:47.819 --> 00:23:48.440 we were going. 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:50.259 We are always, 00:23:50.299 --> 00:23:50.980 the point I'm making, 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:51.819 we are always, 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.819 always, always 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:54.339 in need of him. 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:55.299 Sometimes we know it 00:23:55.299 --> 00:23:55.779 more than others, 00:23:55.839 --> 00:23:56.579 but we are always 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:57.059 in need. 00:23:57.119 --> 00:23:58.339 We never should 00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.700 be prideful. 00:24:00.740 --> 00:24:02.059 I will not, 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:03.940 by the grace of God, 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.980 should be the cry 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:06.160 of our hearts. 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:08.619 So Peter was prideful. 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:09.240 Secondly, 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:11.319 Peter failed 00:24:11.319 --> 00:24:11.960 to heed the word 00:24:11.960 --> 00:24:12.400 of God. 00:24:12.720 --> 00:24:13.640 This was fueled 00:24:13.640 --> 00:24:14.620 by that very pride, 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.440 but Peter failed 00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:16.319 to heed 00:24:16.319 --> 00:24:17.400 the word 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:18.339 of God. 00:24:19.259 --> 00:24:20.160 Jesus had said 00:24:20.160 --> 00:24:20.579 to him, 00:24:20.740 --> 00:24:21.400 this thing 00:24:21.400 --> 00:24:22.460 will come 00:24:22.460 --> 00:24:23.200 to pass. 00:24:23.380 --> 00:24:24.039 And he doesn't 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.099 respond with a, 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:26.720 how do I prevent 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:27.180 that? 00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.519 You told me a thing 00:24:28.519 --> 00:24:29.079 that I will do, 00:24:29.160 --> 00:24:30.000 but how can I 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:31.980 not do this? 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.460 While Peter's 00:24:33.460 --> 00:24:34.740 denials validate 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.799 the prophetic 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.559 words of Christ, 00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:37.539 they certainly serve 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.399 in that regard, 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:41.680 prophecy does serve 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:42.619 as a warning. 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.859 We shouldn't just say, 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:44.500 oh, well that's 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:45.019 going to happen. 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.240 Prophecy is a warning. 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:47.799 And Peter would have 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.859 done very well 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:49.579 to pay attention 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:50.180 to it. 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.859 When Jonah preached 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:52.379 the word of God 00:24:52.379 --> 00:24:53.220 to the Ninevites, 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:55.339 Jonah 3.4 says, 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.460 yet forty days 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.480 and Nineveh 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.920 shall be overthrown. 00:24:59.039 --> 00:24:59.659 This was the message 00:24:59.659 --> 00:25:00.579 that God had given 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.139 to Jonah 00:25:01.139 --> 00:25:02.000 to preach 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:03.019 to the whole city 00:25:03.019 --> 00:25:03.940 of Nineveh. 00:25:04.079 --> 00:25:04.899 What did they do? 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:06.299 They repented. 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:07.720 They turned 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.519 from their sin 00:25:08.519 --> 00:25:09.740 and they repented. 00:25:10.619 --> 00:25:11.440 And Jonah 3.10 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:12.139 records, 00:25:12.940 --> 00:25:13.680 when God saw 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.440 what they did, 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:15.500 how they turned 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.539 from their evil way, 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.659 God relented 00:25:17.659 --> 00:25:18.319 of the disaster 00:25:18.319 --> 00:25:18.819 that He had said 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.720 He would do to them 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:22.480 and He did not do it. 00:25:22.899 --> 00:25:23.259 So, 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.379 brings a prophecy 00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:25.539 that they respond 00:25:25.539 --> 00:25:27.059 appropriately to 00:25:27.059 --> 00:25:28.519 and He doesn't do 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.000 the thing 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:29.960 that He said 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.019 He would do. 00:25:31.879 --> 00:25:33.659 Proverbs 6.23 00:25:33.659 --> 00:25:34.819 says, 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.720 For the commandment 00:25:35.720 --> 00:25:36.919 is a lamp 00:25:36.919 --> 00:25:38.480 and the teaching 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.480 a light. 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:40.899 And the reproofs 00:25:40.899 --> 00:25:41.519 of discipline 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:42.419 are the way 00:25:42.419 --> 00:25:43.939 of life. 00:25:44.679 --> 00:25:45.799 Our last memory verse, 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:46.439 children, 00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:47.919 I'll leave you away. 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:49.639 2 Timothy 3.16 00:25:49.639 --> 00:25:51.319 All Scripture 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.939 is breathed out 00:25:52.939 --> 00:25:53.419 by God 00:25:53.419 --> 00:25:54.000 and profitable 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:54.700 for teaching, 00:25:55.179 --> 00:25:56.179 for reproof, 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:57.339 for correction, 00:25:57.799 --> 00:25:58.639 and for training 00:25:58.639 --> 00:25:59.859 in righteousness. 00:26:00.700 --> 00:26:01.179 Verse 17 00:26:01.179 --> 00:26:02.019 goes on to say 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:03.240 that the man of God 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:04.240 may be complete, 00:26:04.619 --> 00:26:05.139 equipped 00:26:05.139 --> 00:26:07.759 for every good work. 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:09.680 Peter would have done well 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:10.759 to listen to the words 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.500 of Christ, 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:12.539 to have paid attention 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.579 to the warning 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:15.000 that He was giving to him 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.879 and we do the same. 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:18.559 The Scriptures contain 00:26:18.559 --> 00:26:19.680 many warnings. 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.599 Let's look at just a few. 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.299 What do you say? 00:26:22.639 --> 00:26:23.079 Turn with me 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:23.859 to the book of Hebrews. 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:24.920 I'm going to show you 00:26:24.920 --> 00:26:25.420 four warnings 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:26.279 just from the book of Hebrews. 00:26:26.279 --> 00:26:26.359 Hebrews. 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:26.359 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:28.359 Hebrews. 00:26:28.359 --> 00:26:30.359 Hebrews. 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:33.099 We don't know 00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:33.559 with certainty 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:34.219 who wrote 00:26:34.219 --> 00:26:35.259 the book of Hebrews, 00:26:35.359 --> 00:26:35.819 but we do know 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:36.359 that it was written 00:26:36.359 --> 00:26:38.039 to Jewish Christians 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:39.659 who were tempted 00:26:39.659 --> 00:26:40.740 to deny Christ. 00:26:42.219 --> 00:26:43.579 In their minds, 00:26:43.859 --> 00:26:44.879 they had added Jesus 00:26:44.879 --> 00:26:46.719 to their religion. 00:26:46.919 --> 00:26:47.699 They're still worshipping 00:26:47.699 --> 00:26:48.500 the same God, 00:26:48.579 --> 00:26:50.319 but they had included Jesus 00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:52.019 into this equation. 00:26:52.379 --> 00:26:53.779 We're following Him. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:55.619 And things had gotten 00:26:55.619 --> 00:26:56.339 tough for them. 00:26:56.819 --> 00:26:58.000 The Jews weren't being 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.359 persecuted the way they were. 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:00.259 The Jews weren't being 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:00.920 thrown in prison. 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:01.660 The Jews weren't having 00:27:01.660 --> 00:27:03.059 their property plundered. 00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:04.379 The Jews weren't being killed. 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:05.960 So it's tempting 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:08.599 to go back to Judaism 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:11.000 to deny Christ in this way. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.559 So let's just look 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.259 at a few together. 00:27:13.379 --> 00:27:14.619 Hebrews 2.1 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:16.359 The danger of drifting. 00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:18.420 The writer of Hebrews says, 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:20.740 Therefore we must pay 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:23.240 much closer attention 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:25.039 to what we have heard 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:28.559 lest we drift away from it. 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:30.259 We must pay attention 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:31.759 to the gospel preached. 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:32.559 We must know 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:34.179 the word of God. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:35.339 Because if we don't know, 00:27:35.419 --> 00:27:36.220 we won't know 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:37.099 when we drift. 00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:38.259 It will be imperceivable. 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:39.919 Like a ship without an anchor 00:27:39.919 --> 00:27:40.859 and suddenly we're out 00:27:40.859 --> 00:27:42.519 in the dangerous sea. 00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:44.559 Secondly, 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.679 Hebrews 3.12 00:27:45.679 --> 00:27:48.139 The danger of not 00:27:48.139 --> 00:27:49.619 entering into rest, 00:27:49.679 --> 00:27:51.179 the rest of the Lord. 00:27:51.180 --> 00:27:53.000 Take care, brothers, 00:27:53.799 --> 00:27:55.160 lest there be in any of you 00:27:55.160 --> 00:27:57.299 an evil, unbelieving heart 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.720 leading you to fall away 00:27:58.720 --> 00:28:00.740 from the living God. 00:28:01.640 --> 00:28:02.920 Be careful, he's saying. 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:05.340 Be careful that you don't exist 00:28:05.340 --> 00:28:06.500 within the church 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:09.380 thinking that you have a good heart 00:28:09.380 --> 00:28:10.259 when in fact you have 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:11.420 an evil heart 00:28:11.420 --> 00:28:13.660 that's leading you away from God 00:28:13.660 --> 00:28:14.560 and not toward Him. 00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:15.700 Be careful that you're not 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:16.259 just going through 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:18.080 some religious practice 00:28:18.079 --> 00:28:19.500 thinking that somehow 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:20.819 that's credited to you 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.879 as righteousness. 00:28:22.379 --> 00:28:23.679 But that you need 00:28:23.679 --> 00:28:25.539 the righteousness of Christ. 00:28:27.000 --> 00:28:27.619 Thirdly, 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:30.319 Hebrews 6.11-12 00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:33.419 The danger of not going on 00:28:33.419 --> 00:28:34.220 to maturity. 00:28:34.399 --> 00:28:36.379 Of staying a child 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:37.399 in the faith. 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:41.000 And we desire each one of you 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:43.059 to show the same earnestness 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:45.740 to have the full assurance of hope 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:47.019 until the end. 00:28:47.019 --> 00:28:48.720 So that you may not be sluggish 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.839 but imitators of those 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:51.259 who through faith and patience 00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:53.299 inherit the promises. 00:28:54.279 --> 00:28:55.200 Don't be deceived 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:56.460 thinking that you can just 00:28:56.460 --> 00:28:58.359 stay nominal. 00:28:58.980 --> 00:29:00.019 That it's okay to make 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:01.900 a profession of faith in Christ 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:04.279 and never grow up in Him. 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.599 Those who are born again 00:29:06.599 --> 00:29:09.079 grow up in Jesus. 00:29:09.460 --> 00:29:11.700 We become mature. 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:14.059 There's a danger in not going on 00:29:14.059 --> 00:29:15.099 to maturity. 00:29:15.099 --> 00:29:16.740 Fourthly and lastly, 00:29:17.159 --> 00:29:19.699 Hebrews 10.26-27 00:29:19.699 --> 00:29:22.199 The danger of willful sin. 00:29:25.799 --> 00:29:27.799 For if we go on sinning deliberately 00:29:27.799 --> 00:29:29.480 after receiving the knowledge 00:29:29.480 --> 00:29:30.259 of the truth, 00:29:30.759 --> 00:29:32.379 there no longer remains 00:29:32.379 --> 00:29:34.559 a sacrifice for sins 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:36.500 but a fearful expectation 00:29:36.500 --> 00:29:37.339 of judgment 00:29:37.339 --> 00:29:38.740 and a fury of fire 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:40.639 that will consume the adversaries. 00:29:40.959 --> 00:29:41.719 What he's saying is 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:43.600 if you are a believer, 00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:45.160 you claim to be a believer 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:46.779 and you continue to sin deliberately, 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:49.680 you are denying Christ 00:29:49.680 --> 00:29:50.880 in that activity. 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:51.960 You are saying 00:29:51.960 --> 00:29:53.180 there's not a sacrifice for sin, 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:54.259 there's only a judgment 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:55.539 that will come. 00:29:56.100 --> 00:29:57.539 Heed these warnings, beloved. 00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:59.740 We must heed the warnings 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:00.860 of the Scripture. 00:30:01.620 --> 00:30:03.460 There are so many places, 00:30:03.600 --> 00:30:04.839 not just Hebrews, 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:06.180 so many places, 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:08.420 where we are warned against 00:30:08.420 --> 00:30:09.640 and warned against 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:11.340 and warned against. 00:30:12.460 --> 00:30:14.120 The Christian life is not easy. 00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:17.259 Our flesh is at war 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:18.299 with our spirit. 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.480 If we are truly believers, 00:30:20.580 --> 00:30:22.060 our flesh does not win. 00:30:22.620 --> 00:30:24.400 The general trajectory of our life 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:25.460 will be towards holiness 00:30:25.460 --> 00:30:27.539 and away from worldliness. 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:29.360 This must be true 00:30:29.360 --> 00:30:30.440 in our lives, beloved. 00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:32.360 If it's not true in yours, 00:30:32.460 --> 00:30:35.519 you must question your faith. 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.480 Test yourselves. 00:30:37.580 --> 00:30:39.000 I never want to say any of this 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:40.360 to cause those who are Christians 00:30:40.360 --> 00:30:42.480 to ever falter in their belief. 00:30:43.340 --> 00:30:44.700 The Scriptures exhort us 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:46.600 to test ourselves. 00:30:47.279 --> 00:30:49.259 Are you in the faith? 00:30:49.400 --> 00:30:51.220 Can you with confidence say, 00:30:51.660 --> 00:30:52.960 my heart is changed. 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:55.080 There are things happening in my life 00:30:55.080 --> 00:30:56.980 that would not be happening 00:30:56.980 --> 00:30:59.660 if it were not for the work of Christ. 00:31:00.440 --> 00:31:04.299 Jesus is purging sin from my life. 00:31:04.840 --> 00:31:05.840 And I still sin, 00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:08.720 but it breaks my heart. 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:11.799 I sympathize. 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:14.000 I want to be there with Peter 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:15.720 when he breaks down and weeps 00:31:15.720 --> 00:31:16.460 and go, I know. 00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:17.600 Oh, I know. 00:31:17.860 --> 00:31:18.620 Me too. 00:31:19.539 --> 00:31:20.539 Oh, how I fail. 00:31:21.620 --> 00:31:22.779 But test yourself 00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:24.180 that you know you're in the faith. 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:26.840 That you know that God is working you 00:31:26.840 --> 00:31:28.340 towards holiness. 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:32.620 So many these days want to have 00:31:32.620 --> 00:31:34.120 the promises of the Scripture, 00:31:34.519 --> 00:31:36.259 but they do not want to obey 00:31:36.259 --> 00:31:37.120 its commands. 00:31:38.620 --> 00:31:40.100 I flubbed it up this morning. 00:31:40.340 --> 00:31:41.580 I keep goofing things up. 00:31:41.680 --> 00:31:42.059 It's okay. 00:31:43.420 --> 00:31:46.000 But most mornings when we study together 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:47.080 after reading the text, 00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:47.720 I say to you, 00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:49.120 this is God's Word to us. 00:31:49.720 --> 00:31:50.779 It's written for His glory 00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.960 and our good. 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:53.360 We would know that, 00:31:53.420 --> 00:31:54.440 that it's for our good. 00:31:55.220 --> 00:31:56.700 We would all do well to listen to it 00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:58.039 in order to believe its promises 00:31:58.039 --> 00:32:00.200 and obey its commands. 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.360 Peter was prideful. 00:32:03.039 --> 00:32:05.100 Peter did not listen to, 00:32:05.180 --> 00:32:08.160 he did not heed the Word of God. 00:32:09.320 --> 00:32:10.759 If he had, thirdly, 00:32:11.580 --> 00:32:13.059 he would have prepared himself. 00:32:13.360 --> 00:32:14.380 He would have prepared himself 00:32:14.380 --> 00:32:15.559 for the thing that was going to come, 00:32:15.660 --> 00:32:16.640 the battle, 00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:19.160 as he was going to walk following Jesus, 00:32:19.340 --> 00:32:20.620 caught between these two places, 00:32:20.720 --> 00:32:21.580 his love for Christ 00:32:21.580 --> 00:32:23.759 and his fear of what might happen to him. 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:25.839 And so thirdly, 00:32:25.879 --> 00:32:27.859 Peter failed to prepare himself 00:32:27.859 --> 00:32:29.799 for battle. 00:32:30.500 --> 00:32:33.259 Turn back to Mark 14, verse 32. 00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:47.619 After the Last Supper, 00:32:48.319 --> 00:32:49.940 Jesus and the disciples leave, 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:50.460 verse 32, 00:32:50.539 --> 00:32:52.619 and they went to a place called Gethsemane. 00:32:52.619 --> 00:32:54.739 The Garden of Gethsemane. 00:32:55.479 --> 00:32:57.099 This is the night of Jesus' rest, 00:32:57.159 --> 00:32:58.099 and He says to His disciples, 00:32:58.259 --> 00:33:00.399 Sit here while I pray. 00:33:01.339 --> 00:33:03.339 And He took with them Peter and James and John 00:33:03.339 --> 00:33:05.899 and began to be greatly distressed 00:33:05.899 --> 00:33:07.239 and troubled. 00:33:07.739 --> 00:33:08.859 And He said to them, 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:11.099 My soul is very sorrowful, 00:33:11.559 --> 00:33:12.579 even to death. 00:33:13.319 --> 00:33:15.519 Remain here and watch. 00:33:16.379 --> 00:33:17.339 And going a little farther, 00:33:17.439 --> 00:33:18.699 He fell on the ground and prayed 00:33:18.699 --> 00:33:20.000 that if it were possible, 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:21.500 the hour might pass from Him. 00:33:22.039 --> 00:33:22.599 And He said, 00:33:22.680 --> 00:33:23.160 Abba, Father, 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.700 all things are possible for You. 00:33:24.779 --> 00:33:25.980 Remove this cup from Me, 00:33:26.359 --> 00:33:27.279 yet not what I will, 00:33:27.440 --> 00:33:28.200 but what You will. 00:33:29.400 --> 00:33:31.259 And He came and found them sleeping. 00:33:32.220 --> 00:33:33.480 And He said to Peter, 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:34.559 Simon, 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:36.099 are you asleep? 00:33:36.599 --> 00:33:39.579 Could you not watch one hour? 00:33:40.779 --> 00:33:42.019 Watch and pray 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:45.220 that you may not enter into temptation. 00:33:45.220 --> 00:33:48.299 The Spirit indeed is willing, 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:51.079 but the flesh is weak. 00:33:51.360 --> 00:33:53.480 Now, who's He talking to specifically? 00:33:53.640 --> 00:33:54.579 To Peter, right? 00:33:54.640 --> 00:33:55.740 The one who He had said, 00:33:55.880 --> 00:33:56.860 You will deny. 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.900 All of you will be scattered. 00:33:58.039 --> 00:33:58.460 And Peter says, 00:33:58.519 --> 00:33:59.299 I will not. 00:33:59.640 --> 00:33:59.839 He says, 00:33:59.900 --> 00:34:01.059 You will deny Me three times. 00:34:01.100 --> 00:34:01.299 He says, 00:34:01.339 --> 00:34:02.420 Oh no, I won't. 00:34:03.600 --> 00:34:05.559 And then He's sleeping in the garden. 00:34:06.440 --> 00:34:08.079 And Jesus' exhortation to Him 00:34:08.079 --> 00:34:09.860 is that He should be watching and praying 00:34:09.860 --> 00:34:12.260 so that He won't enter into temptation 00:34:12.260 --> 00:34:13.760 because His Spirit's willing. 00:34:14.020 --> 00:34:14.720 Oh, I will. 00:34:14.860 --> 00:34:15.360 I won't. 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:15.760 I won't. 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.260 I won't. 00:34:16.720 --> 00:34:18.780 But His flesh is weak. 00:34:19.540 --> 00:34:20.060 Verse 39, 00:34:20.580 --> 00:34:22.080 And again He, Jesus, 00:34:22.180 --> 00:34:23.120 went away and prayed, 00:34:23.560 --> 00:34:24.700 saying the same words. 00:34:25.060 --> 00:34:27.380 And again He came and found them sleeping, 00:34:27.520 --> 00:34:29.360 for their eyes were very heavy, 00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:32.180 and they did not know what to answer Him. 00:34:32.880 --> 00:34:34.800 And He came the third time and said to them, 00:34:34.800 --> 00:34:37.400 Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? 00:34:38.320 --> 00:34:39.320 It is enough. 00:34:40.200 --> 00:34:41.240 The hour has come. 00:34:42.260 --> 00:34:44.180 Peter, 00:34:44.620 --> 00:34:46.900 had he rightly understood 00:34:46.900 --> 00:34:49.160 what Jesus had said, 00:34:49.200 --> 00:34:50.280 if He had heeded His warning, 00:34:50.720 --> 00:34:52.380 had he not been so prideful, 00:34:52.820 --> 00:34:54.320 he would have been preparing himself 00:34:54.320 --> 00:34:56.760 for the battle that he was about to face. 00:34:56.800 --> 00:34:59.280 And he failed to do so. 00:35:00.240 --> 00:35:01.420 And so we see in our text, 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:03.000 and I know that today was kind of a wander 00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:03.820 from the text, 00:35:03.820 --> 00:35:05.780 and we'll come back to it for a moment, 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:07.480 the three denials. 00:35:07.600 --> 00:35:09.220 And they all happen right there together. 00:35:09.880 --> 00:35:11.800 A servant girl recognizes Him. 00:35:12.260 --> 00:35:12.700 Right? 00:35:12.920 --> 00:35:15.540 She again points out the fact, 00:35:15.640 --> 00:35:16.540 no, I'm pretty sure, 00:35:16.920 --> 00:35:18.080 telling some bystanders, 00:35:18.180 --> 00:35:22.040 pretty sure this guy was with Jesus. 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:24.220 And notice that he's left the gate now. 00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:25.440 He's away from the temple guard. 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:27.300 He's gone outside of the gate. 00:35:27.400 --> 00:35:29.000 Likely still lingering outside, 00:35:29.140 --> 00:35:31.300 waiting to see what will happen to Christ. 00:35:31.300 --> 00:35:36.320 And his responses get more and more severe. 00:35:36.660 --> 00:35:38.000 Leave me alone about it. 00:35:38.060 --> 00:35:38.740 Leave me alone. 00:35:38.860 --> 00:35:40.260 I do not know this man. 00:35:40.320 --> 00:35:42.960 I am not to be associated with him. 00:35:44.039 --> 00:35:45.160 And then Peter remembers 00:35:45.160 --> 00:35:47.019 what Jesus has said to him, 00:35:47.060 --> 00:35:47.940 and he breaks down, 00:35:48.760 --> 00:35:49.440 and he weeps. 00:35:51.320 --> 00:35:52.280 That next day, 00:35:52.380 --> 00:35:52.760 the same, 00:35:52.920 --> 00:35:53.400 the morning, 00:35:53.560 --> 00:35:54.200 this is happening. 00:35:54.199 --> 00:35:58.599 It's the reason that the rooster's crowing. 00:35:58.659 --> 00:35:59.539 It's morning now. 00:35:59.859 --> 00:36:01.079 There's going to be some other trials. 00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:03.179 Another trial before the Jews, 00:36:03.299 --> 00:36:04.559 just really for show. 00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:05.699 Some trials, 00:36:05.799 --> 00:36:07.219 three of them in front of the Gentiles. 00:36:07.279 --> 00:36:08.199 We'll get into those things 00:36:08.199 --> 00:36:09.819 in the coming weeks. 00:36:09.919 --> 00:36:10.919 And then Jesus will be crucified 00:36:10.919 --> 00:36:11.939 that afternoon. 00:36:11.940 --> 00:36:14.619 And this is the way in which 00:36:14.619 --> 00:36:18.260 the closing remarks for Peter 00:36:18.260 --> 00:36:21.139 before our Lord is crucified. 00:36:22.760 --> 00:36:24.780 Do you sympathize with Him? 00:36:25.220 --> 00:36:27.079 Can you feel His pain in that? 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:29.920 Ways in which you yourself 00:36:29.920 --> 00:36:31.559 have denied Christ. 00:36:32.240 --> 00:36:34.440 Opportunity to speak on His behalf 00:36:34.440 --> 00:36:36.240 in this world as an ambassador for Him 00:36:36.240 --> 00:36:37.900 that you shrank away from. 00:36:38.200 --> 00:36:39.019 Like Him, 00:36:39.500 --> 00:36:40.340 you cowered. 00:36:40.340 --> 00:36:42.200 I don't know Him. 00:36:42.340 --> 00:36:43.100 I don't know Him. 00:36:43.200 --> 00:36:44.340 Don't think me strange. 00:36:44.640 --> 00:36:45.620 Don't think me weird. 00:36:45.740 --> 00:36:47.700 Don't hate me for my faith. 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:50.780 I sympathize with Him. 00:36:52.220 --> 00:36:53.039 And praise God, 00:36:53.980 --> 00:36:56.240 Peter is restored. 00:36:57.100 --> 00:36:57.740 Praise God, 00:36:57.820 --> 00:36:58.420 Peter is restored. 00:36:59.420 --> 00:37:00.640 Turn to John 21. 00:37:03.039 --> 00:37:04.900 After Jesus' resurrection, 00:37:05.140 --> 00:37:07.340 He comes and He has breakfast 00:37:07.340 --> 00:37:08.900 with seven of the apostles 00:37:08.900 --> 00:37:10.300 by the Sea of Tiberias. 00:37:10.340 --> 00:37:14.420 John 21, 00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:15.440 beginning in verse 15, 00:37:15.559 --> 00:37:15.800 says, 00:37:16.240 --> 00:37:17.620 When they had finished breakfast, 00:37:17.780 --> 00:37:19.120 Jesus said to Simon Peter, 00:37:19.900 --> 00:37:21.440 Simon, son of John, 00:37:22.000 --> 00:37:23.660 do you love Me more than these? 00:37:24.380 --> 00:37:25.280 He said to him, 00:37:25.800 --> 00:37:26.380 Yes, Lord, 00:37:26.440 --> 00:37:27.500 you know that I love you. 00:37:28.240 --> 00:37:29.039 He said to him, 00:37:29.980 --> 00:37:30.720 Feed My lambs. 00:37:31.320 --> 00:37:32.440 He said to him a second time, 00:37:32.519 --> 00:37:33.420 Simon, son of John, 00:37:33.460 --> 00:37:34.160 do you love Me? 00:37:34.720 --> 00:37:35.400 He said to him, 00:37:35.460 --> 00:37:35.940 Yes, Lord, 00:37:35.980 --> 00:37:37.160 you know that I love you. 00:37:37.619 --> 00:37:38.519 He said to him, 00:37:39.259 --> 00:37:40.079 Tend My sheep. 00:37:41.019 --> 00:37:42.319 He said to him the third time, 00:37:42.460 --> 00:37:43.739 Simon, son of John, 00:37:44.139 --> 00:37:44.980 do you love Me? 00:37:45.719 --> 00:37:46.599 Peter was grieved 00:37:46.599 --> 00:37:47.859 because he had said to him 00:37:47.859 --> 00:37:48.839 the third time, 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:49.659 Do you love Me? 00:37:49.859 --> 00:37:50.639 And he said to him, 00:37:50.659 --> 00:37:50.940 Lord, 00:37:51.099 --> 00:37:52.139 you know everything. 00:37:52.299 --> 00:37:54.179 You know that I love you. 00:37:55.139 --> 00:37:55.960 Jesus said to him, 00:37:56.899 --> 00:37:57.659 Feed My sheep. 00:37:58.899 --> 00:37:59.419 Truly, truly, 00:37:59.480 --> 00:38:00.000 I say to you, 00:38:00.019 --> 00:38:00.759 when you were young, 00:38:00.839 --> 00:38:01.899 you used to dress yourself 00:38:01.899 --> 00:38:03.079 and walk wherever you wanted. 00:38:03.480 --> 00:38:04.319 But when you were old, 00:38:04.379 --> 00:38:05.859 you will stretch out your hands 00:38:05.859 --> 00:38:07.219 and another will dress you 00:38:07.219 --> 00:38:08.480 and carry you 00:38:08.480 --> 00:38:10.399 where you do not want to go. 00:38:11.199 --> 00:38:11.919 This he said to show 00:38:11.919 --> 00:38:12.799 by what kind of death 00:38:12.799 --> 00:38:13.739 he was to glorify God. 00:38:13.799 --> 00:38:14.539 And after saying this, 00:38:14.559 --> 00:38:15.259 he said to him, 00:38:15.819 --> 00:38:17.460 Follow Me. 00:38:18.319 --> 00:38:19.839 And you note that Jesus gives Peter 00:38:19.839 --> 00:38:20.739 three opportunities 00:38:20.739 --> 00:38:22.219 to affirm his love for Him. 00:38:22.219 --> 00:38:24.259 Just as he has denied Him three times, 00:38:24.319 --> 00:38:25.939 he takes them through a process 00:38:25.939 --> 00:38:27.179 of saying to Him, 00:38:27.419 --> 00:38:28.119 I love you. 00:38:28.359 --> 00:38:29.139 I love you. 00:38:29.799 --> 00:38:30.459 I love you. 00:38:31.059 --> 00:38:32.079 And then Jesus tells him 00:38:32.079 --> 00:38:33.439 exactly what's going to happen to him. 00:38:33.459 --> 00:38:34.839 That He is going to be crucified 00:38:34.839 --> 00:38:36.339 like our Lord was. 00:38:36.799 --> 00:38:38.299 He Himself will die 00:38:38.299 --> 00:38:39.739 such a terrible death. 00:38:39.799 --> 00:38:42.379 The thing that He was so afraid of 00:38:42.379 --> 00:38:43.379 on this night 00:38:43.379 --> 00:38:44.980 where He betrays Christ, 00:38:45.179 --> 00:38:46.939 where He denies Him these three times, 00:38:47.359 --> 00:38:47.959 Jesus tells him, 00:38:47.959 --> 00:38:51.299 this is the way that you will also die. 00:38:51.300 --> 00:38:52.940 And in spite of that, 00:38:53.980 --> 00:38:55.440 Peter would soon speak boldly 00:38:55.440 --> 00:38:56.740 to the very men 00:38:56.740 --> 00:38:58.860 who had judged Jesus. 00:38:59.720 --> 00:39:01.580 Like a lion he speaks to them. 00:39:02.300 --> 00:39:03.100 Turn one more time. 00:39:03.240 --> 00:39:04.039 Acts chapter 4. 00:39:04.840 --> 00:39:05.860 It's the last place I'll have you. 00:39:05.920 --> 00:39:07.240 And we're wrapping up here. 00:39:13.560 --> 00:39:15.039 I haven't banged on a lectern once. 00:39:15.080 --> 00:39:15.920 I promise you I would do that. 00:39:17.960 --> 00:39:18.560 Wake up. 00:39:18.900 --> 00:39:19.440 Acts chapter 4. 00:39:19.440 --> 00:39:19.480 Acts chapter 4. 00:39:21.300 --> 00:39:22.220 Verse 5. 00:39:22.300 --> 00:39:23.320 It's after the day of Pentecost. 00:39:24.000 --> 00:39:24.680 On the next day, 00:39:24.820 --> 00:39:27.460 their rulers and elders and scribes 00:39:27.460 --> 00:39:29.260 gathered together in Jerusalem 00:39:29.260 --> 00:39:31.180 with Annas the high priest 00:39:31.180 --> 00:39:34.760 and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, 00:39:34.940 --> 00:39:36.640 all who were of the high priestly family. 00:39:36.900 --> 00:39:38.460 So all of those five and six, 00:39:38.560 --> 00:39:39.440 all of those people are Sanhedrin. 00:39:40.240 --> 00:39:41.780 It's the same people that judge 00:39:41.780 --> 00:39:44.620 perverted justice in their judgment of Jesus. 00:39:45.340 --> 00:39:46.080 Verse 7. 00:39:46.079 --> 00:39:47.440 And when they had set them in the midst, 00:39:47.440 --> 00:39:48.579 they inquired, 00:39:49.139 --> 00:39:51.819 By what power or by what name 00:39:51.819 --> 00:39:53.500 do you do this? 00:39:54.539 --> 00:39:55.279 Then Peter, 00:39:55.920 --> 00:39:58.659 filled with the Holy Spirit, 00:39:59.239 --> 00:40:00.900 the source of his great boldness, 00:40:01.259 --> 00:40:01.880 said to them, 00:40:02.360 --> 00:40:05.000 Rulers of the people and elders, 00:40:05.500 --> 00:40:07.059 if we are being examined today 00:40:07.059 --> 00:40:08.719 concerning a good deed 00:40:08.719 --> 00:40:10.119 done to a crippled man, 00:40:10.319 --> 00:40:12.619 by what means this man has been healed, 00:40:12.619 --> 00:40:14.920 let it be known to all of you 00:40:14.920 --> 00:40:16.719 and to all the people of Israel 00:40:16.719 --> 00:40:20.599 that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 00:40:20.759 --> 00:40:22.019 whom you crucified, 00:40:22.539 --> 00:40:24.079 whom God raised from the dead, 00:40:24.380 --> 00:40:27.679 by him this man is standing before you well. 00:40:28.579 --> 00:40:30.519 You notice that he calls him Jesus of Nazareth? 00:40:30.639 --> 00:40:32.519 The very accusation made to him. 00:40:32.739 --> 00:40:35.259 Weren't you with Jesus the Nazarene? 00:40:36.539 --> 00:40:37.460 Here he says, 00:40:37.519 --> 00:40:38.440 you're darn right I was. 00:40:38.559 --> 00:40:40.859 Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 00:40:40.860 --> 00:40:42.860 Verse 11, 00:40:42.940 --> 00:40:45.519 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, 00:40:45.680 --> 00:40:46.140 the builders, 00:40:46.260 --> 00:40:47.660 which has become the cornerstone, 00:40:47.900 --> 00:40:50.599 and there is salvation in no one else, 00:40:50.780 --> 00:40:52.539 for there is no other name under heaven 00:40:52.539 --> 00:40:53.420 given among men, 00:40:53.620 --> 00:40:56.320 by which we must be saved. 00:40:57.039 --> 00:40:59.539 The boldness as he's filled with the Spirit, 00:41:00.220 --> 00:41:03.519 the way in which his life has been redeemed, 00:41:04.640 --> 00:41:05.940 such a low point, 00:41:06.019 --> 00:41:10.039 now brought just a couple of months later 00:41:10.039 --> 00:41:13.219 to such a high point in his service to our King. 00:41:14.840 --> 00:41:16.500 And I think many of us find ourselves 00:41:16.500 --> 00:41:18.199 in the place of Peter, 00:41:18.840 --> 00:41:21.679 having seen that in some way, 00:41:21.759 --> 00:41:22.619 in some regard, 00:41:22.759 --> 00:41:25.000 our life does not reflect our love 00:41:25.000 --> 00:41:26.500 and devotion to our Lord. 00:41:27.039 --> 00:41:30.420 We serve things that are so shabby, 00:41:30.920 --> 00:41:32.119 so worthless, 00:41:32.599 --> 00:41:33.920 so fading away, 00:41:33.920 --> 00:41:36.079 when we have Christ. 00:41:36.800 --> 00:41:38.119 In so many varied ways, 00:41:38.720 --> 00:41:39.680 we deny Him. 00:41:40.860 --> 00:41:41.740 Let me encourage you, 00:41:41.920 --> 00:41:42.860 if you are found in Him, 00:41:43.220 --> 00:41:44.900 Paul writes in Philippians 1.6, 00:41:45.300 --> 00:41:46.340 And I am sure of this, 00:41:46.820 --> 00:41:49.099 that He who began a good work in you 00:41:49.099 --> 00:41:50.700 will bring it to completion 00:41:50.700 --> 00:41:53.400 at the day of Jesus Christ. 00:41:54.139 --> 00:41:54.920 Praise God. 00:41:55.079 --> 00:41:55.579 Romans 8, 00:41:55.659 --> 00:41:57.700 There is therefore now no condemnation 00:41:57.700 --> 00:42:00.880 for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:42:00.880 --> 00:42:03.240 And so the call to us is to repent 00:42:03.240 --> 00:42:04.640 and believe. 00:42:05.300 --> 00:42:05.619 That is, 00:42:05.820 --> 00:42:08.200 to take up the precious truths of the Gospel 00:42:08.200 --> 00:42:10.340 as we find ourselves failing Jesus 00:42:10.340 --> 00:42:11.820 in all of the ways that we do. 00:42:12.800 --> 00:42:13.820 And to praise Him, 00:42:13.880 --> 00:42:15.059 that it is His righteousness 00:42:15.059 --> 00:42:16.300 that's been given to us. 00:42:16.660 --> 00:42:18.380 Counted to our credit. 00:42:18.960 --> 00:42:20.400 When God sees us, 00:42:20.640 --> 00:42:22.559 He sees Christ. 00:42:23.539 --> 00:42:23.960 And beloved, 00:42:24.059 --> 00:42:25.640 this should be motivating to us. 00:42:25.700 --> 00:42:26.820 This should move us 00:42:26.820 --> 00:42:29.039 to share Him with the world. 00:42:29.039 --> 00:42:30.519 This should move us 00:42:30.519 --> 00:42:32.079 to rearrange our lives, 00:42:32.159 --> 00:42:33.920 to give up our self-determination 00:42:33.920 --> 00:42:34.880 to experience, 00:42:35.340 --> 00:42:35.699 proclaim, 00:42:36.059 --> 00:42:36.840 and display Him 00:42:36.840 --> 00:42:37.759 in all things 00:42:37.759 --> 00:42:39.239 to all peoples. 00:42:39.659 --> 00:42:40.380 Let's pray together.