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The Blue Letter Bible

Chuck Smith :: Sermon Notes for Matthew 26:74-75

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"BITTER DEFEAT"
I. PETER'S TASTE OF DEFEAT.
A. Jesus had told disciples that they would all be offended because of Him.
B. Peter responded with a declaration of unfailing commitment.
1. "Though all might be offended, I will never be offended."
a. Peter was saying that his devotion exceeded that of the other disciples.
b. He was challenging the word of Jesus.
C. Jesus responded to Peter's challenge, "Tonight, before the cock crows, you will deny Me three times."
D. Peter again challenged His words, saying, "They will kill me before I will deny you."
E. Peter is extremely sincere, never doubt that.
1. His was an expression of total devotion which he sincerely felt.
2. Peter's failure was not a lack of devotion and sincerity.
F. Despite his devotion and sincerity, he failed.
1. First a young girl came up to him and said, "You were with Jesus."
a. Peter answered, "I don't know what you are talking about."
2. Later, another girl said to the crowd, "This fellow was also with Jesus."
a. Peter again denied Him, this time with an oath, saying, "I do not know the man."
3. The crowd began then to challenge him because of his Galilean accent.
a. Peter denied him again, this time cursing and swearing.
G. As he was swearing, the rooster began to crow.
1. The words of Jesus stabbed as a dagger in his heart.
2. Luke's gospel tells us that Jesus turned and looked at Peter.
a. Peter went out and wept bitterly. How bitter is the taste of defeat.
H. Unfortunately, I can identify with Peter.
1. I too have tasted the bitter agony of failure.
2. I have done things I thought I would never do.
3. I have said things that I was sorry for immediately, but once out of my mouth, no way could I bring them back.
I. How do you think Jesus looked at Peter?
1. I told you so?
2. Peter, how could you do it?
3. Don't worry Peter, even though you failed, I still love you, I'm praying for you.
4. The first two would only put him on the defensive.
II. WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE?
A. Self-confidence.
1. Notice the I's.
2. "Take heed when you think you stand, lest you fall."
3. He was trusting in his flesh.
a. Jesus had told him his flesh was weak.
B. He was challenging the Word of the Lord.
1. Be careful about challenging the Bible.
2. If you find yourself arguing with God's Word, just know you are wrong.
C. Warming himself at enemies' fire.
D. He tried to follow afar off.
E. Why we fail is not as important as what we do about our failure.
III. THE ROAD BACK.
A. Peter found it with bitter tears.
B. Peter's failure was no surprise to Jesus.
1. It was to Peter.
2. Jesus knew all along, still He chose him and loved him.
IV. MUST WE ALWAYS FAIL?
A. God has made available to us the power for victory.
1. Ye shall receive power.
B. Power of no value if I don't use it.
Sermon Notes for Matthew 26:69 ← Prior Section
Sermon Notes for Matthew 27:15-25 Next Section →
Sermon Notes for Malachi 1:2 ← Prior Book
Sermon Notes for Mark 1:40 Next Book →
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