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Peter’s Fall and RestorationText: Mark 14:66-72 Introduction:
I. When someone has experienced a downfall, it is both
interesting and enlightening to look back, and to
analyze the steps that led to the fall (here he made a
bad decision – This person influenced him).
II. Sometimes those steps must be traced through many
years. The progress leading to the fall being very,
very gradual – with others the steps were taken
rapidly, sudden moving of events that lead to a plunge
into sin.
III. Peter’s fall was the rapid type, a Quick succession of
events which took place in just a few hours, leading
him to do the very thing which he denied that he would
do just a short time before.
Body:
I. Steps toward a fall.
A. Over-confidence.
1. Mark 14:27-31
2. In physical realm, overconfidence is fatal to
athlete, a politician, an employee.
3. Fatal also in Spiritual realm: Proverbs 16:18; 1
Corinthians 10:12.
4. If anyone had a right to be overconfident, it was
Peter, but even for him overconfidence was fatal.
B. He was asleep when he should have been praying.
1. Observe words were directed to Peter – Mark
14:37-38.
2. Peter, though, did not recognize the danger, and
failed to recognize his need for prayer.
C. He failed to recognized His true foe.
1. He was prepared to fight against a man with a
sword and spear – But failed to recognize that
the foe was a spiritual foe – Ephesians 6:12.
2. He was prepared for carnal battle, but unprepared
for the spiritual battle.
3. Jesus rebuked him.
4. Peter is rebuffed – His offer to fight
courageously for his Lord, has been refused – No,
not just refused, but ungratefully rebuked. He
was ready to be a hero, but turned into the goat.
5. He is never himself again until after his fall.
D. He followed afar off. Mark 14:54
1. Peter just close enough to behold what’s going
on.
2. He is with the Lord – But at the same time he is
not with him.
3. He stays close enough to show an interest – But
he is not committed.
4. Causes me grief to see so many walking in the
steps of Peter
5. Matthew 22:37; Matthew 6:33; Mark 12:30
E. This led him to bad company
1. Mark 14:54
2. He let himself remain with those who would test
and temp him.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:33
4. it was at this point that the disillusion,
frustrated Peter fell.
II. Steps toward restoration
A. Here is the real test of a man.
1. Anyone can fall but only the strong can rise from
a fall.
2. Difference between King Saul and King David.
3. Difference between Judas and Peter. Luke 22:31-32
B. The steps toward Peter’s restoration. Luke 22:60-62
1. The cock crowed.
2. The Lord turned and looked at Peter.
3. Peter remembered the word of the Lord.
4. Peter woke up – saw himself as he really was – a
real jolt.
5. Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
C. The extent of his restoration.
1. His preaching on Pentecost. Acts 2
2. His courage when on trial. Acts 4:8,12, 19-20
3. Finally gave his life for the Lord’s cause
Conclusion:
I. In observing the fall of Peter we learn a lesson on the
prevention of Peter.
A. Beware of Over confidence.
B. Spend much time in prayer.
C. Recognize the true foe, his strength.
D. Be fully committed t the Lord’s caused.
E. Choose good companions, avoiding those who would
tempt you to do evil.
II. But in spite of this sermon, and all the preaching
which will ever be done from this pulpit, the like hood
is that some who are presently hearing the sound of my
voice, will fall, and some will possibly fall much
further than anyone could possibly image.
A. Maybe I am more concerned for what will happens when
that fall takes place than in prevention.
B. For, if you can be man enough to pick yourself up,
and work again in the Lord’s service, you can be
forgiven.
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