Anatomy of a Fall Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, 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, 25-27

Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s 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 aren’t one of this man’s 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 fire they had made to keep warm. Simon Peter also was standing with them, warming himself… So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

Denial # 3 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t 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 22:31,32

“Fuddle” “To put someone into a state of confusion: muddle”

Remember Promises Made to Yourself, Others and God?  First day of High School…College  First day on the job  Your Wedding Day  Day you first believed

Self-destruct? Deny?  Judas – Yes!  Peter – No, Never! No Way!! Impossible!!!

SHOCKER! “You are not one of His disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” John 18:17

SHOCKER! 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

SHOCKER! One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t 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 don’t know this man you’re talking about.” John 18:26 & Mark 14:71

Jesus 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. Johnson

“Falling” Happens  Part of becoming “Rock-Like”  Not inevitable  Doesn’t have to be the end

“Falling” Happens  Part of becoming “Rock-Like”  Not inevitable  Doesn’t 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.

Mark 14:72 “And Peter broke down and wept bitterly.”

Let’s Pray

How Could It Happen? Evidence / clues from the Gospel accounts

Too Smart  Lord, 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

Too Smart –Years later Prepare 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 4:12

Too Smart –Years later Be 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 3:3

Too Confident  This 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

Too Confident  This 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

Too Confident – Years Later A gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. I Peter 3:4 Be humble I Peter 3:8 Do not fear…answer everyone who asks…with gentleness and respect. I Peter 3:14-15

Too Confident – Years Later God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. I Peter 5:5-6

Too Tired  My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me. Matthew 26:38  Simon, 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

Too Tired  Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough!” Mark 14:41  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Matthew 26:41

Too Tired – Years later Be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. I Peter 4:7

Too Filled with World  The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” Jesus replied. Luke 22:38

Too Filled with World  Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword back into it’s place. All who draw the sword will die by the sword. No more of this!” John 18:10, Matthew 26:52, Luke 22:51

Too Filled with World – Years later Being shielded by God’s 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 4:1

Too Filled with World – Years later Resist the devil, standing firm in the faith…And the God of grace…after 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 5:9

Too Far Away From Jesus  Peter followed Him at a distance. Mt 26:58, Mk 14:54, Lk 22:54  Simon Peter and another disciple (presumably John) were following Jesus…The other disciple came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in. Jn 18:15-16

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

Too Close to Enemies  When 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 22:55-56

Too Close to Enemies – Years later Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and strangers in the world to abstain from sinful desires…Live 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 2:11

In the End The devil used three “minor” characters to push Peter over the edge

Your Impressions? Too Smart Too Confident Too Tired Too Much of the World Too Far Away from Jesus Too Close to Enemies

What 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)

Do-You-Get-It Application? Warning: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. I Corinthians 10:12 Encouragement: “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32