Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Defending Peter Steps in Peter’s Fall Commitment and Cleansing

Psalm 1:1 (NASB) 1  How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

Luke 22:31-32 (NASB) 31  “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32  but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Matthew 26:33 (NASB) 33  But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.”

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Defending Peter Peter, at least, followed Jesus. All others, except possibly John, had fled into the night. Most had returned to Bethany. Peter loved Jesus. Example of Mary Magdalene – even though all else failed Peter followed, even though all else had failed. The only reason for both is their love for Jesus.

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Defending Peter – cont. Peter had tried to defend Jesus – attacked a soldier with a sword. Peter had confessed Jesus as the Christ – Matthew 16:16.

Matthew 16:13-23 (NASB) 13  Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15  He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17  And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

18  I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” 20  Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ. 21  From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.

22  Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” 23  But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Steps in Peter’s Fall Peter was overconfident – Mark 14:31.

Mark 14:31 (NASB) 31  But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also.

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Steps in Peter’s Fall Peter was overconfident – Mark 14:31. Peter failed to pray – 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB) 17  pray without ceasing;

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Steps in Peter’s Fall Peter was overconfident – Mark 14:31. Peter failed to pray – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Jesus felt the need to pray constantly. We, like Peter, move in our confidence and not in the confidence of our prayer. Peter followed at a distance. Peter was “with them” in verse 18 and then he is asked was he “with Him” in verse 26.

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Steps in Peter’s Fall Peter was asked: “Didn’t I see you with Him?” Have you been with Jesus? Have you been with Him in fellowship? Have you been with Him in Bible study? Have you been with him in prayer? Then, have you been seen with Him?

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Steps in Peter’s Fall Do you know that certain things will be expected of you because you have been with Him? What are those “certain things” that are expected? Profession of Christ and what He professes Priorities of Christ should be our priorities

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Steps in Peter’s Fall The marks of the Church from John 17 should characterize us. We should be filled with Joy. We should be characterized by Holiness. We must stand with Him in the Truth. We should be engaged in the Mission of the Church. There should be an observable Unity among us. All we do should be encompassed in Love.

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Commitment and Cleansing The call to discipleship is a call of genuine commitment! It is never too late! You have never gone too far away! Cleansing and recommitment are always at hand. Think of Peter at the fire in the high priest’s compound in chapter 18. Then, think of Peter at the fire on the beach in chapter 21. Which fire are you standing by right now?

Where Do You Stand? John 18:15-18, 25-27 Application Where do you stand with Jesus today? Right now? Do you know Him as Savior? If not, today is that day! Have you been following from a distance? Close the gap and make a wholehearted commitment to being a disciple. Cleansing and restoration are only a prayer of repentance and forgiveness away!