Denial to Restoration

Mark 14:27–31 NIV84

27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

When broken, it is difficult to imagine a day when all will be well.

Just as a broken piece of pottery can be mended by a skilled artisan, God can restore and mend the broken areas of our lives. Like the careful hands of the potter, God's love and grace can reshape us into something beautiful even after we've been broken.

1. Pride leads to the denial of our need of Jesus

Sub Point 1.1: Pride hardens our hearts

Proverbs 16:18 (CSB)

“18Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.”

Pride refers to an unwarranted attitude of confidence. While pride can have a positive connotation of self-worth or boasting, it is often used in Scripture to refer to an unhealthy elevated view of one’s self, abilities, or possessions.

“If you harden your heart with pride, you soften your brain with it too.” Anonymous

The deceitfulness of sin is seen in that it is modest in its first proposals but when it prevails it hardens mens’ hearts, and brings them to ruin.The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations John Owen

He who beats his heart, but does not mend his ways, does not remove his sins but hardens them. Augustine of Hippo

Sub Point 1.2: Pride leads to overlooking one’s weaknesses

2 Corinthians 12:9 “9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

In times of war, soldiers are trained to remain loyal to their country and their unit. They are willing to sacrifice their lives for their cause. But even the most loyal soldier can break under torture and reveal confidential information. Similarly, Peter was ready to lay down his life for Jesus, but he was not prepared for the pressure of persecution

Sub Point 1.3: Pride places you against God

James 4:6 “6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””

Remember Allen Iverson, “Practice, Practice, we’re talking about practice.”

2. A humble life recognizes the weak areas in life

Sub Point 2.1: Humble people know that asking questions doesn’t make you weak

Mark 14:18–19 “18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” 19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely not I?””

Sub Point 2.2: Humble people recognize that there is a betrayer in each of us

Romans 7:15 “15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Sub Point 2.3: Humble people grow and mature spiritually

Proverbs 22:4 “4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.”

James 4:10 “10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

3. The power of repentance and forgiveness is a new life

Sub Point 3.1: He is faithful to forgive

As we acknowledge our own failures and come to Jesus in repentance, He is faithful to forgive us and restore us to fellowship with Him

1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Sub Point 3.2: The healing power of repentance and forgiveness

Acts 2:38 “38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Sub Point 3.3: The power of forgiveness frees the offender for repentance and opens the offended to grace and healing

Acts 7:59–60 “59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

4. The power of restoration is a new purpose in life

Luke 22:31–32 (NLT) 31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Sub Point 4.1: Restoration redirects your life

Sub Point 4.2: Restoration returns you to the original state

Sub Point 4.3: Restoration gives you direction and purpose (Strengthen your brethren)