Denied

Introduction:

· Why the bible can be trusted

· Good news for us: You doubt (Thomas); self-promoting (All); you keep quiet about your faith…

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM PETER’S LOWEST MOMENT? LET’S LOOK AT THE NATURE OF OUR DENIAL, THE GRIEF OF GOD, AND THE GRACE OF GOD.

I) What does Denial Look like

A. Caught Between Two Worlds:

i. Peter follows Jesus…but sits with the “crowd” (see

1. We forget: Peter alone keeps his vow to stand w. Christ (22:33, 54)

2. Yet, surrounded by those hostile to Christ, he’s in a bind (vs. 55)

ii. The Tension of the Christian Life

1. It’s easy to profess Christ when with believers...but when the pressure’s on

2. EXAMPLE: you’re sitting in the cafeteria; sitting at a conference table

B. Two Kinds of Denial (vv. 56-60)

i. We may deny our relationship with Jesus (vv. 56-57)

1. Denying relationship: living as though Jesus has no influence on us

2. EXAMPLE: Fail to share your testimony? Talking about Jesus at home?

ii. We may deny our association with Jesus (vv. 58, 59-60)

1. Denying association: I don’t live like “THEM!”

2. EXAMPLE: Sunday observance; online gaming; human sexuality

SO WHY IS THIS SUCH A BIG DEAL?

II) How does Denial grieve the heart of God?

A. Denial of Jesu Grieves God because it Twists the Idea of Discipleship

i. Jesus calls his followers to deny self, and follow Jesus (Lk 9:23)

Luke 9:23 ESV

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

1. The essence of discipleship is denial of self & service to Jesus

2. So: A willingness to be ridiculed, rejected, even killed for Jesus’ sake!

ii. Peter’s – and our – denial follows self and denies Jesus

1. Denial of Christ turns this around so that we put self first: “save life”

2. EXAMPLE: Our motive: to save face, to save reputation rather than lose it

B. Denial Grieves the Heart of God because it Rejects His Love for Us

i. A second Look: Jesus’ painful look (vs. 61)

1. Jesus’ first meeting with Peter: He “looks” at Peter(see Jn. 1:42)

2. A second look: the years of close friendship, Jesus’ “look” reveals pain

ii. This redefines what sin really is: a personal wound to our savior

1. Our culture deems the bible proccuped with “sin” but a new perspective

2. EXAMPLE: You mentor a new employee àwho ridicules you

THAT’S WHY SIN IS A BIG DEAL: IT IS A DENIAL OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US THAT GRIEVES HIS HEART. THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION? HOW DOES GOD RESPOND?

III) How Does God Respond to Our Denials?

A. Repentance is Our response for Denial

i. A tale of two responses: Judas & Peter

1. Both Judas & Peter fail Spectacularly; yet one is restored. Why?

2. The difference is their response: Judas felt guilty, but never repented

ii. Repentance is genuine sorrow over our sin before God (vs. 62)

1. Peter’s tears express his sorrow over his sin

2. Genuine repentance isn’t just guilt over being caught, or guilt over consequences, but acknowledging how deeply our actions grieve God

B. Grace is God’s Response to Our Denial

i. Jesus prays for those who will deny him (vv. 31-34)

1. Knowing all he knew, Jesus still prayed for Peter

2. APPLICATION: Jesus may allow us to fail, but he prays for us

ii. Jesus restores those who are repentant

1. Jesus promised that Peter’s failure would be turned into ministry

2. At the tomb, and after, Jesus singles out Peter for restoration

3. In the early church Peter “cannot help speaking… (Acts 4:20)

Acts 4:20 ESV

for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Transition:

Conclusion

Good news for fickle followers of Jesus