Title: When Strong Men Of God Fall
1When Strong Men Of God Fall
Peter Danger Of Overconfidence Pride
2- Strong Men Of God Who Fell
- David Allowed passions to rule his mind
and actions. - Lot Pain ruin brought on by making
decisions without thinking eternal.
3Peter From Promise To Denial
- From insignificance to promised greatness
- Called for what hed become (John 140-41)
- Now impetuous unstable, hed eventually become
a solid rock of faith courage! (vs. 42) - This process is seen as the master chiseler
chipped away at Simon till he became Peter!
4Peter From Promise To Denial
- Promising zeal and progress of faith
- In his answer the call of discipleship (Matt
1927-30) - In walking on water by FAITH (Matt 1422-33)
- In his confession of Jesus (Matt 1613-20)
- It was in overconfidence pride that he fell!
- Peter was part of the inner circle of disciples
- He never thought he could ever be the one to
deny Jesus Anyone but me! (Matt. 2631-35) - Became spiritually careless (Mk 1432-33, 37-38)
- His denial the confidence faith we once saw
is now shattered! (Luke 2254-62)
5Peter From Promise To Denial
- Important He didnt let pride keep him down!
- His story doesnt end at there (Lk 2231-33 Jn
2117) - He returned strengthened his brethren
spiritually - Also, stood with faith and courage even in the
face possible martyrdom! (Acts 541-42) - He never forgot the look of disappointment in
Jesus face! Lived on with more determination!
6A Clear Warning For Us Today!
- Pride overconfidence An present danger!
- This will lead to failure! (I Cor. 1012 Prov.
1618) - A lack of circumspection (Eph 515 I Pet.
58-9) - Its a lesson painted throughout the Bible - No
one is immune to the possibility of falling
away!
7A Clear Warning For Us Today!
- In facing sin and temptation
- There is always a way of escape Our problem is
that we ignore Gods way out! (I Cor. 1013) - Play with fire, we will get burnt! (Prov.
627-28) - How often do we think we can flirt with sin and
be able to not be affected by it? - Do we look to see how close we can get without
actually crossing the line?
8A Clear Warning For Us Today!
- In our spiritual strength and knowledge
- A zealous people without knowledge (Rom. 101-3)
- Its easy to enter a comfort zone and not study
like we once did or should! (Heb. 21-3) - We become set in what we know and are not open
to possibility of being wrong (Acts 192-5) - How strong do we have to become before we can
actually say, Im strong enough?
9A Clear Warning For Us Today!
- Dont let your pride keep you from returning!
- The greatest possible tragedy was not the
denial, but if Peter had never returned to
Jesus! - No matter how far we wander away, theres still
total forgiveness restitution! (Mic
718-19 I Jn 19) - Message of prodigal son (Luke 1517ff)
- Still useful to the kingdom of God! (2 Cor 13-4)
10Conclusion
- Peter - Fell due to overconfidence pride!
- He had zeal, faith, and promised greatness, but
that did not keep him from falling! - In his overconfidence pride he couldnt see
the danger, became careless, and fell - He didnt allow his pride to keep him away!
- Lets learn the lessons Peter teaches!
- Our history, past accomplishments, or maturity is
not an immunization against sin! - Must not be overconfident in our ability to keep
from sin, our strength, or our knowledge! - If you do fall dont let pride keep you from
following Jesus Christ!
11"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
(Matt 1128-30)