Peter: Thriving Through The Valley Of Failure Series

INTRODUCTION

SERMON TITLE SLIDE

• We all know what it feels like to fall short.

• To make promises we couldn’t keep.

• To stand tall in one moment and stumble the next.

• Failure, for many, feels final.

• It whispers shame, breeds regret, and convinces us that we’re disqualified from God’s purpose.

• Maybe you stood at the peak of spiritual confidence, sure that nothing could shake your faith, only to find yourself slipping into a valley of failure?

• Maybe it was a harsh word spoken in anger, a hidden compromise, or a missed opportunity to stand for Christ.

• We've all had moments when we promised more than we delivered, when our courage crumbled and we fell short.

• Peter knew that place all too well.

• One moment he was boldly proclaiming, 'Even if all fall away, I never will.'

• The next, he was denying Jesus with curses and tears.

• But here is the hope we hold to today: failing does not have to mean failure in Christ.

HOPE IN THE VALLEY SLIDE

• You see, in the world, failure often defines you.

• But in Christ, failure can refine you.

• Our Savior doesn't discard the broken; He restores them.

• Peter's story is living proof that God's grace reaches deep into the valley and lifts us to higher ground.

• So as we journey through this message, we'll follow Peter through the heights of presumption, the depths of denial, and the astounding grace of restoration.

• Our main thought today is to remember that failing doesn’t have to mean failure in Christ.

• Peter will illustrate how this concept manifested in his life.

• In our first observation, we will find that when self-confidence outruns Savior-dependence, slips are inevitable—but failing doesn’t have to mean failure in Christ.”

• Let’s turn to Mark 14:27-31 as we begin our journey today.

Mark 14:27–31 NET 2nd ed.

27 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

29 Peter said to him, “Even if they all fall away, I will not!”

30 Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today—this very night—before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”

31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I must die with you, I will never deny you.” And all of them said the same thing.

MAIN POINT 1 SLIDE

SERMON

I. Presumption at the peak.

• Have you ever stood on the mountaintop of spiritual confidence, certain that nothing could shake your faith, no trial could make you stumble?

• Maybe you've made bold promises, vowed to never waver, and been convinced that your devotion to Christ was unshakable.

• If so, you're not alone. Peter stood there too.

• Here we find Peter, being Peter.

• Mark 14, verses 27 to 31, paints a vivid picture of this very scene.

• Jesus, quoting Zechariah 13:7, tells His disciples that they will all fall away, that they will abandon Him.

• And who is the first to speak?

• Peter.

• Bold, impulsive, and so very sure of himself.

• “Even if they all fall away, I will not!” he declares.

• Jesus, knowing his heart, replies with a sobering prophecy: “I tell you the truth, today—this very night—before a rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”

• Peter’s statement was brash and bold.

• Can you imagine what the other disciples thought when they heard him?

• I can see him looking at them and pointing while he says, Even if THEY all fall away, I WILL NOT!

• Jesus’ response had to be equally shocking to Peter.

• Peter doubled down by responding to Jesus, “Even if I must die with you, I will never deny you.” And all of them said the same thing.

• Of course, the other disciples responded, "Yes, we will die with you too!"

• Why did Jesus tell Peter that Peter would deny Jesus?

• Was Peter lying to impress Jesus, and did Jesus call him out for that lie, or was there another reason?

• Peter was not lying; Peter believed what he said when he said it.

• However, the problem goes deeper.

• Peter's assertion that he would not abandon Jesus and that he would die alongside Him was not based on faith; it stemmed from self-reliance.

• Peter was sincere, but he was mistaken.

• The events that transpired later would profoundly shake him.

• This is where many of us begin as well.

• We think we’re stronger than we are.

• We trust in our own resolve rather than God’s sustaining power.