Good Intentions

Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75

Supplemental Scripture passages:

• "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15 NASB)

• Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17 NASB)

• For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NASB)

• The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives. Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:1-3 NASB)

Introduction: New Year’s Resolutions, Intentions, and lack of follow-through. (e.g. gym, smoking, weight, church, etc)

Clarification: Not talking about the intention or motivation behind the things you do. We’re talking about the intention to do something, but you don’t do it.

I. When it came down to it, Peter did not believe he would deny the Lord (vs 33 &35)

a. He intended to remain faithful

b. We often have grand intentions to follow God and serve Him.

II. When trouble came, Peter denied the Lord (vs 70, 72, 74)

a. Despite his intention to remain faithful, he didn’t do it.

b. We are often full of excuses why we “can’t” follow through on our intentions. (e.g. time, family, etc)

III. When the rooster crowed, Peter realized he denied the Lord (vs 75)

a. The rooster was the prompt that made him realize he failed in his intentions.

Invitation: What will be your prompt to realize that you have failed in your intentions to be obedient? Don’t let it be face to face with Jesus. Be obedient while you have the opportunity!