Pastor’s Bible Class
Thomas Road Baptist Church
Lessons From Peter’s Life
Dr. Elmer L. Towns
Lesson 4: Peter Denies Jesus
February 10, 2008
A. INTRODUCTION:MATTHEW 26:33-35, 69-75
1. Jesus warned that some followers would deny Him. “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep . . . will flee” (v. 31).
2. Peter impulsively compares self to others. “Though all men shall be offended . . . yet will I never” (v. 33).
3. Peter impulsively boasted he would die for Christ. “Though I should die with thee” (v. 35).
4. Peter impulsively brags he will never deny Christ. “I will not deny thee” (v. 35).
Why Peter Fell
- Trusted in himself.
- Made self greater than others.
- Didn’t believe scriptures.
- Ignored Christ prediction.
B. PETER’S ACTUAL DENIAL
1. Peter tried to follow the Lord to death.
Steps Down
- Cut off ear of arresting officer (John 18:10).
- Followed afar off (Luke 22:54).
- Went to trial (John 18:15-16).
- Peter sat without (Matt. 26:69).
- Warmed hands with sinners.
- Peter didn’t stand with John.
2. FIRST DENIAL: Peter was immediately confronted by girl door keeper. “Art not thou also one of his disciples” (John 18: 17). Peter answered, “I am not.”
3. The principle of graduation. It should have been easy to stand up to a common girl, later he denies to cursing solders.
4. Peter hung out with the crowd. “The servants and officers . . . made a fire . . . and warmed themselves and Peter stood with them” (John 18:18).
5. SECOND DENIAL: “Another maid said . . . this fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth” (Matt. 26:71). “And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man” (v. 72). Called Jesus a Man, not the Son of the Living God.
6. THIRD DENIAL: “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you” (v. 73). “Then he began to curse and swear, I do not know the Man” (v. 74).
Steps Down
First – Negation, I am not.
Second – Lied under oath, I do not know Him.
Third – cursed and swore.
7. Two convicting results of Peter’s denial.
- The rooster crowed after second denial. “But he denied . . . and the cock crew” (Mark 14:68). Peter should have remembered Jesus prediction.
- The third denial the Lord in trial looked out the window, their eyes connected. “The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remember the words of the Lord” (Luke 22:61).
C. PETER’S RESTORATION
1. The Lord prays for our victory. “I have prayed (Deomai) for thee that thy faith fail not” (Luke 22:32). “He ever liveth to make intercession for us” (Heb. 7:25).
2. The Lord predicted Peter’s restoration. “When you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen, and build up your brothers” (Luke 22:32, LB).
3. Jesus focused on Peter to restore him. “Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me more than these” (John 21:15).
- Called by old name Simon, not Peter
- Son of Jonah, not Son of God
- More than these, Peter said when others denied, he would not
4. Peter denied three times, so the Lord asked him three times.
Jesus Simon Challenge
Do you love Me I am fond of you Feed My little lambs
Agape Phileo Preached to 3000
Do you love Me I am fond of you Shepherd My sheep
Agape Phileo Plant churches
Are you fond I am fond of you Feed My sheep
of Me Phileo Write scriptures
Phileo
5. Peter was finally honest – no boasting now (John 21:17).
- You know (Oida by nature) all things.
- You know (Ginosko by experience) I only am fond of you.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
To receive this lesson, log on to www.elmertowns.com. You will find it under Sunday School lessons. To email Dr. Towns, eltowns@liberty.edu. For more information on the class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
