In the July issue, in an article called Escaping the stupidity of self-confidence we considered how, before his crucifixion, Jesus had warned Peter that he was about to deny his Lord. What about the denial itself? What can we learn from that incident?
The story has clearly been preserved as a warning to us. If even the great Apostle Peter could fall so easily, despite the clearest warning, which of us is safe from such a danger? If we want to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord, we will take carefiil note of Peter's failure and learn, by God's grace, not to repeat the same mistakes in our own lives.
When we look at what happened, clearly Peter's denial was a series of slips and not a sudden unpredictable fall. Like slipping down a slope, losing one grip after another or like falling downstairs one step at a time, so Peter fell lower and lower until he was at rock bottom.
One reason for such spectacular falls among Christians is a failiure to 'nip things in the bud'. Things are allowed to go on unchecked. Sin is left to fester and eventually disaster follows. We need to learn with Charles Wesley to 'tremble at the approach of sin' and with the Puritans to oppose the first risings of sin. It is no good letting things slide. Neglecting our spiritual state can only make things worse.
Peter's story marks out the downward steps of denial for us. We need to recognise those steps and seek to avoid them. We can identify at least eight.
1. Self-confidence
We talked about this danger in the previous article. This is where Peter's problems began. Pride comes before a fall. Remember too that God resists the proud. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! (I Corinthians 10:12). Humility is the best antidote to falling into sin unawares. It frightens me when I hear someone say, 'Well, that's something I'd never do.' Rather we should say, "There go I but for the grace of God'. But watch yourself for you also may be tempted, Paul warns the spiritual in the Galatian churches.
2. Ignoring the warnings found in God's Word
Of course, what exacerbated Peter's fall was his total disregard for the warnings of Christ, even though Jesus quotes from Zechariah the sheep of the flock will be scattered (see Matthew 26:31). If a man deliberately drives his car through a red light he has only himself to blame for the consequences. If you disregard the warnings that come on nearly every page of Scripture and you fall into sin, you have only yourself to blame. Take seriously the warnings in God's Word.
3. A lack of watchfulness
The very next thing in Scripture following Jesus' warnings to Peter and the other disciples is the story of what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane that night, the night of his betrayal. You remember that it was Peter, along with James and John, who were selected to go with Jesus a little way off from the others to pray. He looked to his closest friends, his leading disciples, for support. And what happened? They fell asleep. It exemplified their lack of watchfulness. Could you not keep watch with me for one hour? he asks. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:40,41). Watch out that you do not fall into temptation. Be alert. Be on guard as good soldiers of Christ.
4. Giving in to the temptation of resorting to carnal means of serving Christ
It was in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus was arrested. From John's account it becomes clear that it is Peter who draws his sword to defend Jesus. No doubt he intended to strike off Malchus's head, although he ended up only slicing off an ear, which Jesus quickly restored. Jesus rebuked Peter for such an unwarranted and foolhardy act (see John 18:10,11). It is typical of worldly bravado to suppose that we can somehow serve the Lord by our own methods. It is often the mark of a sinking believer that in desperation he will try and save himself by thrusting out wildly in some new but foolhardy endeavour intended to be for the good of the gospel but entirely contrary to all that Christ desires.
5. 'Following at a distance' with more concern for your body than for your soul
Next we find Peter following Jesus at a distance (Matthew 26:58). He follows Jesus right up to the court of the High Priest and stands warming himself at the fire there (John 18:15-18). Again Peter's action is typical of many who are steadily drifting from the Lord. They still follow the Lord, yes, but at a distance. Their chief concern, though, is no longer to walk closely with the Lord. They are unwilling to suffer with him. Their concern is earthly not heavenly. They think more about their bodies than their souls. Is that you? You are in a dangerous position. Disaster is inevitable unless there is real repentance.
6. Denying the Lord
Considering all that has gone before, it is no surprise when we fmd Peter finally denying the Lord. I don't know or understand what you 're talking about, he lies.
7. Denying the Lord again
And when you have denied the Lord once, there is no telling how many more times you may do it. Peter was soon repeating his folly and denying his Lord to someone else. God has made us to be creatures of habit. Those habits can be good or bad.
8. Vehemently and totally denying the Lord
Mark 14:71 brings us to the very bottom of Peter's shameful cesspit. He began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them 'I don t know this man that you are talking about'. What a frightening picture. In just a few hours, a man who seemed so bold for the Lord, so strong for him, is vehemently cursing and swearing and denying any knowledge of the Lord Jesus at all. May it never happen to any of us. It will not, if we look to God and take care that, the moment we begin on this frightening downward rush, we realise what is happening and cry out to God for mercy, repentance and forgiveness.
