When Strong Men Of God Fall

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When 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.

3
Peter 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!

4
Peter 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)

5
Peter 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!

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A 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!

7
A 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?

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A 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?

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A 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)

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Conclusion

• 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)