Where Is Your Confidence?
Series: The Gospel Can't Be Contained
April 10, 2022
Frank Foreman
Confidence can be a funny thing. So many situations in life call for confidence. Yet, it has to be kept in check lest we become overconfident in our own ability or talent. We are reminded that confidence, like so many other things, should be exercised in moderation. ---------- Ultimately, as a Christian, the answer is rather simple. At least in a basic sense it is rather straightforward. Our confidence in found in Christ, not in ourselves. Of course, we spend a lifetime learning to maintain that balance between needing to be more confident and not becoming overconfident. ---------- Such was the case of Peter; and nowhere in the New Testament do we find a more extreme example of a man who struggled to moderate his confidence properly than Peter on the night of Jesus' betrayal and subsequent crucifixion.
Episode Notes
(Journal) Mark:14:66-72
1st Peter 5:6-8, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Big Idea: Peter is an example of one who fell when he was sure he could stand….
Be humbled by his story.
1. Peter boasted too much.
Luke 22:31-32, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
2. Peter listened too poorly.
Matthew 16:16, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
3. Peter prayed too little.
Luke 22:40, And when He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
4. Peter acted too fast.
John 18:10-11, Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?”
5. Peter followed too far.
Luke 22:54, Then they seized Him and led Him away, bringing Him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance.
Psalm 30:5b, Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
2nd Corinthians 7:10, For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.
Next Step: Humbly depend on God and guard against temptation.
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