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MATTHEW 26:74 - 75

"BITTER DEFEAT"

I. PETER'S TASTE OF DEFEAT.
        A. Jesus had told disciples that they would all be offended
           because of Him.
        B. Peter responded with a declaration of unfailing commitment.
                1. "Though all might be offended, I will never be
                   offended."
                        a. Peter was saying that his devotion exceeded
                           that of the other disciples.
                        b. He was challenging the word of Jesus.
        C. Jesus responded to Peter's challenge, "Tonight, before the cock
           crows, you will deny Me three times."
        D. Peter again challenged His words, saying, "They will kill me
           before I will deny you."
        E. Peter is extremely sincere, never doubt that.
                1. His was an expression of total devotion which he
                   sincerely felt.
                2. Peter's failure was not a lack of devotion and
                   sincerity.
        F. Despite his devotion and sincerity, he failed. 
                1. First a young girl came up to him and said, "You were
                   with Jesus."
                        a. Peter answered, "I don't know what you are
                           talking about."
                2. Later, another girl said to the crowd, "This fellow was
                   also with Jesus."
                        a. Peter again denied Him, this time with an oath,
                           saying, "I do not know the man."
                3. The crowd began then to challenge him because of his
                   Galilean accent.
                        a. Peter denied him again, this time cursing and
                           swearing.
        G. As he was swearing, the rooster began to crow.
                1. The words of Jesus stabbed as a dagger in his heart.
                2. Luke's gospel tells us that Jesus turned and looked at
                   Peter.
                        a. Peter went out and wept bitterly. How bitter is
                           the taste of defeat.
        H. Unfortunately, I can identify with Peter.
                1. I too have tasted the bitter agony of failure. 
                2. I have done things I thought I would never do.
                3. I have said things that I was sorry for immediately,
                   but once out of my mouth, no way could I bring them
                   back.
        I. How do you think Jesus looked at Peter?
                1. I told you so?
                2. Peter, how could you do it?
                3. Don't worry Peter, even though you failed, I still love
                   you, I'm praying for you.
                4. The first two would only put him on the defensive.

II. WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE?
        A. Self-confidence.
                1. Notice the I's.
                2. "Take heed when you think you stand, lest you fall."
                3. He was trusting in his flesh.
                        a. Jesus had told him his flesh was weak.
        B. He was challenging the Word of the Lord.
                1. Be careful about challenging the Bible.
                2. If you find yourself arguing with God's Word, just know
                   you are wrong.
        C. Warming himself at enemies' fire.
        D. He tried to follow afar off.
        E. Why we fail is not as important as what we do about our
           failure.

III. THE ROAD BACK.
        A. Peter found it with bitter tears.
        B. Peter's failure was no surprise to Jesus.
                1. It was to Peter.
                2. Jesus knew all along, still He chose him and loved him.

IV. MUST WE ALWAYS FAIL?
        A. God has made available to us the power for victory.
                1. Ye shall receive power.
        B. Power of no value if I don't use it.