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Sermon Series: We are currently going through a sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, we’re talking about a passage of Scripture where Jesus tells of Judas’ betrayal.
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.
Peter Denies Jesus
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74 Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
These sections of God’s Word teach us a lot about Peter’s denial of Jesus. By taking a look at them, we can learn how to avoid making the same mistakes that Peter fell into. Peter’s story teaches us that…
These 7 actions can lead to sin:
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Over confidence
Matt. 26:33, Rom. 12:3, Prov. 8:13, 16:5, 18
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Ignoring God’s Word
Matt. 26:31-35, 4:4, 5:18, Rom. 1:18-32, John 12:48
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Thinking we’re better than others
Matt. 26:33, Luke 18:9-13, Phil. 2:3, Gal. 6:3, James 4:6
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Not being where we’re supposed to be
Matt. 26:69, 2 Sam. 11:1-2, Gen. 3:8, Jonah 1:1-3
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Fear
Matt. 26:69-70, Is. 41:10, 2 Tim. 1:7, Ps. 56:3
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Sin
Matt. 26:69-74, 2 Sam. 11:14-15, James 1:14-16, Gen. 3:6
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Ignoring God’s Convictions
Matt. 26:75, 2 Cor. 7:9-10, John 21:15-19
Reflecting on God’s Word
Getting Started
- Take some time to read over Matthew 26:30-35, 69-75 and pray.
- Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it?
- What surprised you as we talked about it?
- As you reflect on Peter’s story, and what led him into sin, what stands out to you?
Diving In
- Peter’s over-confidence led him to ignoring Jesus’ Words, and ultimately led him down a path that was sinful. Have you ever had the same thing happen to you? Do you struggle with over-confidence in any area(s) of your life?
- Read Matthew 26:33. Peter thinks that others will fall away from Christ, but not himself. He thinks of himself as better than others or immune from the problems that others have, and this mindset leads him down a pathway that ends in sin. Have you ever struggled with this same kind of mentality before?
- Read Matthew 26:69. Instead of going in and standing side-by-side with Jesus, Peter stays out in the courtyard. He wasn’t where he should have been, and this also leads him down a pathway that ends in sin. Have you ever had the same thing happen to you? How can you make sure that you are where you’re supposed to be?
- This passage of God’s Word ends in Peter feeling sorrowful. Read John 21:15-19 to see Jesus addressing this with Peter. After doing so, spend some time in prayer, asking that God would convict you of any sin in your life.
Applying the Scripture
What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word?
- What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture?
- How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord?
- Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?
Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?