The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1927-04-28
Lesson for May l
PETERS DENIAL AND REPENT
ANCE

PETERS DENIAL AND REPENT.
ANCE
LESSON TEXT--Mark 14:53, "a; s.
II; Luke 22:61, 60.
GOLDEN TEXT-Let him that think
eth he standeth take heed lest he fall.
PRIMARY TOPIC-Peter Grieves Je-
sus and Is Sorry.
JUNIOR TOPIC-The Story of Peters
pisloyalty.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOP
IC-How Jesus Is Denied Today.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-The Danger of Sudden Temptations.
!. Peters Downfall mark IA :29-71).
This began when he refused to hear
about the cross and ended when he,
with a foul oath, declared: II know
not the man." When the disciples
would no longer hear Christ's message
about the cross, they not only ceased
to grow in knowledge, but they began
to deteriorate in moral discernment
and were exposed to the possibility Of
the shameful denial of their Lord.
Steps In Peters backsliding:
!. Overweaning self-confidence wv.
29-SD.
His unwillingness to face the cross
alienated him from Jesus and when
apprized Of the fact that the disciples
would all forsake Jesus, Peter de-
clared that Jesus was certainly mis-
taken, saying: Although all shall be
offended, yet will not l." Our condi-
ton is most perilous when we are
most sure of our safety.
2. Sleeping at the post of duty ".
81.
In one short hour the very one who
was so confident of his self-sufticiency
had fallen asleep instead of watching.
The only way to escape from back
sliding is to watch.
3. Lack Of prayer ". 3S).
The legitimate inference from the
Lords words watch and pray" is
that He had commanded them to pray
as we'll as to watch. The reason
there is so little prayer is due to the
lack of the sense Of need Of Gods
help.
4. Misguided zeal ". 47).
Peter drew a sword and cut off an
ear of a servant of the high priest
(John 1910 when they came to ar
rest Jesus. He was thus Jealous for
the Lord. He was trying to make up
in outward service his conscious lack
of communion.
8. Followed Jesus afar off ". 54).
Christ's rebuke for taking the sword
and the awkward position in which
his act had placed him, caused him to
follow afar off. He keenly felt
Christ's reprimand. Following Jesus
afar off got him into trouble.
6. Warmed himself at the enemy's
fire ". So.
This fire was built by those who had
come unsympathetically to witness the
crucifXion and even to mock in this
tragic hour. For Christ's disciples to
try to get comfort from the things
prepared for the satisfaction of His
enemies is sinful. Many protesting
Christians are living a life of COM
promise, even attempting to get pleas
ures out of the things which the enc
mics of Christ have prepared for
themselves.
Z. Open denial wv. 66-7D.
Step by step downward Peter went
until the words of servant girl pro-
yoked open and blasphemous denial.
This even by one who had said: "If
I 7 M
thee in any wise" Peters trouble be-
gan when he shrank from the cross.
It was that stunning which separated
him from contact with God. 1t should
be remembered that there can be nc
backsliding until there be established
a position from which to slip. Many
of the so-called backsliders have never
been born again.
II. The Repentance of Peter duke
% :61-62).
l. The look of Jesus ". 6D.
This was a most wondrous look. 1t
was doubtless filled with pity and pain
Christ knew the trials through which
Peter and the other disciples would
pass and He prayed for them. This
look brought to Peter the full con
seriousness of his cowardice and dis
loyalty and his blasphemous words OF
denial, and yet it displayed His pity
and forgiving love.
2. Peters bitter tears ". 62).
The look of Jesus brought convic
ton of sin. 1t called to mind his
boastfulness and cowardice. How aw
full must have been his condition as
he went out that night into the dark
ness, little suspecting that there would
be found way to get back into COM
munion with his Lord. Doubtless the
message from the women as they came
from the tomb brought the first goot
cheer to his heart. Christ said tc
them: go and tell my disciples ant
Peter" This encouraged him, nd
doubt, as it indicated Christ's partic
ular consideration and love for him.
t. TL.-. N-oI1I