Lesson 27, Q8~Q10

FOURTH DAY: Read Matthew 26:69-27:10; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:12-27.

Q8

a. List steps that led to Peter’s denial. Use verses from this and previous lessons.

It started with the first sin: Peter lied about the relationship between he and Jesus.

And then the sin gets bigger: Peter denied it again, with an oath.

Finally the sin taking over the mind: Peter began to call down curses, and he swore to them.

Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Jesus gave a convincing look straight at Peter: “Don’t you know me?” “Never disown me even if all fall away on account of me?” “Stop to be controlled by sins!”

b. Try to relate these steps to the steps by which you might fall into sin today.

I made sins often, so I must repent to God to stop the sin carry on or eventually to lose the control.

Q9

a. How did Peter and Judas differ in their sins and their later attitudes and actions?

They all regretted and felt guilty. Judas admitted his sins for he betrayed innocent blood and returned the money.” Then he went away and hanged himself. He tried to end his mistake by a self-righteous way. Peter went outside and wept bitterly. It’s a truly repent.

b. (Challenge) How did Peter ultimately show he had true faith?

To build true faith we must live the life with faith. (James 2:14-26; Faith without works is dead)

After denied Jesus for three times Peter was in need of forgiveness from Jesus. He bravely went back to the disciple team. On Easter morning Peter ran to the tomb because he was eager to see Jesus be risen from the death (John 20:3-6). Later Peter jumped into the water when he heard people said Jesus stood on the shore (John 21:4-7). Ultimately Peter was restored and had true faith since the changes of his behavior that the way when Jesus repeatedly asked “Do you love me?”

John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Finally shown in Acts 1 that Peter stood up among the believers and gave a speech with the inspiration from the Holy Spirit showed Peter ultimately had true faith

c. What is the difference between repentance and simply being sorry for sin as Judas was?

Repentance: ask for redemption from God; being sorry for sin: no ask for redemption from God.

d. (Challenge) Why was Judas responsible for his sin?

Believers have the freedom to do anything lawful, but if we are overtaken by the temptation we must take responsible for ourselves because no temptation is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:23

The Believer’s Freedom

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Q10. Contrast the questioning that Jesus and Peter endured at about the same time.

Publicly questioned to Jesus with threat:

“Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” (Matthew)

The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. (Luke)

Privately questioned to Peter yet with threat (since John was inside as well):

 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” a servant girl asked Peter. “This man was with him.”

“You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?” “You also are one of them.”

“Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” Malchus asked Peter. “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” (Luke)