Be Careful Lest You Fall
Rev. Tse Amable | July 15, 2024 | John 13:31-38
KEY VERSE:
Peter asked, “Lord, why can't I follow you now? I WILL LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU. ”Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, BEFORE THE ROOSTER CROWS, YOU WILL DISOWN ME THREE TIMES!” John 13:37-38 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In an earlier message, we learnt that none of us knows what will happen to him or her beyond this moment we are living in called “NOW”. Only Jesus Christ knows our “UNKNOWN TOMORROWS”. The story of Simon Peter reinforces this truth. But the additional revelation is that instead of Simon Peter humbling himself and asking for help, he was trusting and boasting about his own strength. We all know the story of how, on 3 occasions, Simon Peter denied the Lord, his Master and swore that he never knew Jesus Christ in front of a hostile crowd, most disappointedly before a young servant lady (see John 18:16-18, 25-27). The words Jesus Christ spoke to Simon Peter came to pass, word-for-word.
What happened to Simon Peter can happen to any of us. The Bible says “CURSED IS THE ONE WHO TRUSTS IN MAN, WHO DEPENDS ON FLESH FOR HIS STRENGTH AND WHOSE HEART TURNS AWAY FROM THE LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5). The hymn writer cautioned us “THE ARM OF FLESH WILL FAIL YOU, YOU DARE NOT TRUST YOUR OWN”.
Jesus Christ knows you. He knows what you can do and what you cannot do. He knows you better than you know yourself. He also knows what will happen to you in the future – THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. Listen to him and submit yourself to him for help in the time of need. Remember the scripture which says “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you trusting in your own strength? Do you take seriously the timely warnings the Lord gives to you through your personal moments of devotion and Bible study, in the sermons and messages preached by your pastor and other anointed vessels of the Lord or you dismiss them?
PRAYER:
LORD, I thank you that you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely. Help me to watch and pray and to rely on you totally so that I will not fall and fail you. Amen
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: DISOWN The Greek word used for "disown" in this context of John 13:37-38 is "ἀρνήσῃ" (arnēsē), which comes from the verb "ἀρνέομαι" (arneomai). This verb means to deny, disown, or reject, indicating a strong renunciation or refusal to acknowledge. Peter declares in John 13:37-38, his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus, but Jesus responds by predicting Peter's denial. This prediction reveals the vulnerability of even the most fervent believers to fall into fear and denial. Peter's intention to remain faithful to Jesus is genuine, but his overconfidence leads to a harsh reality check. Spiritual pride or overconfidence can blind a person to their own weaknesses, making them susceptible to falling. Reflections: Acknowledge your weaknesses, remain watchful in prayer and depend on God for spiritual resilience. In what areas of your spiritual life do you need to cultivate greater humility and dependence on God's strength to avoid the risk of disowning or denying Him?
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