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March 23, 2025

Weak Flesh, Strong Savior

In this powerful message, Pastor Matt explores Peter’s denial of Jesus and the profound lesson of humility in receiving God’s grace. Despite knowing Peter would fail, Jesus still loved, forgave, and restored him. This sermon reminds us that no failure is too great for God’s redemption. When we humble ourselves before Him, as 1 Peter 5:6-7 encourages, He lifts us up and cares for us. No matter our past, Jesus sees our potential and has a purpose for our future. Don’t let failure keep you from His grace—turn to Him in repentance and trust His plan.

Sermon Notes

Luke 22:31-32 NIV

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:21-23 NIV

“But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

John 13:24 NIV

Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”

Luke 22:24 NIV

A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

Humility before God is key to accepting His offer of grace.

1 Peter 5:6 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.

Matthew 26:30 NIV

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Matthew 26:31-32 NIV

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Matthew 26:33 NIV

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” - 

“Beware the ignorance of self-deception.” – Alistair Begg

Luke 22:31-32 NIV

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:33 NIV

But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

Luke 22:34 NIV

Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Luke 22:46 NIV

“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

John 18:10 NIV

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

Luke 22:54 NIV

Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance.

Luke 22:56 NIV

A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

Luke 22:57 NIV

But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

Luke 22:58 NIV

A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” 

“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

Luke 22:59 NIV

About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."

Luke 22:60 NIV

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.

Mark 14:71 NIV

He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

Luke 22:61a NIV

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.

Luke 22:61b NIV

Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

Luke 22:62 NIV

And he went outside and wept bitterly.

When was the last time you were broken over your sin?

James 4:9 NIV

Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.

Baptism Class: (16+)

  • Monday, April 7 at 6:30pm
  • Sunday, April 13 at 12:30pm

1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 


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