John 21:15-19

Introduction:

1. Though our goal is to avoid falling into sin altogether (1 Corinthians 10:12), in one way or another, we all will (Romans 3:23).

2. This discussion centers on how to not let Satan beat us twice when we fall.

Discussion:

I. All Have Sinned, And Fall Short

A. Honest self-assessment is imperative for both preventing and recovering from sin (Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 13:5).

B. These passages remove any illusion of self-righteousness and self-sufficiency.

C. This honest self-assessment does three important things for us:

1. Promotes watchfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 1 Peter 5:8)

2. Prevents harsh judgment (Matthew 7:1-5; Galatians 6:1-2)

3. Protects against self-loathing (2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 7:6-11; Matthew 26:69-75; 27:3-10)

II. Kicking Us While We Are Down

A. Satan: Gr. satanas means “accuser” (Revelation 12:10; cf. Job 1:9; 2:5; Zechariah 3:1-4).

B. He would have us bear our guilt despite our sins having been washed.

C. Our human peers often function as his mouthpiece in this endeavor, but we must lift the hands that hang down (Luke 17:3-4; 2 Corinthians 2:6-8; Hebrews 12:12-14).

D. Unfortunately, Judas let Satan beat him twice and ultimately for eternity.

III. Pick Something Up

A. Peter, on the other hand, is a prime example of the proper response in the aftermath of falling into sin.

1. His inflated self-assessment left him vulnerable (Luke 27:31-34).

2. His spirit was crushed when he realized his sin (Matthew 26:75).

3. After a painful encounter, Jesus restored his ministry, a ministry for which Peter eventually gave his life as he said he would (John 21:15-19; 2 Peter 1:14).

B. Paul never forgot his sins against the Lord and His people, but he used that memory to glorify the Lord for His grace (1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Conclusion:

1. It may seem odd, but grace can be hard to accept.

2. Satan wants us to grieve in the manner of Judas and run from God’s grace.

3. But we must grieve in the godly way, so that when we fall, we pick something up, and grow stronger in the faith as a result (2 Corinthians 7:10-11).