TRUTHS ABOUT PERSONAL FAILURE

1. We are too CONFIDENT in ourselves.
“Peter declared, ‘Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.’” Matthew 26:31-35 (NLT)

2. We are too CONSIDERATE of the opinion of others.
“But standing there in front of everyone Peter denied it. ‘I don't even know what you're talking about!’ he said.” Matthew 26:70

“It is a dangerous trap to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you’ll be safe.” Proverbs 29:25 (GNT)

3. We are too QUICK to speak
“‘We know that you are one of them because your Galilean accent gives you away.’ Peter lost his temper and started cursing and swearing. He shouted ‘I don’t know the man!’ Immediately he heard a rooster crow.” Matthew 26:71-74

“The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do!” James 3:5-6

TACTICS FOR RESPONDING TO PERSONAL FAILURE

1. Don’t minimize the FAILURE.
“When Peter heard the rooster crow, he remembered that Jesus had said, ‘Before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times.’ Then Peter went outside and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:75 (NET)

2. Do maximize SUPPORT.
“Mary Magdalene went and found the disciples together, grieving and weeping.” Mark 16:10

“That evening the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in the middle of the group, and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ . . . The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!” John 20:19-20

“A week later the disciples were together again meeting in a home.” John 20:26 (NIV)

3. Draw on God’s MERCY.
“Because of his great mercy God has given us a new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope ...” 1 Peter 1:3

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

THE TEACHER’S CARE IN OUR PERSONAL FAILURES

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned back to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32 (NLT)

1. He KNOWS
“God certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust.” Psalm 103:14 (GW)

2. He PRAYS
“Jesus is able to save us completely because He lives to intercede on our behalf. He is always talking to the Father, asking him to help us.” Hebrews 7:25

3. He BELIEVES
“... so when you have repented and turned back to me again ...” Luke 22:32

“For even though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again!” Proverbs 24:16

“The Angel said, ‘I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. But he is not here—he’s risen from the dead . . . Now go tell his disciples, AND tell Peter, that he’s going ahead of you to Galilee and he’ll see you there, just as he promised!’” Mark 16:6-7

4. He GIVES
“So Peter went back aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was filled with a 153 large fish, and yet the net had not torn. ‘Now come and have some breakfast!’ Jesus said. Now they were sure it really was the Lord! Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.” John 21:1-14

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

5. He BUILDS
“When you have turned back to me, strengthen and build up your brothers.” Luke 22:32