Introduction
Peter denied the Lord Jesus Christ. But Christ prayed for Him that his faith not fail. John 21 appeared to Peter and restored him.
Backsliding
We need faith and prayer to repent and recover from spiritual decline.
1 – Open the Word of God learn what we have in Christ and apply them in our lives
2 – stop committing adultery with the world. Humble yourselves
3 – run away fast from all temptation
4 – beat your body black and blue
5 – plead with the mighty ling of all to unleash His power for you.
They profess to know God but by their deeds they deny Him. Jesus is above all and has the power to overcome all. He has the power to bring us all the way to glory. Ask for it and plead for it.
Acts 4:31 (NKJV) And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Pray when we feel helpless:
Hebrews 5:7 (NKJV) who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,
We have a vast spiritual armory available to us. Ephesians 6
Ephesians 6:11-13 (NKJV) 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.] 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
6 – be salt and be salted.
We are not alone do not leave our brother alone. We need each other and need to help each other keep accountable to walk in the Lord. Church attendance is vital to our growth.
Church discipline
Matthew 18:6 (NKJV) “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another,] and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
7 – Keep in mind the end of all things is near
1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
We need to let go of all earthly things if we don’t let go we will end with them.
2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
Repent and believe. Believe in Christ and you will be saved. Why are we investing so much in this life when the world is passing away?
2 Peter 3:13-14 (NKJV) 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
Be salt and be salted. Influence your brothers, keep them accountable and don’t let them alone. Pray for these things with an open bible. By Gods grace we will do this. He has written it, He has commanded it..