AUGUST 30, 2025
Topic: “INTIMACY AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE CHURCH – DENIAL“
Text: Mark 14:66-72
Memory Verse: “But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man of whom you speak.” Mark 14:71
Peter was a prominent apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ. He had intimate relationship with Christ. He and other apostles were under the tutelage of Christ for over three years; they moved and dined together with Christ. Prior to His arrest and trial, Jesus Christ foretold Peter’s denial. Peter’s response then was, “Even though they all fall away, I will not” – Mark 14: 29.
During Jesus’ trial, three different individuals, who recognized Peter as Christ’s follower challenged him. Peter, caught by the unexpected identification forgot his boast of loyalty to Christ. He vehemently denied that he did not know Jesus. The crowing of the cock awakened Peter to the enormity of his sin of denial.
“Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he falls” – 1 Corinthians 10:12. We have to be careful not to assume too much. Today, many Christians are victims of denial thus struggling with this spiritual warfare. We deny Christ for self- preservation. Some Christians give bribe to police in order to escape the consequences of committing an offence. I have heard Christians telling people that this is business, don’t bring Jesus into this. Others will pass the buck to Satan after committing sin.
All these are denials of Jesus Christ. Per chance we commit the sin of denial, let us be bold and humble enough to ask God for forgiveness. He is always ready to forgive if only we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. Peter was fully rehabilitated by Jesus after confession and repentance. Christ’s injunction to Peter was, “if you love me, feed my sheep” – John 21:15-17.
Remember, Christ shed his precious blood to redeem us from our sins. He should be honored by us showing our gratitude and appreciation him rather than living lives of denial.
PRAYER: My dear heavenly Father, uphold me with your mighty hand any time I face a situation that will make me to deny you. Glory and honor be to your Holy Name because of your love in Christ’s precious name, Amen.