Sermon 162

📖 Sermon 162 – Peter’s Failure Foretold

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 22:31–34

Introduction

Jesus turns to Peter with one of the most solemn warnings found in Scripture. Satan has demanded permission to sift Peter — to shake him violently, to test him to the core. But Christ has prayed for him, and through that intercession Peter will fall, yet rise again strengthened.

I. Satan’s Desire to Destroy

A. “Simon, Simon…”
A tender, earnest warning.

B. “Satan hath desired to have you”
A deliberate, malicious request — Satan seeks God’s people as his prey.

C. “That he may sift you as wheat”
A violent shaking — a severe test of faith.

II. Christ’s Intercession for the Believer

A. “But I have prayed for thee”
The only reason Peter survives.

B. “That thy faith fail not”
He may fall into sin, but not into utter ruin.

C. The prayers of Christ are the security of His people

III. Peter’s Presumption

A. “Lord, I am ready…”
He sincerely believes it.

B. “…to go with Thee, both into prison and to death.”
A bold spirit but lacking self-knowledge.

C. Confidence in self leads to devastating failure

IV. Christ Foretells Peter’s Fall

A. “I tell thee, Peter…”
A solemn certainty.

B. “The cock shall not crow this day…”
The failure is imminent.

C. “…before thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me.”
A triple denial from the man who professed undying loyalty.

Conclusion

The passage teaches the weakness of man, the malice of Satan, and above all the power of Christ’s intercession. Peter fell deeply, but he was not lost — because Christ prayed for him. So He prays for all who belong to Him, that their faith fail not.