E-pistle for June 18, 2010
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation June 18, 2010
Am I Like Simon . . . or Peter?
(Luke 22:1-71)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. The Jewish religious leaders plotted with Judas to kill Jesus, vv. 1-6.
2. Jesus and the disciples prepared to observe the Passover, vv. 7-13.
3. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, vv. 14-23.
4. The disciples argued about who would be the greatest, vv. 24-30.
5. Jesus predicted Peter's denial, vv. 31-34.
6. Jesus told the disciples to get prepared for a life on the run, vv. 35-38.
7. Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, vv. 39-46.
8. Jesus was betrayed and arrested, vv. 47-53.
9. Peter denied Jesus three times, then wept bitterly, vv. 54-62.
10. Jesus was mocked and beaten by the soldiers, vv. 63-65.
11. Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin, vv. 66-71.
II. Observations: on Simon Peter's name
1. Simon was Peter's given name . . . used by Jesus when Peter was not
very "Rock-like," vs. 31. (See John 21:15-17)
2. Peter was the name Jesus chose for Simon, meaning "Rocky,"
Matthew 16:16-19.
III. Meditation: on Jesus' dealings with Simon Peter
1. Jesus addressed His disciple as "Simon, Simon," v. 31, because He
foresaw his coming denial, v. 34.
2. Satan cannot attack believers without God's knowledge and permission,
v. 31; see Job 1; "to sift as wheat" means "shake your faith."
3. Jesus prayed for Simon Peter that his faith would not fail, v. 32.
4. Jesus also foresaw Peter's repentance and restoration. He used the word
"when" you have returned to Me, not "if" . . . further, Jesus then
commissioned Peter to strengthen the other disciples.
IV. Revelation: on the spiritual implications seen here
1. Jesus knows my name and He foresees my future.
2. The Lord will allow me to meet temptation, but not more than I can bear,
I Corinthians 10:13.
3. Jesus prays for me personally, Hebrews 7:25.
4. The Lord can take back-slidden sinners who are repentant, and make them
into solid pillars of strength in His kingdom.
V. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Hear God's voice calling my name, telling me to fulfill His destiny for me.
2. Resist Satan's temptations, looking unto Jesus who always provides me a
way of escape . . . if I'll take it.
3. Rest in the assurance that Jesus if praying for me.
4. When I sin, repent and receive forgiveness and cleansing so that I may
serve God and encourage other Christians.
Two ways to die
(Luke 23:1-56)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: dying with fear and blasphemy
1. Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, vv. 1-5.
2. Jesus was tried before King Herod, vv. 6-12.
3. Pilate released Barabbas and sentenced Jesus to be
crucified, vv. 13-25.
5. On His way to Calvary, Jesus encountered Simon, a Cyrenian,
and the mourning women of the city of Jerusalem, vv. 26-31.
6. Jesus suffered and died on the cross, vv. 44-49.
7. Jesus was buried in Joseph's tomb, vv. 50-56.
II. Meditation: on dying with fear and blasphemy (vv. 33, 39)
1. Both men were criminals, v. 33. (See Isaiah 53:9, 12)
2. One thief took up the same taunts of the religious leaders, soldiers,
and other people: "If you are the Christ, save Yourself," . . . to
which he added, "and us."
3. These words were blasphemy (v. 39) because the thief was
unrepentant and unbelieving. He mocked God!
4. His blasphemy was rebuked by the other criminal.
III. Meditation: on dying with faith and hope (vv. 40-42)
1. The second condemned criminal feared (reverenced) God and
the coming judgment, v. 40.
2. He admitted his sins, v. 41.
3. He recognized Jesus as pure and sinless, v. 41.
4. He acknowledged Jesus' lordship and asked to be remembered
when Christ came into His kingdom, v. 42. (What outstanding
faith because Jesus also was a condemned, dying man!)
IV. Revelation: on Jesus' response to this second man (v. 43)
1. Jesus gave him hope . . . "assuredly" . . . without a doubt!
2. Jesus promised him personally . . . you."
3. Jesus' acceptance was in the present tense . . . "today."
4. Jesus invited the thief into heaven . . . Paradise is being in the
presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
V. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Reverence God and receive hope in Christ.
2. Confess my sins and be forgiven personally.
3. Recognize Jesus as the sinless Messiah and worship Him as my
Lord . . . "the same yesterday, today, and forever," Hebrews 13:8.
4. Fellowship with Christ today . . . and throughout eternity.
"Yes, we must ever be friends; and of all who offer
you Friendship, let me be ever the first, the
truest, the nearest and dearest!
- - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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