Peter, the backslidden disciple. We usually don't think of him this way, but that's what happened. One of the twelve chosen by Jesus Himself and one of Jesus' inner circle (Peter, James, & John) reached a point where he denied ever knowing Jesus (Luke 22). How does that happen? Although there are many possible reasons, it seems to me that there was a gradual progression (or regression) in Peter's life...

1.) Self-Confidence: Luke 22:31-33 records Peter's response when Jesus tells his disciples of the events to come- "Though all fall away, yet will I not!" Peter arrogantly says out loud that all the other disciples (those weaklings) may fall away, but there is no chance of him doing that.
* Pride is a dangerous thing. Just like a shark can sense blood from a great distance, so Satan can sense pride from a great
distance. Blood to a...