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 shark is an indication that its prey is vulnerable, weak, and an easy attack. Likewise, pride is like an open wound that attracts Satan because he knows that a prideful person is vulnerable, weak, and an easy attack.
* When we become confident in our own ability, we become spiritually complacent. When we fail to NEED and HEED God's commands, truths, & warnings, we are setting ourselves up for enemy attack.

2.) Prayerlessness (Luke 22:45-46)- Jesus instructs his disciples to pray, yet when he returns he finds them sleeping. They obviously were not even remotely aware of what was about to happen. Their comfort became more important than their obedience.
* If the realities and desires of the world become a higher priority than spending time in prayer, we are opening ourselves up to spiritual failure and lukewarmness. Don't think for a moment that you can avoid prayer and live spiritually strong- it can't happen!
* The reality is, if you are too busy to pray- you're just too busy! Quit something and put prayer back on the priority list!

3.) Following At a Distance (Luke 22:54-55)- After Jesus is arrested, Peter does follow, but at a distance. Because of the deceitfulness of sin, following at a distance can easily lead to increased tolerance and acceptance of sin and failure to stand with conviction for what is right.
* This phrase is perhaps one of the most descriptive phrases of the American Christian- "following at a distance." Many people want the benefit of heaven without the responsibility of obedience, and it simply doesn't work that way.* Backsliding is not just falling backward, it's failing to move forward. Following at a distance will certainly slow down, if not completely stop, your forward movement.

Once saved always saved? NO. Can your salvation be taken from you? NO. However, it certainly can be forfeited by neglect. Carelessness can easily lead to apathy- apathy can easiy lead to neglect- and neglect can easily lead to a conscious decision to sin.

"See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Heb. 3:12)

Any comments/questions? I'd love to hear back from you... Pastor Kevin