Sermon Tone Analysis

On Resurrection Sunday, in our Second Vignette - Our thief was caught, and began to share his denial of what was truly important - Paying attention to God’s Word… He had denied so much, now a convicted thief and murderer - he was beginning to understand the cost of DENYING GOD IN HIS LIFE

I want to speak to the Christ - Followers regarding DENIAL..

Understanding Denial

Denial Begins with Internal CONFLICT

There is FEAR of Labels (Christians ARE the problem…) - v. 25

There is FEAR of Threats (We will Ruin You) - v. 26

There is the FEAR of Harm (We will Kill You) - v. 28 - Notice the Chiasm, kill the BODY, cannot touch the SOUL, for only God can destroy the SOUL and BODY in HELL - The Chiasm put’s GOD in the central position and FEAR at the beginning and HELL at the End

CHALLENGE: Jesus is Clear, Fear is Set Opposite of HELL - Never Let Your Fear of Following Jesus Put you (or the others you should be telling about Jesus) in Jeopardy of HELL

Denial is Fueled by Family & Social CRITICISM

The Criticism flows from Publicly Declaring What Jesus has shown us in Secret, in our Bible Study, Personal Devotions, as we grow in the word God intends for there to be a SOCIAL OUTLET of what he has done in our private Lives

Today, we are told that Religion is a private thing (in other words go worship and shut-up) - but Jesus Tells us here an in Mark 4 that what we learn of Him in secret MUST FLOW OUT IN A SOCIAL CONTEXT

21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed?

Of course not!

A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.

22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.

23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear.

The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.

25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given.

But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

CHALLENGE: Failure to CONTINUE Following, Learning and Expressing What Jesus has taught us Results in LOSS of what we already possessed about Him!!!

Deserting Jesus Results not only in Dereliction of Duty but in Him Deserting You in the Wilderness of your choice...

Denial Ends with Public CONDEMNATION

Let’s Return to Verse 33, then add verses 38-39

CHALLENGE: You Have One of Two Choices when it Comes to Denial and Public Condemnation… Choose Peter’s Path and PUBLICLY DENY JESUS…

A Risk-Reward analysis that includes Matthew 10:33 and Matthew 10:38-39 Indicates that this would be a poor choice in light of ETERNAL consequences...

OR

Choose to grow in the teachings of Jesus and Be Ready Always to Give an Answer of the Hope that is in you in The SOCIAL Arenas of your life - Family, Work, Public Discourse - Let what Jesus has taught you flow into the lives of others, without regard for the potential Conflict, Criticism or Condemnation that may arise.