1. Warning Signs Along The Road to Apostasy Matthew 26:30-75

2. Apostasy Greek word “apostasia” meaning “a defection, revolt, apostasy” –Translated forsake (Acts 21:21) –Falling away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3) –Gradual process

3. Overconfidence (vv. 30-35) Peter’s intention (v. 33) –Why we need to “take heed” (1 Corinthians 10:12) –Paul’s awareness (1 Corinthians 9:27) –Excessive self-confidence

4. Inattention to Warnings (v. 31) Various warnings signs –Labels –Traffic signs –Often ignore them

5. Inattention to Warnings (v. 31) God’s warnings –Peter (Luke 22:31; 1 Peter 5:8) –Evil influences (Proverbs 6:27, 28) –Companions (1 Corinthians 15:33) –Warned of judgment (Matthew 25:46)

6. Acting Without Authority (v. 51) Peter’s good intention another time –Defend Jesus (John 18:10) –Not what Jesus wanted (Matthew 5:10, 11) –No positive divine authority

7. Acting Without Authority (v. 51) Ends do not justify the means –C–Can’t just look at the good done –M–Must have authority (Matthew 28:18) –D–Do all in His name (Colossians 3:17) –A–Avoid lawlessness (Matthew 7:21-23)

8. Following From Afar (vv. 57-74) Peter at least stayed –Others left –Cannot follow from afar. (Revelation 3:15, 16)

9. Following From Afar (vv. 57-74) Follow Jesus’ steps –Our example (1 Peter 2:21) –Peter’s shame (vv. 69-74) –Honor to suffer as a Christian (1 Peter 4:12-16) –Imitate the apostles (Acts 5:40-42)

10. Forgetting Christ’s Words (v. 75) What had Peter done? –Hadn’t actually forgotten –Remembered the words –Had shoved them aside

11. Forgetting Christ’s Words (v. 75) Word is a barrier to apostasy –Jesus quoted it (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) –We need to use it so that we do not sin (Psalm 119:11) –Remember His example (Hebrews 2:1-3) –Quit sinning (1 John 2:1, 2; 3:9)

12. Conclusion What happened to Peter could be me and you Peter changed Will you? (Acts 4:12, 13)