Peter's Mountain Top Failure

Matthew 17:1-13

When we think about Peter we often consider his failures. Perhaps it is his failure to keep his eyes on Christ as he stepped out of the boat to meet Jesus. Or we may remember his failure at the arrest and trial of Jesus. As a matter of fact there were a number of failures in Peter's life. Perhaps that is why it is so easy for us to identify with him.

Tonight I want us to consider one of Peter's failures, not to pick on Peter, but to learn from it. If it is human to say a dumb thing at a crucial time, and it is, then Peter was indeed human. In our text tonight we find Peter on a mountaintop in the presence of the Lord.

Read: Matthew 17:1-13

I. Peter Failed to Hear what Christ was Trying to Tell Him

II. Peter Failed to Understand the Nature of Spiritual Lessons

III. Peter Failed by Trying to Step Ahead of God

IV. Peter Failed by Trying to Contain God in Temporal Quarters

V. Peter Failed by Trying to Hold Today's Blessings for the Future

Peter failed: to hear what Christ was trying to tell him to understand spiritual lessons by trying by trying to step ahead of God by trying to put God into a box by trying to make today's blessings last until tomorrow.

But Peter's main failure was one of self-will. We fail in the same ways for the same reasons. But we are told that Peter learned. But will we?

(2 Peter 1:15-18) Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.