Why Christians Fall (2 of 9)
THE MINISTRY OF RESTORATION
Stan Coffey
We know that Christians do fall and I think the Bible has many stories that would give us indication about why believers fall. I think we only study that to see those reasons so that we can avoid those things that would cause us to fall and that we might do the things that would cause us to stand and be true to the Lord.
Luke 22:31 -- "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold. Satan has desireth to have you that he may sift you as wheat."
Let me say that Jesus could say that of every single person here today. Satan hath desired to have you. Never forget that. "That he may sift you as wheat." That he may do with you what he will.
Verse 32 -- "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
You might say "converted" is used there in the sense of restoration, when you have been turned from that black-sliding way, when you have gone through the fire and when you've been restored, then strengthen thy brethren.
There is one thing about going through an experience of falling, back-sliding and coming back to God and that is, you are a lot more sympathetic to other brethren who need to be restored, because you've been through it and you understand what it is.
Verse 33 -- "And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death."
Did you ever notice how Peter is always arguing with the Lord? Can't you identity with Peter? I sometimes have difficulty identifying with the tremendous dedication of the apostle Paul and his stability, his steadfastness and the way God used him. But, I can identify so well with Simon Peter.
He begins to argue with the Lord. He begins to say, "Well Lord, this message is for somebody else. Why are you talking to me? Why are you saying to me that Satan is after me? Why are you trying to warm me Lord? I am ready to go with you into prison and to deat ...
THE MINISTRY OF RESTORATION
Stan Coffey
We know that Christians do fall and I think the Bible has many stories that would give us indication about why believers fall. I think we only study that to see those reasons so that we can avoid those things that would cause us to fall and that we might do the things that would cause us to stand and be true to the Lord.
Luke 22:31 -- "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold. Satan has desireth to have you that he may sift you as wheat."
Let me say that Jesus could say that of every single person here today. Satan hath desired to have you. Never forget that. "That he may sift you as wheat." That he may do with you what he will.
Verse 32 -- "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
You might say "converted" is used there in the sense of restoration, when you have been turned from that black-sliding way, when you have gone through the fire and when you've been restored, then strengthen thy brethren.
There is one thing about going through an experience of falling, back-sliding and coming back to God and that is, you are a lot more sympathetic to other brethren who need to be restored, because you've been through it and you understand what it is.
Verse 33 -- "And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death."
Did you ever notice how Peter is always arguing with the Lord? Can't you identity with Peter? I sometimes have difficulty identifying with the tremendous dedication of the apostle Paul and his stability, his steadfastness and the way God used him. But, I can identify so well with Simon Peter.
He begins to argue with the Lord. He begins to say, "Well Lord, this message is for somebody else. Why are you talking to me? Why are you saying to me that Satan is after me? Why are you trying to warm me Lord? I am ready to go with you into prison and to deat ...
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