"As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not." John 18:25
For our own sakes, we should mark the steps which led to Peter's fall.
1. One was his self-confidence. When forewarned, he resented the Master's foretelling, and declared that though others might deny Christ — he never would. When we grow boastful — we are in great peril. Safety lies in a consciousness of our own weakness — and in implicit trust in God.
2. The next step toward Peter's fall was his sleeping in the garden — when he should have been watching and praying. That hour was given for preparation for temptation — but was not improved.
3. Another step was his rashness in drawing his sword in the garden. This act made him liable to arrest, and this fact made him nervous and afraid of recognition. He tried to hide his connection with Jesus, lest he would be arrested for his assault in the garden. Rash acts are sure to make trouble for us afterward.
4. Another step toward denial was Peter's following Christ afar off. This showed timidity and failing faith. His courage was leaving him. Following Christ at a distance, is always perilous. It shows a weakening attachment and a trembling loyalty. It is in itself, partial denial. The only worthy and the only safe discipleship — is thorough, unwavering devotion and whole-hearted consecration.
5. This apostle took another step toward his fall, when he sat down among the servants of the high priest. He tried to hide his relation to Jesus. The only safe thing for a Christian, is unequivocally to declare his discipleship wherever he goes.
When Peter had taken these steps, he could scarcely do otherwise than openly deny his Lord. The time for us to guard ourselves — is at the beginnings of defection.
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J.R. Miller (1840 - 1912)
Prolific author and pastor of Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois, Rev. James Russell Miller served the USCC as a field agent in the Army of the Potomac and Army of the Cumberland.J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia. J.R. Miller D.D.'s lasting fame is through his over 50 books. Many are still in publication.
James Russell Miller (March 20, 1840 - July 2, 1912) was a popular Christian author, Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, and pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
In 1857, James entered Beaver Academy and in 1862 he progressed to Westminster College, Pennsylvania, which he graduated in June, 1862. Then in the autumn of that year he entered the theological seminary of the United Presbyterian Church at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller resumed his interrupted studies at the Allegheny Theological Seminary in the fall of 1865 and completed them in the spring of 1867. That summer he accepted a call from the First United Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He was ordained and installed on September 11, 1867.
J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia.
Five years later, in 1880, Dr. Miller became assistant to the Editorial Secretary at the The Presbyterian Board of Publication, also in Philadelphia.