A BIBLICAL APPLICATION

 “Then began he to curse and to swear…” Matt 26:74

Having given my own personal experience you might now ask, ‘What is your Scriptural example for what you are proposing, so that we may even begin to consider that what you propose is valid?’ Although the Scriptural teaching is quite evident without the need of an example, there is a similar experience by one of the New Testament’s most prominent figures, the Apostle Peter. Without elaborating too long on the life of Simon Peter, let us just touch on what is the pertinent information to our subject at hand. First of all, we know that he was a fisherman—he caught and sold fish to provide for his family. He was a blue collar worker, not refined, and not studied in religion, philosophy, or the sciences. He spent long days at sea, and at the end of the day cleaned the fish he caught and mended the fishing nets. He was strong and rough, as his job required him to be, both from enduring the elements of the job and from his association with others of his craft. Even in the days before he met Christ he would have been somewhat of a leader, outspoken, and with certain strength of character. Although he was not scholarly or outwardly religious, he had a sense of pride in what he did and in being a man’s man. Living in the land of Israel, he was aware of some Biblical truths. He was aware of his shortcomings and made no pretence of being self-righteous. He, like many in his day, waited for the Consolation of Israel—the appearing of the Messiah. The message of John the Baptist had begun to pierce his heart and had started to place him under the conviction of his sinfulness and spiritual need. When Christ came on the scene, Peter was ready to become a follower.

John 1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Some time later Christ came to the lake of Gennesaret and preached to the people there. Peter heard Him speak and when Jesus had finished He said to Peter, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets.” Peter and his companions had already spent all night trying to catch fish and had caught nothing. Nevertheless, they did as Jesus had said, and when they had let out their nets again they caught so many fish that their nets began to break. Peter himself was also caught that day by the Lord Jesus. Although it was not yet revealed to him who Jesus truly was, Peter became aware of being in the presence of someone of a higher power and of his own sinfulness, and cried out, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” From that day on, he abandoned his fishing business and made it his full time occupation to follow the Master.

 Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Peter not only was chosen as one of the Lord’s twelve disciples, but found himself in what may be referred to as the inner circle of the Lord’s confidants, along with James and John. It seemed that the Lord had a special relationship with these three, and allowed them to see and know things which the other disciples did not. Peter was with James and John when the Lord was transfigured before their eyes; and to Peter it may have first been revealed the true identity of his Master.

Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

2Pet 1:16 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.
17 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.
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

Matt 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

However, Peter was also a man who acted on his own inner strength. In almost every situation he was at the center stage, always speaking or acting first. It was he who spoke out when Jesus was transfigured; and it was he who asked to walk on the water with Jesus. It was he who forbade Jesus to go to Jerusalem; and it was he who cut off the ear of the high priests servant. He was known to be quick to speak—he was afflicted with foot in mouth disease. He was headstrong and always ready to act on his own—which made him susceptible to Satan’s influences. Such boldness may be a commendable trait among men, but God has no use for man’s initiatives. Those that would serve Him must wait patiently upon Him for direction. Peter therefore, suffered greatly because of this fleshly strength and self-will. More than once he was rebuked by Jesus for his forwardness and for being influenced by the enemies of the Lord.

Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

Matt 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

Matt 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

John 18:10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Human strength and courage may be admirable among men, but in times of demonic attack, it will never be able to withstand the onslaught of Satan.  Such was Peter’s case in the events leading up to our Lords capture and trial. Peter’s fleshly strength might have made him a leader of men, but it was of no value in the kingdom of God. He needed a power that was beyond human ability if he was to do battle for the Lord. Peter was a chosen vessel, but he was full of himself and needed to be emptied before he could be filled with God’s Spirit and power. As we have seen, only God can bring about the circumstances that will cause our flesh to utterly fail and enable us to see our own weakness.

Zech 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.        

In the Garden of Gethsemane Peter made a declaration, in the strength of his flesh, that he would never forsake his Lord, in spite of what Jesus had plainly said to all of the disciples. His first sign of fleshly weakness was his inability to even stay awake for his Lord, watching and praying as he was asked to do. He protested to Christ that he would die with Him, but when asked to simply watch and pray, he sleeps. Next, Peter, along with the rest of the disciples, forsakes Jesus as He was being apprehended. He then follows “afar off,” fearing to get too close to the crowd who captured His Lord, not wanting to be apprehended himself. While Jesus was being tried, Peter stood close by to see the events taking place, but failed to come to the aid of Jesus or to testify on His behalf. Peter’s final breakdown came as he stood by the enemy’s fire, comforting himself as he watched the trial of Jesus. When those who had gathered to watch the trial accused him of being a follower of Jesus, Peter denied their charge. Then as Jesus looked at Peter, he denied for the third time ever knowing Him. Fearing for his own life and to convince his tormentors that he was not a disciple of Jesus, Peter “began … to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.”

Matt 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

Now, this is not the end of our study on Peter or the result of his denial of Christ, much more will be said in a later chapter. However, for the present, what we are trying to show is that any man, even those who have been with Jesus, can be brought down to the dust and say things that reveal their corrupt nature. That even the strongest of men and the most privileged saints of God can be reduced to lying, cursing, and vile actions when confronted by fear and testing. We have the examples of many such saints including Abraham and David. Later, we will show, that it is even in the plan and purpose of God that they are allowed to be tried beyond their endurance, and to “curse,” “swear,” and “deny” Christ.

Gen 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.

1 Sam 21:11 And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?
12 And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath.
13 And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard.