INTRODUCTION:
A. Comfort of being close versus the loneliness of isolation (Gen. 2:18)
1. In Christ, we are part of the family of God and enjoy intimate fellowship.
2. Jesus’ death on the cross made reconciliation possible and fulfills our deepest longing.
B. The apostle Peter’s life is a commentary on the importance of closeness to Jesus.
1. At his calling (Lk. 5:1-11)
2. At his restoration (Jn. 21:1-17)
3. At his denial (Jn. 18:12-27)
I. CLOSENESS TO JESUS WILL COST US SOMETHING.
A. Peter was willing to fight and confused by Jesus’ willing surrender.
B. A close relationship with the Lord requires tough decisions.
1. There are decisions which must be made along the way.
a. “Are you with Me or against Me?” (Mt. 12:30).
b. “Are you seeking first God’s kingdom?” (Mt. 6:33).
2. Annas and Caiaphas made closeness to God costly for the people.
C. Closeness is costly in the spiritual realm as well (Jas. 4:8).
II. CLOSENESS CALLS FOR SACRIFICE—WE MUST NOT WITHDRAW.
A. It only seemed safer by the warmth of the fire.
B. Satan makes it easy to deny the Lord (Jn. 18:17, 26; Mt. 26:74; Lk. 22:61-62).
C. The first step backward makes the next a little easier (Hb. 3:13; 10:35-39).
CONCLUSION:
A. We must move forward—out of the shadows and into His presence.
B. Closeness to God is something only Jesus can give us (1 Jn. 1:9).