Denial

Matthew 10:33,

 "But whosoever shall deny me before men,

him will I also deny before my Father which
is in heaven."

MATTHEW 10:32-33

This word "deny" can mean a variety of
things from as little as "to assert the
contrary of" to " to disavow; disown."
For example, we can see that it must have
been the lesser type of denial which was
committed by Peter because God certainly
forgave Peter's sin and continued using him.

In Hebrews 6:4-6, the Lord states that there
is no repentance from total denial of the Lord
(Hebrews10:29).
Even though Peter denied (asserted he did
not know) the Lord, he did not disown or
disavow the Lord.

No believer desires to deny our Lord, but
failing to provide for spiritual health is the
first step in that direction.
Remembering this will help motivate us to
seek the Lord as we know we should.
It takes more than desire; it takes
preparation.
 
We have all been taught how to rely on
ourselves, but we have to learn anew how
to be strong in the Lord and in the power
of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

Just as in the physical realm, muscles have
to be exercised to become strong, so we
have to exercise ourselves unto Godliness
(1 Timothy 4:7).

Many people have been tormented by fear
in thinking that they have denied the Lord
because of some type of sin in their life.
 
However, God looks on the heart
(1 Samuel 16:7) and, regardless of how
offensive our actions or words might be, if
there is still a place in our hearts where we
honor Him, He will not deny us
(2 Timothy 2:12-13).