Between Two Faiths
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Analyzing the crucial dynamic between self-faith and Kingdom faith.
Text: Luke 22:31-34
Date: 08/31/2025, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 208
Description:
After establishing that true Kingdom greatness is found in servanthood, and radical discipleship will include hard work and suffering, Jesus turns His attention to the vital subject of faith. He reveals to His disciples (and particularly Peter) that the enemy who had so ruthlessly attacked Him during His ministry was demanding their souls as if they were his. Peter is convinced that his faith is strong enough to face even the most severe trials for Jesus' name, but the Lord famously foretells that before the night is out his faith will fail him miserably. An important dynamic emerges between the self-faith Peter thought He had that failed, and the Kingdom faith Jesus prays for that will not. We will analyze this dynamic between the two types of faith and realize that trials and temptations tend to destroy one and bolster the other. Ultimately we will learn that faith in anyone or anything other than Jesus is misguided and leaves the disciple in a confusing and dangerous condition-- between two faiths.
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I. Introduction, Luke 17:5-6.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 22:31-34.
A. Context
B. Learning Kingdom faith.
1. Peter's peril, vs. 31.
a. An emphatic address, Luke 13:34,41-42.
b. Satan's demand.
i. Looking at words.
1) Grabbing Peter's attention.
2) The perpetrator of evil.
3) Taking back what he thinks is his.
4) Focus on all the disciples.
ii. Putting the words together.
1) What is satan demanding? Luke 6:30, 4:5-7, 12:20; Eph. 2:1-2.
2) Satan's error, John 17:6; 1Pet. 3:15, Job 1:10-11.
c. Satan's desire to "sift" the disciples.
i. The imagery of sifting.
1) The mechanics of sifting in general, Amos 9:9.
2) The mechanics of sifting wheat, Luke 3:17.
3) The imagery of separation.
ii. The meaning of satan's demand, Job 1:12, 2:7.
iii. Satan's folly, Eph. 1:4.
2. In between two intentions, vs. 32.
a. Jesus' prayer of protection.
i. A fervent prayer, Luke 11:1-2, 10:2, 5:12.
ii. What Jesus did NOT pray for, John 17:15; James 1:2-3; Acts 5:41.
iii. What Jesus did pray for.
1) What kind of faith is Jesus praying for?
2) Where does Kingdom faith come from?
a) Kingdom faith is from God, Eph. 2:8; Luke 22:28.
b) Peter's faith is from Peter.
(1) When Peter tried to walk on water, Matt. 14:31.
(2) On the trip to the other side, Mark 4:38; Luke 8:24-25; Phil 1:29; John 6:37,44.
3) What is Kingdom faith designed to do?
4) What is the solitary focus of Kingdom faith? 1Pet. 1:6-7.
b. Turning and strengthening.
i. Turning back, Luke 17:31; 1Pet. 2:25; Gal. 4:9.
ii. Edifying the saints; John 21:15-17.
iii. Between two intentions.
3. Peter's blustery response, vs. 33.
a. Analyzing Peter's faith, Matt. 26:33.
b. Dying to "self-faith".
4. Peter's impending trial, vs. 34.
a. Looking at the words.
b. Analyzing the reason for the interchange.
III. Application
IV. Conclusion
