In preparation for this past week’s sermon from Luke 22 and Peter’s denying of Jesus, I was reading from J.C. Ryle’s “Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.” Here is a treasure I found. 5 steps to falling into sin.

Ryle warns us to watch out and learn from these 5 steps we see in Peter’s life.

Ryle begins with “The story of Peter’s fall teaches us, firstly, how small and gradual are the steps by which men may go down into great sins.” 

1. The first step is proud self-confidence.
2. The second step was indolent neglect of prayer
3. The third step was vacillating indecision.
4. The fourth step was mingling with bad company.
5. The fifth and last step was the natural consequence of the preceding four.

Ryle concludes:

Let us beware of the beginnings of backsliding, however small. We never know what we may come to, if we once leave the king’s high-way. The professing Christian who begins to say of any sin or evil habit, “it is but a little one,” is in imminent danger.