THE IDENTITY OF THE KING
Text: Book Of Matthew 16
Sunday School Focus: Matthew 16: 13-19, 21-27
What we will see in this chapter is a marked turning point in the ministry of Christ Jesus. The twelve disciples will openly identify Jesus as the Christ, God's Messiah. Jesus will speak of the Church. Jesus will declare His intention to die and be resurrected. The world will see Her Savior.
Last week in our study we saw the enemies of Our Lord. We should notice in the scriptures for today we see another group mentioned. We saw them earlier but let's look again.
1.) Who really are the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were the strictest religious sect among the Jew. It could be said that they were the religious upper class. They not only kept the letter of the law (Moses Laws) but they enforced the keeping of the Oral laws pasted down from generation to generation. Placing more emphasis on the Oral law if conflict developed as we have seen. Christ Jesus uncovered the wickedness in their hearts, they were hypocrites and let's not be confused, hypocrites are lost as Job's turkey.
2.) Who are the scribes?
The scribes had the care of the written law and studied it. We already know as Christians unless you are guided by the Holy Spirit, the Bible will not make a lot of sense to the lost world. They will see the words of salvation and then they will have to believe to go further. The scribes made the manuscripts, taught the law, explained the difficulties, kept the records and were sometimes referred to as lawyers.
3.) Who were these Sadducees?
First we can readily see they did not know Jesus, that's why they were so "Sad You See"!
The Sadducees were the very opposite from the Pharisees and the scribes. The Pharisees hated the Sadducees and the Sadducees were the sworn enemies of the Pharisees.
The sect called the Sadducees were actually a reform movement against the sect of Pharisees. They denied the supernatural, in fact they denied almost everything the Pharisees taught.
With these things in mind we will now see as these groups are joined together, even traveling to the land of the gentiles, to confront the Lord Jesus Christ. They both now have a common cause, "opposing the Lord Jesus Christ, His Enemies.
They all had the same satanic hatred for Our Savior. We can see as the remnants of all these sects are alive and well in our day. We call Sadducees the modern day humanist (the liberal movement) and those of the Pharisees, those that place man's word above God's Word (the traditionalists). As we speak they seek to form a union a world wide brotherhood of men against Christianity and the Lord Jesus Christ.
*****Our Text:
Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Let's look at a lack of faith. This group that hated Christ Jesus so much came together to ask Jesus for some special sign from Heaven.
The word "sign" as it is used here means more than a miracle or a demonstration of power as they had already seen in the miracles that Jesus had done and were not denied. The word "sign" as they requested meant much more. They wanted to see a "wonder" in the heavens just for themselves. This the fourth time they had asked for a sign.
Mat 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Joh 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Joh 6:30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Joh 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
We have already seen and will continue to see that "miracles do not convict people of their sin" nor give sinful people a desire to seek salvation. The purpose of these miracles was to show the glory and the mercy of God, to fulfill scripture and to prove that the Messiah was among His people.
Thank God for His "Grace" without which there could be no salvation for we are certainly undeserving of it!
Our Lord mentioned the weather simply to show that there was plenty of evidence of the existance of God without any other signs:
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
These Pharisees and Sadducees did not lack evidence they lacked faith from the from the heart.
Jesus told them they had spiritual adultery:
Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
These men were worshipping a false God, a God that they had made up in their own minds, a God that did not exist! Had they been worshipping the true God they would have easily seen the Messiah that stood before them.
They would now see the sign of the "death", "burial", and the "resurrection". This was the true sign to Israel that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah come down from God.
This was the same sign that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and over 3000 were saved.
*****Our Text:
Mat 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Mat 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Mat 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Mat 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
Mat 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Mat 16:10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Mat 16:11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Mat 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
We have seen the ones that had no faith so lets look at those that should have abounded in faith.
A lesson we all can learn here is that those that do not believe nor have faith in God cannot be instructors of God's Word.
Because of all this opposition Jesus left for Bethsaida.
Mar 8:22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
This was the home of Peter and Andrew. When Christ Jesus warned them of the leaven of these Pharisees, He was warning them of the spirit of hypocrisy, the teaching of these people. Christ reminded these disciples that He did not depend on them to provide bread for their own needs. This He could do at any time.
"Little Faith" was a phrase Christ used often with these disciples and how well it applies to all that know the name of the Lord. "Little Faith" is better than no faith at all. All God's disciples have many lessons to learn to graduate to the phrase "Great Faith". It's best to learn these lessons quickly.
*****Our Text:
Mat 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?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 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.
Mat 16:18 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.
Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus took His disciples into Gentile territory again. This was near the home of Peter and Andrew. This would have been about 120 miles from Jerusalem. This region was full of false religion.
There was:
1.) Baal worship
2.) There were the shrines to the Greek God Pan
3.) Herod had built a temple to worship Augustus Caesar
This is the setting in which Jesus ask, not just Peter but all His disciples:
"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? "
To those of us that know and love the true Church, this is an important part of the Bible. Jesus Christ announced that he would not yet establish His Kingdom but HE WOULD BUILD HIS CHURCH!
The most important thing we need to know in our lives is "Who Is Jesus Christ"?
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This and only this information will lead us to salvation:
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1Jn 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1Jn 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jn 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1Jn 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jn 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
His work and His person go together and cannot be separated.
It is still amazing to see how confused the public is about Jesus Christ the Savior to all mankind.
1.) Jesus was not John the Baptist raised from the dead!
2.) Jesus was not the fulfillment of the prophesy of Elijah!
3.) Jesus was a man of sorrows but He was not a resurrected Jeremiah!
4.) Jesus Christ was not just any other prophet, Jesus was the Messiah:
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
We must never allow this world to influence us in knowing Jesus Christ. If we have a copy of His true and living Word we must decide from the facts presented to us from His Word.
It is Peter who has the right answer!
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God"
Peter said without a doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. "Christ" is not the last name of Jesus, "Christ" is Greek for Messiah, The Anointed One sent of God.
God will reveal in us the important things if we open up our heart to Him:
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Mat 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
It's called trusting in the Lord. It is the grace of God. This thing had been hidden from the Pharisee, the scribes and the Sadducees, given to the disciples. This the truth of the Gospel. God will reveal to us things in His Word that is not revealed by the false teaching and preaching in our churches.
This was not the first time that this was said of Jesus:
Joh 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Mat 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Joh 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Peter was told this by his brother on the first day he met Jesus:
Joh 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Why was this time different?
This was not an emotional response from someone that had just witnessed a miracle but it was a decision reached after observing all the facts from a man that was taught of God.
*****Our Text
Mat 16:18 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.
Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
*****The Rock:
Jesus the Christ, now tells His disciples how He will build something new called His Church. The word "church" has not been seen in the Bible up until this time. Matthew is the only Gospel that has the word "church".
The Old Testament taught that the word "Rock" was a symbol for God. These disciples knew this.
Deu 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psa 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Matthew wrote:
"That thou art Peter, and upon this rock"
The Greek word for Peter is "petros" which means "a stone".
Jesus said upon this "petra", a large rock, He would build His church. Jesus had given Simon a new name. In Aramaic form the name was Cephas.
Joh 1:42 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.
Everyone that confesses Jesus as the Christ, The Messiah, The Son of God is then a living stone:
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
We must not get confused as some have, Jesus Christ is the foundational "Rock" on which the true church is built.
Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Jesus Christ Himself said the same thing:
Mat 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Mat 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
The Apostles, including Peter, also said that the foundation for the church, is Jesus Christ:
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The Apostle Paul wrote the same thing:
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
This was the sermon preached by all the Apostles:
1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
We can see that the Bible states clearly that the Church, God's temple is built on Jesus Christ and not on Peter.
God could never build His Church on the failures of any Man.
That "rock" is clarified in Peter's statement:
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God"
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
*****The Church
The word "Church" comes from the Greek word "ekklesia". We get our English word "ecclesiastical" from this word, which refers to the things of the Church. Christ was not going to build a local assembly. He would be building a Church for "whosoever" would call on His name no matter where they lived or whatever nation they came from.
The word "Church" means a called out people:
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
When Jesus Christ talked about "My Church", He was talking about something entirely new and different. Jesus Christ would unite believers, Jews and Gentiles to form a new temple, a new body:
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
There would be no distinctions of peoples:
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
There is one and only One builder of the Church, who is also the Head of the Church:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
All believers have one walk in the Church:
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
This why we have some "One" in Heaven praying for the success of His Church:
Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Joh 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Joh 17:25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
*****The Gates of Hell:
Hell is the place where all non-believers will spend their time after death of the flesh.
Luk 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luk 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luk 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
There are so many that reject God's Word that God has enlarged Hell which He originally designed for Satan and the angels that followed him.
Isa 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Isa 5:14 [Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
Isa 5:15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
It is the Lord Jesus Christ that has the keys to this place and Him only.
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
The believer will never spend one minute in Hell:
2Co 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Paul wrote:
Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Php 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
That word "Gates" represents power and authority. To the Jew the city gate was like our city hall. Most all business took place at the city gates.
Deu 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
The gates of hell would be the place where Satan had held authority and power.
Christ Jesus conquered Satan's power of death at the cross.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb 2:13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
*****The Keys To The Kingdom:
Again we must say that the the kingdom of heaven is not Heaven. No living human being could ever tote the keys to Heaven.
A "key" is designed to open doors and locks. The Apostle Peter was given the privilege of opening the "door of faith".
1.) To the Jew at Pentecost.
Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Act 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Act 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
2.) To the Samaritans:
Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
3.) To the Gentiles:
Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
All the Apostles shared in this authority:
Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them
No where in the Bible are we told that Peter or any of the Apostles nor their successors had any special privilege or position in the living church of God.
Peter wrote:
1Pe 1:1 Peter, [an apostle] of Jesus Christ,
1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, [who am also an elder],
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, [a servant] and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
*****Binding and Loosing
This could also be said "forbidding and allowing". In other words these Apostles would preach the pure Word of God with the Word of God being the measuring rod. If God's Word said it was permitted then it was permitted. If God's Word said it was "sin" and forbidden, then it is forbidden.
The Apostle Paul said many times "God Forbid" because this phrase is in the Bible 24 times.
God's Word is bound in Heaven, so should it be on Earth. The Church is to obey God's will on this earth and not the will of man.
The Apostles were not to share the truth about Jesus being the Messiah, the Son of God until after His passion, not until Pentecost.
The world would not be ready until the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Our Lord.
*****Our Text:
Mat 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.
Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Mat 16:23 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.
Jesus now began to reveal His appointment with death to fulfill all prophesy.
1.) He must go to Jerusalem.
The place of sacrifice.
2.) He must suffer many things.
Of the elders, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, all who represented the religious leadership of Israel.
3.) He Must Be killed!
This was the substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.
4.) He Would Be Resurrected On The Third Day.
To prove He was God.
1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The word "rebuke" is a strong word. Peter intended to try to keep the Lord Jesus from going to Jerusalem in some fashion and of course this could not be allowed. Jesus used the name Satan because it had been Satan's purpose since he had deceived Eve to stop this from happening. Satan had already tried to kill Jesus before this appointed time.
Satan had not been able to accomplish his purpose:
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Remember Satan had offered Christ Jesus this kingdom without the cross.
THERE HAD TO BE A PAYMENT MADE FOR ALL OUR SIN!
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ETERNAL LIFE CAN ONLY COME THROUGH THE CROSS OF JESUS!
Peter was thinking like a man:
"for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men"
That's the reason God tells us:
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
We will never think right until we can think like God intended us to think!
*****Our Text:
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Instructions for discipleship.
The calling of a disciple comes at a high cost.
Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
This is a daily walk with God. God does not have any part time jobs!
The disciple comes through stages of development:
1.) There are the "curious":
Multitudes were attracted to Jesus and to hear His Word.
2.) There are the "convinced":
From those multitudes who are curious there will be some who will come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
3.) There are the "committed".
If you are convinced then you must be committed to the work of the Lord.
A disciple will submit himself, or herself to the absolute will of God! A disciple must set aside his own will, the cross that Jesus bore was a test of His obedience to the will of God. To Christ Jesus the cross was His tree of the knowledge of good and evil where Adam had failed.
Christ spoke not only to the disciples but also to the multitudes:
Mar 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
We must decide if we are going to follow the Pharisees, the super religious, or are we going to follow the known will of God. It is the known will because He wrote it all down for us to see and to learn:
2Ti 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Jesus Christ gives three reasons why we should follow Him:
1.) Jesus says there is a safety reason.
If a person decided not to follow Christ Jesus because people were threatening their lives then that person would actually die but to jeopardize your own life in the name of Jesus will gain ones eternal life.
Luke wrote of the Apostle Paul:
Act 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
John wrote of the believer:
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
2.) Then there is the economical reasons:
If you refuse to follow Jesus Christ because of your possessions on this Earth, then you will actually loose everything. To sacrifice for Christ is to find true riches.
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
3.) There is a judgment coming:
When Christ comes in all His power and glory to take His throne, he will judge all people.
The Church will be with Him and miss this judgment.
Those that remain and have rejected Christ will not be accepted into His Kingdom.
Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Jesus gave this multitude and His disciples a serious warning. That same warning is preached in every true Church today. Jesus had said that the "gates of hell" will not prevent the fulfillment of His plan. In fact Jesus indicated that nothing on this earth could stop the fulfillment of this plan, not even death itself.
Psa 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psa 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Psa 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Psa 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
The whole world will behold His glory when He comes back again:
Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Let's Pray!
Text: Book Of Matthew 16
Sunday School Focus: Matthew 16: 13-19, 21-27
What we will see in this chapter is a marked turning point in the ministry of Christ Jesus. The twelve disciples will openly identify Jesus as the Christ, God's Messiah. Jesus will speak of the Church. Jesus will declare His intention to die and be resurrected. The world will see Her Savior.
Last week in our study we saw the enemies of Our Lord. We should notice in the scriptures for today we see another group mentioned. We saw them earlier but let's look again.
1.) Who really are the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were the strictest religious sect among the Jew. It could be said that they were the religious upper class. They not only kept the letter of the law (Moses Laws) but they enforced the keeping of the Oral laws pasted down from generation to generation. Placing more emphasis on the Oral law if conflict developed as we have seen. Christ Jesus uncovered the wickedness in their hearts, they were hypocrites and let's not be confused, hypocrites are lost as Job's turkey.
2.) Who are the scribes?
The scribes had the care of the written law and studied it. We already know as Christians unless you are guided by the Holy Spirit, the Bible will not make a lot of sense to the lost world. They will see the words of salvation and then they will have to believe to go further. The scribes made the manuscripts, taught the law, explained the difficulties, kept the records and were sometimes referred to as lawyers.
3.) Who were these Sadducees?
First we can readily see they did not know Jesus, that's why they were so "Sad You See"!
The Sadducees were the very opposite from the Pharisees and the scribes. The Pharisees hated the Sadducees and the Sadducees were the sworn enemies of the Pharisees.
The sect called the Sadducees were actually a reform movement against the sect of Pharisees. They denied the supernatural, in fact they denied almost everything the Pharisees taught.
With these things in mind we will now see as these groups are joined together, even traveling to the land of the gentiles, to confront the Lord Jesus Christ. They both now have a common cause, "opposing the Lord Jesus Christ, His Enemies.
They all had the same satanic hatred for Our Savior. We can see as the remnants of all these sects are alive and well in our day. We call Sadducees the modern day humanist (the liberal movement) and those of the Pharisees, those that place man's word above God's Word (the traditionalists). As we speak they seek to form a union a world wide brotherhood of men against Christianity and the Lord Jesus Christ.
*****Our Text:
Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Let's look at a lack of faith. This group that hated Christ Jesus so much came together to ask Jesus for some special sign from Heaven.
The word "sign" as it is used here means more than a miracle or a demonstration of power as they had already seen in the miracles that Jesus had done and were not denied. The word "sign" as they requested meant much more. They wanted to see a "wonder" in the heavens just for themselves. This the fourth time they had asked for a sign.
Mat 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Joh 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Joh 6:30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Joh 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
We have already seen and will continue to see that "miracles do not convict people of their sin" nor give sinful people a desire to seek salvation. The purpose of these miracles was to show the glory and the mercy of God, to fulfill scripture and to prove that the Messiah was among His people.
Thank God for His "Grace" without which there could be no salvation for we are certainly undeserving of it!
Our Lord mentioned the weather simply to show that there was plenty of evidence of the existance of God without any other signs:
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
These Pharisees and Sadducees did not lack evidence they lacked faith from the from the heart.
Jesus told them they had spiritual adultery:
Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
These men were worshipping a false God, a God that they had made up in their own minds, a God that did not exist! Had they been worshipping the true God they would have easily seen the Messiah that stood before them.
They would now see the sign of the "death", "burial", and the "resurrection". This was the true sign to Israel that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah come down from God.
This was the same sign that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and over 3000 were saved.
*****Our Text:
Mat 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Mat 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Mat 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Mat 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
Mat 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Mat 16:10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Mat 16:11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Mat 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
We have seen the ones that had no faith so lets look at those that should have abounded in faith.
A lesson we all can learn here is that those that do not believe nor have faith in God cannot be instructors of God's Word.
Because of all this opposition Jesus left for Bethsaida.
Mar 8:22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.
This was the home of Peter and Andrew. When Christ Jesus warned them of the leaven of these Pharisees, He was warning them of the spirit of hypocrisy, the teaching of these people. Christ reminded these disciples that He did not depend on them to provide bread for their own needs. This He could do at any time.
"Little Faith" was a phrase Christ used often with these disciples and how well it applies to all that know the name of the Lord. "Little Faith" is better than no faith at all. All God's disciples have many lessons to learn to graduate to the phrase "Great Faith". It's best to learn these lessons quickly.
*****Our Text:
Mat 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?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 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.
Mat 16:18 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.
Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus took His disciples into Gentile territory again. This was near the home of Peter and Andrew. This would have been about 120 miles from Jerusalem. This region was full of false religion.
There was:
1.) Baal worship
2.) There were the shrines to the Greek God Pan
3.) Herod had built a temple to worship Augustus Caesar
This is the setting in which Jesus ask, not just Peter but all His disciples:
"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? "
To those of us that know and love the true Church, this is an important part of the Bible. Jesus Christ announced that he would not yet establish His Kingdom but HE WOULD BUILD HIS CHURCH!
The most important thing we need to know in our lives is "Who Is Jesus Christ"?
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This and only this information will lead us to salvation:
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1Jn 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1Jn 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
1Jn 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
1Jn 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jn 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jn 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
His work and His person go together and cannot be separated.
It is still amazing to see how confused the public is about Jesus Christ the Savior to all mankind.
1.) Jesus was not John the Baptist raised from the dead!
2.) Jesus was not the fulfillment of the prophesy of Elijah!
3.) Jesus was a man of sorrows but He was not a resurrected Jeremiah!
4.) Jesus Christ was not just any other prophet, Jesus was the Messiah:
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
We must never allow this world to influence us in knowing Jesus Christ. If we have a copy of His true and living Word we must decide from the facts presented to us from His Word.
It is Peter who has the right answer!
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God"
Peter said without a doubt that Jesus was the Messiah. "Christ" is not the last name of Jesus, "Christ" is Greek for Messiah, The Anointed One sent of God.
God will reveal in us the important things if we open up our heart to Him:
Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Mat 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
It's called trusting in the Lord. It is the grace of God. This thing had been hidden from the Pharisee, the scribes and the Sadducees, given to the disciples. This the truth of the Gospel. God will reveal to us things in His Word that is not revealed by the false teaching and preaching in our churches.
This was not the first time that this was said of Jesus:
Joh 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Mat 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Joh 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Peter was told this by his brother on the first day he met Jesus:
Joh 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Why was this time different?
This was not an emotional response from someone that had just witnessed a miracle but it was a decision reached after observing all the facts from a man that was taught of God.
*****Our Text
Mat 16:18 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.
Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
*****The Rock:
Jesus the Christ, now tells His disciples how He will build something new called His Church. The word "church" has not been seen in the Bible up until this time. Matthew is the only Gospel that has the word "church".
The Old Testament taught that the word "Rock" was a symbol for God. These disciples knew this.
Deu 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psa 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Matthew wrote:
"That thou art Peter, and upon this rock"
The Greek word for Peter is "petros" which means "a stone".
Jesus said upon this "petra", a large rock, He would build His church. Jesus had given Simon a new name. In Aramaic form the name was Cephas.
Joh 1:42 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.
Everyone that confesses Jesus as the Christ, The Messiah, The Son of God is then a living stone:
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
We must not get confused as some have, Jesus Christ is the foundational "Rock" on which the true church is built.
Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Jesus Christ Himself said the same thing:
Mat 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Mat 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
The Apostles, including Peter, also said that the foundation for the church, is Jesus Christ:
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The Apostle Paul wrote the same thing:
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
This was the sermon preached by all the Apostles:
1Co 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Eph 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
We can see that the Bible states clearly that the Church, God's temple is built on Jesus Christ and not on Peter.
God could never build His Church on the failures of any Man.
That "rock" is clarified in Peter's statement:
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God"
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
*****The Church
The word "Church" comes from the Greek word "ekklesia". We get our English word "ecclesiastical" from this word, which refers to the things of the Church. Christ was not going to build a local assembly. He would be building a Church for "whosoever" would call on His name no matter where they lived or whatever nation they came from.
The word "Church" means a called out people:
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
When Jesus Christ talked about "My Church", He was talking about something entirely new and different. Jesus Christ would unite believers, Jews and Gentiles to form a new temple, a new body:
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
There would be no distinctions of peoples:
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
There is one and only One builder of the Church, who is also the Head of the Church:
Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
All believers have one walk in the Church:
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
This why we have some "One" in Heaven praying for the success of His Church:
Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Joh 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Joh 17:25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
*****The Gates of Hell:
Hell is the place where all non-believers will spend their time after death of the flesh.
Luk 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Luk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luk 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luk 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
There are so many that reject God's Word that God has enlarged Hell which He originally designed for Satan and the angels that followed him.
Isa 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
Isa 5:14 [Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
Isa 5:15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
It is the Lord Jesus Christ that has the keys to this place and Him only.
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
The believer will never spend one minute in Hell:
2Co 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Paul wrote:
Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Php 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
That word "Gates" represents power and authority. To the Jew the city gate was like our city hall. Most all business took place at the city gates.
Deu 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
The gates of hell would be the place where Satan had held authority and power.
Christ Jesus conquered Satan's power of death at the cross.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb 2:13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
*****The Keys To The Kingdom:
Again we must say that the the kingdom of heaven is not Heaven. No living human being could ever tote the keys to Heaven.
A "key" is designed to open doors and locks. The Apostle Peter was given the privilege of opening the "door of faith".
1.) To the Jew at Pentecost.
Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Act 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Act 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Act 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
Act 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
2.) To the Samaritans:
Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
3.) To the Gentiles:
Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
All the Apostles shared in this authority:
Mat 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them
No where in the Bible are we told that Peter or any of the Apostles nor their successors had any special privilege or position in the living church of God.
Peter wrote:
1Pe 1:1 Peter, [an apostle] of Jesus Christ,
1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, [who am also an elder],
2Pe 1:1 Simon Peter, [a servant] and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
*****Binding and Loosing
This could also be said "forbidding and allowing". In other words these Apostles would preach the pure Word of God with the Word of God being the measuring rod. If God's Word said it was permitted then it was permitted. If God's Word said it was "sin" and forbidden, then it is forbidden.
The Apostle Paul said many times "God Forbid" because this phrase is in the Bible 24 times.
God's Word is bound in Heaven, so should it be on Earth. The Church is to obey God's will on this earth and not the will of man.
The Apostles were not to share the truth about Jesus being the Messiah, the Son of God until after His passion, not until Pentecost.
The world would not be ready until the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Our Lord.
*****Our Text:
Mat 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.
Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Mat 16:23 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.
Jesus now began to reveal His appointment with death to fulfill all prophesy.
1.) He must go to Jerusalem.
The place of sacrifice.
2.) He must suffer many things.
Of the elders, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, all who represented the religious leadership of Israel.
3.) He Must Be killed!
This was the substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.
4.) He Would Be Resurrected On The Third Day.
To prove He was God.
1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
The word "rebuke" is a strong word. Peter intended to try to keep the Lord Jesus from going to Jerusalem in some fashion and of course this could not be allowed. Jesus used the name Satan because it had been Satan's purpose since he had deceived Eve to stop this from happening. Satan had already tried to kill Jesus before this appointed time.
Satan had not been able to accomplish his purpose:
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Remember Satan had offered Christ Jesus this kingdom without the cross.
THERE HAD TO BE A PAYMENT MADE FOR ALL OUR SIN!
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ETERNAL LIFE CAN ONLY COME THROUGH THE CROSS OF JESUS!
Peter was thinking like a man:
"for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men"
That's the reason God tells us:
Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
We will never think right until we can think like God intended us to think!
*****Our Text:
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Instructions for discipleship.
The calling of a disciple comes at a high cost.
Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
This is a daily walk with God. God does not have any part time jobs!
The disciple comes through stages of development:
1.) There are the "curious":
Multitudes were attracted to Jesus and to hear His Word.
2.) There are the "convinced":
From those multitudes who are curious there will be some who will come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
3.) There are the "committed".
If you are convinced then you must be committed to the work of the Lord.
A disciple will submit himself, or herself to the absolute will of God! A disciple must set aside his own will, the cross that Jesus bore was a test of His obedience to the will of God. To Christ Jesus the cross was His tree of the knowledge of good and evil where Adam had failed.
Christ spoke not only to the disciples but also to the multitudes:
Mar 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
We must decide if we are going to follow the Pharisees, the super religious, or are we going to follow the known will of God. It is the known will because He wrote it all down for us to see and to learn:
2Ti 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Jesus Christ gives three reasons why we should follow Him:
1.) Jesus says there is a safety reason.
If a person decided not to follow Christ Jesus because people were threatening their lives then that person would actually die but to jeopardize your own life in the name of Jesus will gain ones eternal life.
Luke wrote of the Apostle Paul:
Act 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
John wrote of the believer:
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
2.) Then there is the economical reasons:
If you refuse to follow Jesus Christ because of your possessions on this Earth, then you will actually loose everything. To sacrifice for Christ is to find true riches.
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
3.) There is a judgment coming:
When Christ comes in all His power and glory to take His throne, he will judge all people.
The Church will be with Him and miss this judgment.
Those that remain and have rejected Christ will not be accepted into His Kingdom.
Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Jesus gave this multitude and His disciples a serious warning. That same warning is preached in every true Church today. Jesus had said that the "gates of hell" will not prevent the fulfillment of His plan. In fact Jesus indicated that nothing on this earth could stop the fulfillment of this plan, not even death itself.
Psa 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psa 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Psa 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Psa 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
The whole world will behold His glory when He comes back again:
Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Let's Pray!
