Bible Study - Foundation - Jesus Works Through His Chruch - Matthew 16 and 28 - April 22, 2012

Bible Study – Foundation – Jesus Works Through His Church – April 22, 2012

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Foundations of Our Faith.”

Our scripture is Matthew 16:13-19; 28:18-20.

JESUS works through HIS church. There is the church as an institution and then, there is the church as the living body of CHRIST. Both make a statement to others in the world. First of all, Christians are not perfect and never will be until they exit their earth suits (their bodies). Many Christian institutions have neglected the teachings of the importance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Granted those who do teach about the Holy Spirit seem to focus upon the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the individual but often it is with speaking in tongues being the hallmark of his/her Spirituality. There are many gifts of the Spirit. It is GOD’S power bring manifested through the Christian to minister, as led by the Holy Spirit. Having certain gifts is not something any Christian needs to become puffed up over because they are GOD’S gifts to be used according to GOD’S plan and purpose. The Christian is the conduit.

Christians are challenged to walk in the Spirit. This is an everyday challenge. Christians cannot walk in the Spirit in their own strength. It boils down to relationship and relationship is individual between the Christian and CHRIST. It is dying to self. HE has to provide the strength, power, direction and wisdom to live each moment of the day. HE is the vine and we are the branches. Our life comes through HIM.

The church as an institution is important to carry out the great commission. We must keep in mind that the church is only as strong as its leadership and members who are willing to be focused on being members of the living body instead of the institutional body. Truth must be taught and adhered to.

The main question our lesson focuses upon is, “Who do you say JESUS is?” Christianity is an individual matter. It is not about your mother, daddy, sister, brother, friend, neighbor or anyone else but you. It is about you and your relationship with CHRIST. Do you really know HIM or do you know just about HIM? Do you have an intellectual knowledge of JESUS or heart knowledge of HIM? There is an eternal difference between the two. Do you have false notions about CHRIST and the indwelling and leadership of the Holy Spirit? Let’s explore.

Let’s read Matthew 16:13-14:

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the •Son of Man is?”14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

JESUS was ministering in the region of Caesarea Philippi, which was about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. The city of Caesarea Philippi was an old city and had accommodated many religions over its lifetime. The city was a gift from Augustus to Herod. Herod, in turn, had left the city to his son Philip. JESUS was interested in training HIS disciples. HE asked them a question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They responded with the list of names - John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets that they had heard people say. JESUS asked the most important question in our next scripture.

Let’s read Matthew 16:15-19:

15 “But you,” He asked them, “who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the •MessiahOr the Christ; the Greek word is Christos and means the anointed one. Where the NT emphasizes Christos as a name of our Lord or has a Gentile context, "Christ" is used. Where the NT Christos has a Jewish context, the title "Messiah" is used., the Son of the living God!”rMt 1:16; Jn 11:27
17 And Jesus responded, “Simon son of Jonah,s Or son of JohntJn 1:42; 21:15-17you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven.u1Co 15:50; Gl 1:16; Eph 6:12; Heb 2:14
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,vPeter (Gk Petros) = a specific stone or rockand on this rockwRock (Gk petra) = a rocky crag or bedrockI will build My church,xMt 18:17; Ac 5:11; 7:38; 8:1,3; 9:31; 11:22,26 and the forcesy Lit gatesof •HadesThe Greek word for the place of the dead; it corresponds to the Hebrew word Sheol. will not overpower it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,zIsa 22:22; Mt 18:18; Jn 20:23; Rv 1:18; 3:7 and whatever you bind on earth is already bounda Or earth will be boundin heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosedb Or earth will be loosedin heaven.”

The important question for each person is, “But you; who do you say that I am?” It does not matter what others think about JESUS but what you think about JESUS. Each person is accountable to GOD. The old adage “The devil made me do it” will not cut it at judgment day. The Apostle Peter was quick to answer the question – “YOU are the Messiah, the Son of the living GOD”. Peter was very emphatic. What is your answer to this question? A good man, a teacher, a lunatic or the SON of GOD Who gave HIS life for you?

Peter used two (2) titles for JESUS. The titles are not interchangeable. They are separate and distinct and revealed the heart of Peter. Peter referred to CHRIST as the “Messiah”. The title “Messiah” referred to the Promised Messiah of the Old Testament and was the One Who would redeem GOD’S people and rule over them as King. The problem was that the Jews were looking for relief from the bondage of Roman rule, which would have been temporary and all under Roman rule would certainly die one day. This is typical of people. We want relief now. Little did they realize that CHRIST would deliver them eternally from the bondage of sin and death.

CHRIST is the Greek word for Messiah and means the “anointed one”. The Old Testament scriptures revealed that the Messiah had a unique relationship with GOD. HE is the Son of the living GOD.  Worshipping the living GOD was unique to the Israelites. Our next scripture revealed JESUS’ thoughts about Peter’s answer.

We get a glimpse of the teacher-student relationship. JESUS was teaching and preparing HIS disciples for HIS crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and return of the Holy Spirit. JESUS was thrilled that Peter saw the truth. It was not truth that was discovered through human wisdom but by revelation from GOD. Could it have been that Peter’s recognition of JESUS as the Messiah and his statement was confirmation to JESUS that Peter was on solid Spiritual ground and confirmed him as the chosen leader?

Isn’t it great that Peter is also the one that denied JESUS not once, not twice but three times! It gives all Christians hope that when we disappoint our LORD, when we repent and ask for forgiveness, HE does and restores us to full fellowship and relationship. Shake it off and move on.

The next verses have prompted much discussion. In verse 17, JESUS referred to Simon but in verse 18 HE called him Peter. I don’t think this was accidental. JESUS had given Simon a new name in John 1:40-41 - 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (Which means “Anointed One ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called •Cephas” (which means “Rock ”).

JESUS told Peter, the specific small rock, on this larger rock I will build MY church. JESUS’ reference to “rock” has been interpreted several different ways. Was HE referring to a specific location or to the expression of faith? I think it was a statement of faith that CHRIST was the Promised Messiah and the foundation of the Christian faith. I do not think that Peter was fully aware of the role of CHRIST at that time. Peter was looking for a political Messiah. But CHRIST knew that Peter had the potential to sort through all the things that would be revealed in the upcoming events. JESUS looks at our hearts and HE knows our potential. Peter was not perfect even after the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. After the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter preached and 3,000 people became Christians. Later, we know that GOD revealed to Peter that he needed to change some of his Jewish rituals in order to expand his ministry to the Gentiles. The key is that Peter changed and ministered to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:9-15)

I recall many years ago I took flying lessons. I had logged a number of hours with my instructor but had not soloed. I went out to log some flying time with my instructor. I made 2 of the worst landings ever. My instructor asked me to pull over and let him out. I thought I had scared him to the point that he did not want to even ride with me while I was taxiing. He stepped out of the plane and told me to take off and closed the door. He motioned for me to go. I took off. I never will forget that moment of leaving the ground. It was exhilarating for a few minutes until then I thought “Oh, gee, I have to land this thing.” As I lined up to land the plane my heart was about to jump out of my throat. I made a perfect landing and I knew I could do it again. The instructor motioned for me to go around again. I gave it full throttle and sailed back into the air; this time with great confidence. I lined up for my second landing and it went perfect. I pulled the plane over near my instructor and he got back into the plane. He said, “Do you wonder why I let you solo after making those terrible landings?” I said, “Yes, why did you?” He said, “You made 2 terrible landings but each time you recovered. When I see that a student can take care of the plane and recover from a bad landing, he is ready to solo.” JESUS knows us and knows our potential.

JESUS told Peter as well as the other disciples that Hades will not overpower the church. Hades is the place of the dead. HE was saying death would not prevail over eternal life that HE would give to all who believe in HIM.

JESUS knew that HE would give HIS life and GOD would raise HIM from the dead. HE knew that HE would ascend into heaven and the fact that HE conquered both sin and death would result in the perpetuation of the church. HIS death would not mean the demise of the church because HE knew HIS resurrection would follow.

Verse 19 can be perplexing. This is where our Catholic brothers and sisters get the idea that a person must go through the priest to receive forgiveness of their sins. The keys are based upon the faith of every Christian. Keys unlock and lock doors. In this case, JESUS was referring to the doors to heaven and Hell. Christians have the keys to salvation and heaven. Every individual chooses the key he/she will use. Those seeking salvation will choose the key of salvation. Those who reject CHRIST choose not to unlock the door to salvation and choose instead to keep the door to salvation locked which results in Hell. Please choose the key to salvation, which is CHRIST.

As Sons and Daughters of GOD through CHRIST, we can approach GOD 24/7 and we do not have to go through a priest or pastor. Priests and Pastors can provide valuable help when we struggle with Spiritual matters or need counsel. But keep in mind that they are human and are sinners saved by grace but hopefully they have been called by GOD to minister.

Our next scripture fast forwards to JESUS final words before ascending into heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of the Father. JESUS had been upon earth for forty days following HIS resurrection.

Let’s read Matthew 28:18-20:

18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.rDn 7:13-14; Jn 17:2; Rm 14:9; Eph 1:20-22; Php 2:9-10; Col 2:10; 1Pt 3:22
19 Go, therefore, and make disciples sMt 10:42; 28:19; Lk 14:26; Jn 8:31; 13:35; 15:8; Ac 6:1 oft Or and disciple; lit and instructall nations,uMk 16:15; Lk 24:47 baptizing vAc 2:38; 8:16 them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,w Lit lookI am with you always,x Lit all the daysto the end of the age.”y

JESUS had been resurrected from the dead and had made Himself known to about 500 people for forty (40) days. Acts 1:1-3: (Dr. Luke wrote Acts to give Theophilus an accurate account of JESUS.)

1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.3 After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul gives us additional information in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8:

3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,4 that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,5 and that He appeared to • Cephas, then to the Twelve.6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen •asleep.7 Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.8 Last of all, as to one abnormally born, He also appeared to me.

Luke 24:50-54 gives us the location of JESUS’ ascension into heaven:

50 Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. 51 And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.52 After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.53 And they were continually in the •temple complex praising God.

Matthew gives us additional information about what JESUS told them. JESUS had been obedient unto death. GOD gave HIM full authority over all things. Who better to have full authority than the One Who had lived as a human, experienced all that humans experience and fully understand what it is like to be a human, yet remained sinless. JESUS understands what it is like to be tempted. HE understands our pain and our concerns because HE has been there.

JESUS gives what is referred to as the “Great Commission.” HE instructed those present and Christians since that moment, as you go into the world let others see CHRIST in you. You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. As you go into the world performing your routine duties keep in mind that you know the truth, which is the Good News of the forgiveness of sin and eternal life through CHRIST. Therefore, as you go into the world every day:

-         Make disciples by leading others to a saving knowledge of JESUS. Make disciples of all nations encompasses every human. GOD is no respecter of persons. HE welcomes all to come to HIM through HIS Only Son JESUS. By the same token, Christians must not be prejudice or else they limit their territory for obedient service.

-         Baptizing them. Baptism has no saving power but it does physically symbolize what a new Christian has experienced Spiritually. It symbolizes the new Christian dying to his/her old life and being resurrected to walk in his/her new life in union with CHRIST. This baptism was to be done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is a teaching opportunity for those who know CHRIST to teach the new Christian and answer questions.

-         Teach the new Christian about JESUS and what it means to be a Christian. This is often where the church, as an institution, fails. I know some denominations have catechism which is designed          to instruct new Christians in Christian principles. It is a time for questions and answers. It is vital that the teacher know the truth for that teacher to teach in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. Teaching is more than meeting for a few days or weeks. Sunday school/Bible study is designed to be an ongoing opportunity for Christians to grow and mature Spiritually. Many Sunday school classes are sink or swim. We must start new Christians off on the milk of the Word (the Bible). A new Christian is not ready for the meat of the Word. We need to take new Christians under our wing and find out what they know or don’t know about the Bible and Spiritual matters. Some may need to be introduced to Christian jargon. They may need to be taught the books of the Bible and how to look up scripture. We say John 3:16. Some may think that is the page number. They need to know that it is The Book of John, Chapter 3 and verse 16. They need to know that that Bible was not written with Chapters, verses and how the Bible was compiled. A person, who has never used the Bible, may be puzzled about what we are saying. It can be embarrassing and that is not what we want to happen to a new Christian. The new Christian will likely have many questions regarding his/her new life in CHRIST – assurance of salvation, once saved always saved, eternal life, life after death, having a effective prayer life, Bible study, church the living body versus the institution and the list goes on. It would be ideal if each new Christian could be assigned a Holy Spirit filled mentor.

JESUS as HE finished the Great Commission, made a statement that HE will not leave or forsake those who respond to HIS call to serve. Serving is a Spiritual growth opportunity for all Christians. CHRIST will give us small steps of opportunity. When we take a small step and see HIS power working through us, then HE will give us greater opportunities to serve. As we obediently serve HIM, HE will expand our territory.

The church is the institution that is ideal to train teachers how to teach new Christians and to integrate them into training sessions which will help them grow Spiritually. It is vital that the leadership of the church be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit. Blessings!