Scripture:
Matthew 16:13-18 ESV
[13] Now, when Jesus came into the district 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 say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” [15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [16] Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Observation:
It seems like I spend a lot of time reinforcing the fact that you were built to fight for the LORD, but honestly, I can’t help it because you are. So, let’s look at the scripture. They had just entered into a new region when Jesus looked at HIS men and posed a question. It was a simple question, but it had a lot riding on it. Who do they say I am…? what are they saying about me…? referring to HIMSELF as the son of man revealed the answer to that question. But maybe only one of the disciples picked up on that. The answers started coming out. I can picture all the disciples trying to answer all at once. Some say you are you are John the Baptist. Others say Elijah, yet still others say Jeremiah. The truth is that they didn’t know HIM at all. Because if they did, the only answer that fit was the one HE had revealed when HE asked the question to begin with. Revisiting the question, but bringing it to a personal level, HE asked them… but who do you say that I am? After all the signs and wonders. They had seen walking with HIM. Peter couldn’t help but answer correctly. Not to mention, with Peter’s bold personality, I could picture him not wasting any time shouting out… you are the christ… the son of the living GOD. Walking on water calming the storm. Healing the lame, the blind, and the leper. There was no doubt in Peter’s heart who Jesus was, and he wanted HIM to know that he knew. The response was timely and appropriate. The fact is it caught the attention of Jesus as well. Peter, you are so very right, and I know you didn’t figure this out alone. My father has revealed it to you. Now, because of what Peter’s name means, this next verse has been misinterpreted. Peter means rock. That’s the underlying meaning of it. But I want to zero in on what is really being said in this verse. Because we as a church need to know the truth. It will set us free. The solid truth that Jesus is going to build HIS church on is that HE is the son of GOD. That is the truth that the gates of hell well not defeat and will not hold out. So that being said, it’s time to suite up you ready…….
Application:
Let me ask you a question: Who is Jesus to you? Is HE just a good man? Is HE a teacher of the law? Does HE have your heart? Is HE your LORD and SAVIOR? It’s a personal question, and there is a lot riding on it. If this question is not answered correctly, nothing else matters. But if it is answered correctly… nothing can stop you. So, who is HE? for me, the answer is simple. I have seen HIS power in my life. I have watched HIM move mountains in minutes. Not only have I seen this in my life, but I have had the opportunity to watch it in the lives of others as well. I know HIS power. Because HE reached right down into the pit of hell and took me out. I see HIM doing it all the time. HE is building an army… HE calls it the church. It’s not a building that we go to… it’s the people within that building. Now let me tell you the purpose behind HIM building the church. There are others who are just like you were… yes, there are more… the issue is they don’t know who HE is. They are trapped by the lies of hell. The lies that tell them they can’t break free from the bondage of sin. But you, my friend, know the truth… Jesus is the son of GOD, and HE has set you free. If HE has done it for you, HE can do it for them as well. So tell them who HE is. What HE has done for you, and watch the gates fly open, setting the captives free. Listen, I don’t know if you are anything like me. But if you are seeing your brothers asmnd sisters trapped by the lies of the enemy has to drive you crazy. Especially knowing that it’s all a lie. Now that being said. My question again turns to… do you know JESUS??? If the answer is YES…YES…YES. Then the church HE spoke about is you. The gates of hell can not defeat YOU. Suite up with the armor that HE has provided. Lock your shield with mine, and let’s storm the gates. Time is too short to watch others fight get in the battle. The fact is that if HE has already won. Now that you have been armed with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, and last but not least, the sword that is the word of GOD sharper the ANY 2 edged sword. Able to cut through any lie the enemy puts in front of you. Let’s storm the gates and set free the captives. Let me finish with this Mark chapter 16, and starting in verse 15, it says these are the signs that will follow those who believe. It start by saying they will see the captives set free. It goes on to say some other amazing things as well. I don’t know about you, but seeing people brack free from addiction and slavery to sin. Is more than enough to get my attention. Being able to see the sick healed is a bonus, along with having the protection from the Almighty father. So again, the question is, do you believe that Jesus is the SON of GOD that HE was sent to earth and died for your sins was placed in a tumb only to be risen from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of GOD making Intercession for you. If you do believe that those signs will accompany you. I have personally seen them in my life. The bounds of addiction have been broken off of me because someone else believed that truth.
Prayer:
Father, I know that you are going to take this message and use it to set the captives free. You know, as well as I do, that it’s not me that puts any of this together. So I pray that those who take the time to read this will be encouraged to get in the fight. Everyone of us knows someone who needs to know you. Someone who needs to hear the truth, and therefore be set free. What we are asking for today is that you would give us a boldness to storm the gates. Hell was not made for our family’s our children or anyone other than the enemy. We know time is getting short, and we see you rising up an army. Help us to see the next warrior that you want added and speak to them, revealing who you are to them and preparing them for battle. With you, there is no impossible… there is no task too big, and nothing can stop us. Give us the confidence needed and the boldness to speak the truth, yet be ever so aware that it’s grace that brings them to the kingdom. We love you, and therefore, no one gets left behind. We know that you are not slack in your promise, but you are patient wanting all to come to repentance. We are armed with love. Because the battle belongs to YOU. it’s in the mighty name of Jesus, we pray amen.