Bible Text: Matthew 16:13-19 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: Engage: Do All In The Name Of The Lord Jesus
Rock Solid For Jesus
Matthew 16:13-18 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, who do people say that the Son of Man is? Well, they replied, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. Then he asked them, who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.  Jesus replied, you are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.  Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Jesus Is Building His Church
Matthew 16:18 I tell you that you ARE PETER (Petros) and on this rock (Petra) I will build my church…
Peter in the Greek language is petros. Rock in the Greek language is petra (1 Peter 2:4-5).
Temptations are not sent to make us fail; they are sent to build our character
Luke 22:31-34 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers. Peter said, Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you. But Jesus said, Peter, let me tell you something. The rooster will not crow tomorrow morning until you have denied three times that you even know me.
A Warning To Peter And To Us
I have interceded in prayer for you
Satan is out to kill, steal or destroy your faith
You are going through a refining process so you can serve
Our Battle Is (always) Spiritual
Ephesians 6:12-18 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Our spiritual weapons are defensive and offensive
Our lives as believers are full of opportunities cleverly disguised as difficult (tough) situations!
Mark 14:47-51 But one of the men (John 18:10) with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear. Jesus asked them, am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.  Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away (NLT).
Growth (sometimes) Hurts
Luke 22:54-62 So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s residence, and Peter was following far behind…A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him…This man was one of Jesus’ followers Peter denied it. Woman…I don’t even know the man!…You must be one of them! No, man, I’m not! ..This must be one of Jesus’ disciples…Man, I don’t know what you are talking about…And as soon as he said these words, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered that the Lord had said, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny me three times. And Peter left the courtyard, crying bitterly.
Growth Is Always A Process
Even though Jesus changes your name to (PETROS) a rock, that doesn’t mean you have nothing to deal with or work on.
We often go through life’s challenging moments so we can go and strengthen others as healed healers!
Mark 16:1-7 …Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him…And they said among themselves, Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us? But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away…they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; …But he said to them, Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples — and Peter…
The difficult things we face in life are not always the result of our failure rather they are often the result of our obedience
John 21:15-19 Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? …Yes, Lord; You know that I love You…Feed My lambs. He said to him again a second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? …Yes, Lord; You know that I love You…Tend My sheep. He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, do you love Me?…Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You…Feed My sheep…And when He had spoken this, He said to him, Follow Me.