Confessing Christ: Authority and Identity in the Church
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the pivotal moment in Matthew 16 when Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, marking a turning point in the gospel narrative. I delved into the implications of this confession, particularly focusing on the questions that arise from Jesus's response to Peter. I examined whether Jesus was granting Peter, and by extension the church, a special place and authority. I also highlighted the significance of the geographical context of this exchange, noting that it took place in Gentile territory, far from Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually. This distance from Jerusalem, I suggested, was necessary for the disciples to truly see Jesus for who he is.
In the second part of the sermon, I discussed the role and authority of the church in light of Peter's confession. I argued that the church is not merely an audience but an active body of believers whose singular purpose is to confess the true identity of Jesus. However, I also pointed out that this authority is not unlimited and is dependent on a true and right confession of who Jesus is. I further explored the implications of this for non-Christians, encouraging them to move beyond the question of who others say Jesus is, to personally answering Jesus's question: "Who do you say that I am?"
Key Takeaways:
- The church's singular purpose is to confess the true identity of Jesus, the Christ, the son of the Living God. This core confession never changes, even though the ways it is expressed may vary over time. [24:56]
- The authority granted to Peter and the church is not unlimited and is dependent on a true and right confession of who Jesus is. This authority can err, as demonstrated by Peter's denial of Jesus's impending suffering and death. [26:31]
- Non-Christians who struggle with faith due to the actions of the church are encouraged to personally answer Jesus's question: "Who do you say that I am?" The inadequacies of the disciples or the church do not change who Jesus is or what he came to do. [29:45]
- Christians are reminded that any authority they have is bound by the question of who they say Jesus is. If their goal in the church is to exercise authority, they should check their motivations. Their authority is bound by their recognition of Jesus as the savior. [31:59]
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The true identity of Jesus as the Christ is revealed to the disciples for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in Matthew's gospel. This revelation comes when they are physically and spiritually distant from Jerusalem, in Gentile territory. This moment signifies the disciples' understanding of Jesus as the Christ, the son of God. ([16:26])
2. The church, founded on the disciples' confession of Jesus as the Christ, has a singular purpose: to confess the true identity of Jesus. However, the church's authority is not without the ability to err. This authority is dependent on a true and right confession of who Jesus is. ([24:53])
3. The conduct of the church can often be a stumbling block for non-believers. However, the inadequacies of the disciples or the church do not change who Jesus is or what he came to do. The question that everyone must consider is not who others say Jesus is, but who they themselves say Jesus is. ([29:26])
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Matthew 16
2. John 14
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 16, what is the significance of the location where the disciples first acknowledge Jesus as the Christ?
2. How does the conduct of the church in the sermon relate to the actions of the disciples in the Bible passages?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the role and authority of the church based on Matthew 16?
2. In John 14, Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life." How does this statement support the main points from the sermon?
Application Questions:
1. How can we ensure that our confession of Jesus as the Christ is a true and right one, as emphasized in the sermon?
2. Have there been times when you've felt like the church's conduct was a stumbling block to your faith? How did you reconcile this with your understanding of who Jesus is?
3. How can we as a small group better embody the singular purpose of the church, to confess the true identity of Jesus, in our interactions with each other and our wider community?
Devotional
Day 1: The True Identity of Jesus
In the Gospel of Matthew, Peter identifies Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. This recognition is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it reveals the true identity of Jesus. As believers, we are called to recognize and confess Jesus as the Christ in our own lives.
Matthew 16:15-16 - "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"
Reflection: Reflect on the moment when Peter identifies Jesus as the Christ. How does this recognition resonate with your own understanding of Jesus? Have you ever had a moment of clarity or revelation about Jesus's true identity?
Day 2: The Role of the Church
The church plays a crucial role in confessing Jesus as the Christ. As members of the church, we are called to actively participate in this confession and ensure that the core message of the church remains unchanged.
Matthew 16:18 - "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."
Reflection: How do you see your role within the church in confessing Jesus as the Christ? Are there ways you could be more active in this confession? How can you contribute to ensuring the core message of the church never changes?
Day 3: The Authority of the Church
The church holds a significant authority given by Christ. However, there may be times when we feel this authority is in error. It is essential to keep our understanding of Jesus's identity and mission clear during these times.
Matthew 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt the church's authority was in error. How did this affect your faith? How can you ensure your understanding of Jesus's identity and mission remains true?
Day 4: The Imperfections of the Church
The church, like any human institution, is not perfect. There may be times when we feel disillusioned by the actions of the church. However, it is important to look beyond these imperfections and focus on the identity of Jesus.
Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Reflection: Have you ever felt disillusioned by the actions of the church? How did you reconcile this with your faith? How can you encourage others to look beyond the imperfections of the church and focus on the identity of Jesus?
Day 5: The Authority of Christians
As Christians, we are given authority to act in Jesus's name. However, this authority should not be used for personal gain but to confess the identity of Christ.
Luke 10:19 - "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: How do you exercise your authority as a Christian? Are there times when you've used this authority for personal gain? How can you ensure your focus remains on confessing the identity of Christ?
Quotes
1. "If your struggles with faith revolve around the actions of the church, let me point out that you are only answering Jesus's first question 'who do others say that I am?' The answer there, Christians say that you are the Christ, but look at them, why would I believe anything that they say? Bunch of Hypocrites right? Can't even live up to their own standards. It's true, but it's not enough." - 29:45
2. "The inadequacies of the disciples did not change who Jesus was, what Jesus came to do, or how he called and equipped them to then participate in his mission. Go therefore and Make Disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold I Am With You Always to the end of the age promises." - 31:16
3. "Whatever Authority that we Christians have, we must remember that it is bound by this question 'who do you say that I am?' As much as we see Christ as our savior, we have the authority to share Christ as Savior and to be held and to hold other believers accountable to that revelation of Christ as Savior by means of service in death." - 31:59
4. "If your goal in the church is to exercise your Authority then you are most likely mistaken and should check your motivations. As much as you desire to confess the identity of Christ then and only then do you have the authority to do so. But our Authority is bound by our recognition of he who is the savior that comes recognition that comes only by way of the father himself through his word." - 32:44
5. "Authority in the Kingdom of Heaven is derived from and dependent on a right understanding of the identity of Jesus that he is the Christ and not only that he is the savior but the type of Savior that he is. Only after Peter could see Jesus as the Savior did Jesus then inform him and the other disciples of their importance in his kingdom plans." - 24:09
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