Confession and Commission: Peter's Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
In Matthew 16, we follow Peter's faith journey, highlighting his moments of both triumph and failure. Peter has witnessed Jesus' miracles, including the Sermon on the Mount, the feeding of the 5,000, and walking on water. Despite his moments of doubt, Jesus uses these experiences to deepen Peter's faith. In Caesarea Philippi, a region known for its diverse religious beliefs, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The disciples respond with various public opinions, but Jesus then asks, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter boldly confesses, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus blesses Peter, affirming that this revelation came from God, not human understanding.
This passage teaches us several lessons about confession. First, personal confession must go beyond public opinion. Each of us must decide for ourselves who Jesus is, independent of what others say. Second, confession is about God's revelation, not our realization. It is God who reveals the truth to us, enabling us to confess Jesus as Lord. Third, confession leads to involvement in building God's kingdom. Jesus tells Peter that on this rock, He will build His church, and Peter will play a crucial role in this mission. This commission extends to all believers, who are given the keys to the kingdom to share the gospel and build the church.
### Key Takeaways
1. Personal Confession Beyond Public Opinion: Each individual must decide for themselves who Jesus is, independent of societal or familial beliefs. This personal decision is crucial for genuine faith. Jesus' question to His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" is a call for personal conviction and commitment. [07:34]
2. God's Revelation, Not Our Realization: Our ability to confess Jesus as Lord is a result of God's revelation, not our own understanding. Romans 3:10-11 reminds us that no one seeks God on their own; it is God who draws us to Himself. This underscores the grace and goodness of God in our salvation. [16:13]
3. Holding Fast to Our Confession: Once we confess Jesus as Lord, we must hold firmly to that confession, regardless of external pressures or changing environments. This steadfastness is essential for authentic Christian living and serves as a testimony to others. [11:25]
4. Confession Leads to Commission: Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ led to a commission to build the church. Similarly, our confession of faith comes with a responsibility to participate in God's mission, sharing the gospel and building His kingdom. [21:47]
5. The Privilege of Revelation: Being given the revelation of who Jesus is, is a profound privilege. This privilege should fill us with humility and gratitude, recognizing that our faith and understanding are gifts from God. This awareness should drive us to live lives marked by humility and service. [17:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Peter Walks on Water
[01:45] - Jesus' Questions in Caesarea Philippi
[02:42] - The Religious Diversity of Caesarea
[03:29] - Public Opinion vs. Personal Confession
[04:18] - Lessons from Confessions
[05:03] - Jesus' Intentional Questioning
[06:45] - The Test of the Disciples' Hearts
[07:34] - Deciding for Ourselves Who Jesus Is
[08:23] - Holding Fast to Our Confession
[09:22] - The Challenge of Conforming to the Crowd
[10:17] - Consistency in Confession
[11:25] - Living Out Our Confession
[12:33] - God's Revelation, Not Our Realization
[13:19] - Peter's Bold Confession
[15:30] - The Privilege of Revelation
[17:59] - The Humility of Confession
[19:42] - Confession Leads to Commission
[21:47] - The Keys to the Kingdom
[23:12] - Our Role in Building the Church
[24:00] - The Ongoing Mission of the Church
[28:54] - The Joy of Finding the Keys
[29:27] - Using the Keys to the Kingdom
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 16:13-20
- Romans 3:10-11
#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the miracles and events Peter witnessed before his confession in Matthew 16? ([00:50])
2. In Matthew 16:13-20, what were the different public opinions about Jesus' identity mentioned by the disciples? ([01:45])
3. How did Jesus respond to Peter's confession that He is "the Christ, the Son of the living God"? ([01:45])
4. According to Romans 3:10-11, what does it say about human nature and our ability to seek God on our own?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ was revealed by God and not by human understanding? ([15:30])
2. How does the diverse religious background of Caesarea Philippi enhance the importance of Peter's confession? ([02:42])
3. What does it mean for believers to hold fast to their confession of faith, especially in environments that may be hostile or indifferent to Christianity? ([10:17])
4. How does the concept of being given the "keys to the kingdom" relate to the responsibility of believers in building God's church? ([21:47])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal journey of faith. How did you come to the realization of who Jesus is? Was there a specific moment or a series of events that led to your confession? ([07:34])
2. In what ways can you ensure that your confession of Jesus as Lord remains steadfast, regardless of the changing environments or pressures you face? ([10:17])
3. How can you actively participate in building God's kingdom in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to share the gospel or serve in your community. ([21:47])
4. Consider the privilege of having the revelation of who Jesus is. How does this awareness impact your sense of humility and gratitude? What are some practical ways you can express this gratitude in your interactions with others? ([17:59])
5. Think about a time when you felt pressured to conform to the crowd's opinion about Jesus. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([09:22])
6. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church to hold fast to their confession of faith? Share one way you can be a source of strength for someone else this week. ([11:25])
7. Reflect on the idea that our confession leads to a commission. What specific role do you feel called to play in God's mission, and how can you begin to fulfill that role? ([21:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Personal Confession Beyond Public Opinion
Each individual must decide for themselves who Jesus is, independent of societal or familial beliefs. This personal decision is crucial for genuine faith. Jesus' question to His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" is a call for personal conviction and commitment. [07:34]
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples about the public opinion of His identity, but then He turns the question to them personally: "Who do you say that I am?" This moment is pivotal because it requires a personal confession that goes beyond what others think or say. Peter's response, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," is a declaration of personal faith that is not influenced by the surrounding culture or popular opinion. This teaches us that our faith must be our own, not merely a reflection of the beliefs of those around us.
Personal confession is essential for a genuine relationship with Jesus. It is not enough to rely on the faith of our parents, friends, or community. Each of us must come to a personal understanding and acknowledgment of who Jesus is. This personal decision is the foundation of a true and living faith. It challenges us to examine our own beliefs and to make a conscious decision to follow Jesus, regardless of what others may think or say.
Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV): "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: Think about your own faith journey. Have you made a personal confession of who Jesus is, independent of the beliefs of those around you? What steps can you take today to deepen your personal relationship with Him?
Day 2: God's Revelation, Not Our Realization
Our ability to confess Jesus as Lord is a result of God's revelation, not our own understanding. Romans 3:10-11 reminds us that no one seeks God on their own; it is God who draws us to Himself. This underscores the grace and goodness of God in our salvation. [16:13]
The ability to recognize and confess Jesus as Lord is not something that comes from human wisdom or understanding. It is a revelation from God. In Matthew 16:17, Jesus tells Peter that his confession was revealed to him by the Father in heaven. This highlights the grace and goodness of God in drawing us to Himself and revealing the truth to us. It is a reminder that our faith is a gift from God, not something we achieve on our own.
Romans 3:10-11 states, "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God." This passage emphasizes that it is God who initiates and enables our relationship with Him. Our ability to seek and know God is a result of His grace and revelation. This should fill us with humility and gratitude, recognizing that our faith and understanding are gifts from God.
Romans 3:10-11 (ESV): "As it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.'"
Reflection: Reflect on the moments in your life when you have experienced God's revelation. How has God revealed Himself to you? Take time today to thank God for His grace and the gift of faith.
Day 3: Holding Fast to Our Confession
Once we confess Jesus as Lord, we must hold firmly to that confession, regardless of external pressures or changing environments. This steadfastness is essential for authentic Christian living and serves as a testimony to others. [11:25]
Confessing Jesus as Lord is just the beginning of our faith journey. Once we make this confession, we must hold firmly to it, regardless of the challenges and pressures we may face. In a world that often opposes or misunderstands our faith, it is crucial to remain steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to Jesus. This steadfastness is a powerful testimony to others and a vital aspect of authentic Christian living.
Holding fast to our confession means living out our faith consistently, even when it is difficult. It requires us to stand firm in our beliefs and to trust in God's promises, no matter the circumstances. This steadfastness not only strengthens our own faith but also serves as a witness to those around us, demonstrating the transformative power of a life committed to Jesus.
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: Consider the areas in your life where you face pressure to compromise your faith. How can you hold fast to your confession of Jesus as Lord in these situations? What practical steps can you take to remain steadfast in your faith today?
Day 4: Confession Leads to Commission
Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ led to a commission to build the church. Similarly, our confession of faith comes with a responsibility to participate in God's mission, sharing the gospel and building His kingdom. [21:47]
When Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, it led to a significant commission from Jesus. Jesus told Peter that on this rock, He would build His church, and Peter would play a crucial role in this mission. This commission extends to all believers. Our confession of faith is not just a personal declaration; it comes with a responsibility to participate in God's mission. We are called to share the gospel and to be active in building God's kingdom.
This commission is a privilege and a responsibility. It means that our faith should lead to action. We are given the keys to the kingdom, which symbolize the authority and responsibility to share the message of Jesus and to help build His church. This involves evangelism, discipleship, and serving others in love. Our confession of faith should inspire us to be actively involved in God's work, using our gifts and resources to further His kingdom.
Matthew 16:18-19 (ESV): "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. 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 how your confession of faith has led to action in your life. Are you actively participating in God's mission? What specific steps can you take today to share the gospel and build God's kingdom?
Day 5: The Privilege of Revelation
Being given the revelation of who Jesus is, is a profound privilege. This privilege should fill us with humility and gratitude, recognizing that our faith and understanding are gifts from God. This awareness should drive us to live lives marked by humility and service. [17:59]
The revelation of who Jesus is, is a profound privilege that should fill us with humility and gratitude. In Matthew 16:17, Jesus tells Peter that his confession was revealed to him by the Father in heaven. This highlights the grace and goodness of God in drawing us to Himself and revealing the truth to us. Our faith and understanding are gifts from God, and this awareness should drive us to live lives marked by humility and service.
Recognizing the privilege of revelation means understanding that our faith is not something we have achieved on our own. It is a gift from God, and this should lead us to a posture of humility and gratitude. This humility should be evident in our interactions with others, as we seek to serve and love them as Jesus did. Our lives should reflect the grace and goodness of God, as we humbly acknowledge the privilege of knowing Him.
1 Corinthians 2:12 (ESV): "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."
Reflection: Reflect on the privilege of knowing Jesus and the revelation you have received. How can you live a life marked by humility and service in response to this privilege? What specific actions can you take today to serve others and reflect God's grace?
Quotes
1. "Even our moments of failure, our good and gracious Savior can use his teachable moments to lead us into a place of deeper faith and trust in him. After all that? After all that, they get back in the boat and they make it across the other side of the sea where they were headed to begin with, and they're docked in the next town. They're moving from one place to the next, ministering to the people in each place that they come to, and after arriving in a city known as Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked a couple of intriguing questions." [00:50] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "All of us must decide for ourselves. Who Jesus is. When Jesus turns to his disciples and he asks them this very pointed question. Who do people say that the Son of Man is? But who do you say that I am? It was a personally directed question to each and every one of them. And in the same sense, even today, all of us must answer that question for ourselves as well. Who do you say that Jesus is?" [07:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Each and every one of us have to decide for ourselves. Either he is the Christ. Either he is the Messiah. Either he is the Lord and Savior of all people, the way, the truth, and the life. Or he's not. Each and every one of us have to decide what to do with Jesus ourselves. It is a personal salvation. It is a personal confession of faith." [08:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we are going to confess Christ as Lord, we have got to hold on fiercely to that confession. Listen to me. Don't be a crowd-conforming Christian. In other words, don't let your belief in who He is change with the room you're in." [10:17] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You adults, the person that Jesus is to you when you're here on Sunday better be who He is to you when you walk into your job on Monday. It's time that we hold fast to our confession as well. Every single one of us want our kids, want our youth, want our students to hold fast to that confession. Well, what example do they have to follow?" [11:25] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When it comes to confession, it's about his revelation to us, not our realization of him. Now, how do I know that for certain? Because Romans chapter 3, verse 10 and 11 tells us this, that none is righteous. No, not one. Now, listen. No one understands. No one seeks for God. Left to ourselves, not a single one of us would ever seek after God. None of us in our flesh. The flesh would ever get to a place where we were humbled enough to confess his Lordship." [16:13] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "What a privilege it is for us to have been given faith, to make our confession. What a privilege it is to then serve within his kingdom. What a privilege it is to know the goodness and the graciousness and the mercy and the love and the forgiveness and the joy of God. What a privilege it is to have been brought into his kingdom, to have been given the revelation of our own sinfulness and our own depravity that would then turn into a realization that we needed a Savior." [17:59] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Every one of us who made the confession of Christ, our confession comes with a commission as well. We get to be a part of the building of his kingdom. We get to be a part of the gospel mission that he has left here for us to fulfill. We get the keys to the kingdom as well. It's the gospel. It's so we can go and share and tell people about salvation and the hope and the life that can only be found in Christ, in Christ alone." [23:12] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You do realize that we're the church that Jesus promised the disciples he would build. But listen to me. The building isn't completed yet. We still have work to do. This time that we're in right now, the time of church history that we're in right now, it's just our shift. Peter and the disciples had theirs. Countless other believers throughout generations have had theirs. This is ours. Jesus still has miraculous things for us to see and be a part of." [24:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I was reminded, because I'd been in this text all week. Lord spoke to my heart as I was acting a fool in that sunflower field. He said, you know, I've given you keys that lead to much greater miracles and much more joyous moments. What are you doing with those keys? Have you misplaced them? you put them in your pocket and forgotten to use them? But what would happen if we, as the body of Christ, were reminded that we've been given the keys to the kingdom and went and shared the gospel with looking for opportunities to let them know it may seem hopeless, but it's not." [28:54] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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