Jesus: The Cornerstone of the Church's Unity

 

Summary

In Matthew 16, Jesus poses a pivotal question to His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" Peter's response, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God," marks a watershed moment, revealing a divine revelation from God the Father. This passage underscores the foundational truth that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church, not Peter. Jesus' promise, "I will build my church," is central to His mission as the Messiah. This promise is not incidental but integral to His role, as He reconstitutes the people of God around Himself.

The church Jesus is building is not a physical structure but a spiritual assembly, a continuation and fulfillment of the Old Testament ecclesia. This assembly is a multinational temple constructed of living stones, representing believers from every tribe and nation. The church's construction is ongoing, achieved through the proclamation of the gospel. As the gospel is preached, individuals are brought into union with Christ and communion with one another, forming a new community of believers.

The security of the church is guaranteed by Christ's victory on the cross. Despite the opposition from the gates of hell, the church will prevail. The evil one may attempt to destabilize and divide, but the victory of Jesus ensures the church's ultimate triumph. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality, as believers are already seated with Christ in the heavenly places.

The unity of the church is a powerful testimony in a fractured world. In Christ, divisions of race, class, and status are overcome, creating a new family and citizenship. This unity is not based on human efforts but on the gospel itself. The church's security and unity are rooted in the unchanging Word of God, which endures forever.

Key Takeaways:

- Divine Revelation and Foundation: Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ is a revelation from God, highlighting that the church's foundation is built on divine truth, not human insight. Jesus is the cornerstone, and His promise to build His church is central to His mission. [01:53]

- The Church as a Spiritual Assembly: The church is a spiritual assembly, a continuation of the Old Testament ecclesia, and a fulfillment of God's promise to gather His people. This assembly is multinational, constructed of living stones, representing believers from every tribe and nation. [10:14]

- Gospel Proclamation and Church Construction: The church is built through the proclamation of the gospel. As the gospel is preached, individuals are brought into union with Christ and communion with one another, forming a new community of believers. [19:32]

- Security in Christ's Victory: The security of the church is guaranteed by Christ's victory on the cross. Despite opposition from the gates of hell, the church will prevail. This victory is a present reality, as believers are already seated with Christ in the heavenly places. [39:29]

- Unity in Diversity: In Christ, divisions of race, class, and status are overcome, creating a new family and citizenship. This unity is not based on human efforts but on the gospel itself, providing a powerful testimony in a fractured world. [36:05]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Introduction and Context
[01:23] - Peter's Confession
[03:06] - Divine Revelation
[05:02] - The Role of Peter
[07:31] - The Promise of Jesus
[09:10] - The Church in the Big Picture
[10:14] - The Church as a Spiritual Assembly
[12:51] - Jesus' Mission and the Church
[19:32] - Gospel Proclamation
[24:27] - Unity and Diversity in the Church
[30:07] - The Church as God's Dwelling
[34:51] - Security in Christ's Victory
[39:29] - The Gates of Hell
[45:00] - Resurrection and Victory
[51:56] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 16:13-20

#### Observation Questions
1. What question does Jesus ask His disciples in Matthew 16:13, and how do they initially respond? [01:23]
2. How does Peter's confession in Matthew 16:16 differ from the other disciples' responses, and what does Jesus say about this confession? [01:53]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' promise, "I will build my church"? [07:31]
4. How does the sermon describe the church that Jesus is building, and what is its foundation? [09:10]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Peter's confession considered a divine revelation, and how does this shape our understanding of the church's foundation? [03:40]
2. How does the concept of the church as a "spiritual assembly" challenge or affirm traditional views of what a church is? [10:14]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's security is linked to Christ's victory on the cross? [39:29]
4. How does the unity of the church serve as a testimony in a fractured world, according to the sermon? [36:05]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ. How does this revelation impact your personal faith journey and understanding of Jesus' role in your life? [01:53]
2. The sermon describes the church as a multinational temple made of living stones. How can you contribute to this spiritual assembly in your local context? [10:14]
3. Consider the ongoing construction of the church through gospel proclamation. What specific steps can you take to share the gospel in your community this week? [19:32]
4. The sermon emphasizes the church's security in Christ's victory. How does this assurance affect your response to challenges and opposition in your faith? [39:29]
5. In what ways can you actively promote unity within your church, overcoming divisions of race, class, and status? [36:05]
6. How can you ensure that your participation in church activities reflects the unity and diversity described in the sermon? [36:44]
7. Reflect on the idea that the church is not a physical building but a community of believers. How does this perspective change the way you engage with your church family? [27:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Revelation as the Church's Foundation
The confession of Peter that Jesus is the Christ is not merely a human insight but a divine revelation from God. This foundational truth establishes Jesus as the cornerstone of the church, emphasizing that the church is built on divine truth rather than human understanding. Jesus' promise to build His church is central to His mission, highlighting the divine initiative in the establishment and growth of the church. This revelation is a reminder that the church's foundation is secure because it rests on the unchanging truth of who Jesus is. [01:53]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you seek divine revelation in your daily life to strengthen your understanding of Jesus as the cornerstone of your faith?


Day 2: The Church as a Living Spiritual Assembly
The church is not a physical building but a spiritual assembly, a continuation of the Old Testament ecclesia. It is a fulfillment of God's promise to gather His people from every tribe and nation. This assembly is constructed of living stones, representing believers worldwide, forming a multinational temple. The church's construction is ongoing, achieved through the proclamation of the gospel, bringing individuals into union with Christ and communion with one another. This spiritual assembly reflects the diversity and unity of God's people, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. [10:14]

"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual assembly of the church in your community, embracing its diversity and unity?


Day 3: Proclaiming the Gospel to Build the Church
The church is built through the proclamation of the gospel, which brings individuals into union with Christ and communion with one another. As the gospel is preached, a new community of believers is formed, united by their faith in Jesus. This ongoing construction of the church emphasizes the importance of gospel proclamation in fulfilling Jesus' mission. The church grows as believers share the good news, inviting others to experience the transformative power of the gospel and become part of the spiritual assembly. [19:32]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel today, and how can you share it with them in a way that invites them into the community of believers?


Day 4: Security in Christ's Victory
The security of the church is guaranteed by Christ's victory on the cross. Despite opposition from the gates of hell, the church will prevail because of Jesus' triumph. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality, as believers are already seated with Christ in the heavenly places. The assurance of victory provides confidence and strength to the church, knowing that no force can ultimately overcome it. This security is rooted in the unchanging Word of God, which endures forever. [39:29]

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rest in the security of Christ's victory, trusting that His triumph ensures the church's ultimate success?


Day 5: Unity in Diversity as a Testimony
In Christ, divisions of race, class, and status are overcome, creating a new family and citizenship. This unity is not based on human efforts but on the gospel itself, providing a powerful testimony in a fractured world. The church's unity in diversity reflects the reconciling power of the gospel, demonstrating that in Christ, all are one. This unity serves as a witness to the world of the transformative impact of the gospel, inviting others to experience the same reconciliation and belonging. [36:05]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your church community, celebrating diversity while focusing on the common bond in Christ?

Quotes

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and for whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then He strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that He was the Christ." [00:01:55]

"And when we read the Bible we realize that it is God's unmistakable purpose to gather to Himself a people that are His very own. And so, when we hear these words of Jesus, we set them within the framework, if you like, of eternity." [00:09:34]

"Now, when Jesus says this, we shouldn't think for a moment that this implies in any way that there was no Old Testament ecclesia. But rather what it does is it reflects the plan and purpose of God, if you like, the mission of Jesus to reconstitute the people of God around His own person." [00:12:59]

"How is this promise of Jesus being fulfilled? You remember what Jesus says to His disciples, I want you to go. And then He says I want you to stay. And after you've stayed I want you to go. Do not leave without that coming of the Holy Spirit, the one that I have promised to you." [00:19:34]

"Paul particularly in Ephesians is saying to these folks, you know, don't miss the wonder of what God has done in making one new man out of the two. Don't miss the wonder of what God has done in breaking down the wall of hostility that existed between the Jew and the Gentile in the gospel." [00:35:38]

"Think about all of the attempts of humanity without God to create unity. All throughout history of the trying again and again, if we could get these people together, if they could this if they could that. Then it doesn't work. Marginal, little progress, but by and large, disintegration." [00:37:07]

"Now, it is on account of the gospel that the security of those who are in Christ then is absolutely guaranteed. Now, it is clear from what we read here in the statement made by Jesus, the implication is, and is borne out by the rest of Scripture, that the gates of hell will be seeking to press against the followers of Jesus." [00:39:04]

"The gates of hell, or the gates of Hades, on the one hand represent, if you like, the evil powers that dwell there. The principalities and powers, about which Paul will eventually speak at the end of Ephesians. We don't wrestle against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places." [00:40:38]

"And so the evil one, if he cannot prevent us from coming to trust in Christ, which he can't, then he will do his best to try and tyrannize us, and unsettle us, and destabilize us, and cause disunity among and all of these things, and we need to be alert to his schemes." [00:41:50]

"Victory my loved ones, is ours in Christ, and that then is the basis of our security. Kingdoms will rise, kingdoms will fall, nations refuse to heed God's call, but the Word of the Lord endures forevermore. The grass withers, the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord endures forever." [00:47:42]

"Fear not for the church of Christ when ministers die, and saints are taken away. Christ can ever maintain His own cause. He will raise up better servants and brighter stars. The stars are all in His right hand. Leave off all anxious thought about the future." [00:51:00]

"Thank You that we can rest in the promise of Jesus. Thank You that that the Lord Jesus is able to save to the uttermost all who come to You in Him. Thank You that there will be no empty seats at the great banquet that You have prepared." [00:52:19]

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