Matthew 16:13-19

Introduction

Tonight, we will begin a study of the Church. God called the Church into existence and God had a purpose for doing so; as members of the Church, we should know what that purpose is; and, we should be aligned with that purpose in all that we do. Only by understanding what God’s purpose for the Church is can we properly
align ourselves and to govern ourselves according to God’s purpose. Therefore, we will engage this study of the Church to learn what the Bible teaches concerning the Church, it’s ministry, and how it is to function. Tonight, we will begin in Matthew 16:13-19.

I. How is the Church called into existence?

a) When Jesus and the disciples had entered Caesarea Philippi, he as his disciples who do people believe he is (v. 13)? After naming several prophets, Simon said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God (v. 16).” Jesus responds to Simon by first, changing his name to Peter (meaning, rock) and saying, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (v. 18).”

b) This is the announcement of the Church. Jesus announces that the Church will come into being; but this will be done at a future time (notice that Jesus says, “I will build my church…”). We will see next week when the Church actually does come into existence; however, it is clear tonight who the Church belongs to and who is its head (“I will build my church…”).

c) The Church is built upon the rock of Peter. Peter is the rock – the symbol of that which is solid, dependable, unable to be moved (a large rock at this point) and able to withstand opposing forces. Peter is the symbol of this; but understand also that this rock sits upon a foundation. Peter is not the foundation of the Church; that foundation is Jesus. Jesus is both the foundation of the Church, and to whom the Church belongs.

d) Peter is, however, the one upon whom the Church will be built. The problem with this is that if you know anything about Peter, he is the most unstable and unlikely person to build the church upon (let’s remember, shortly after Jesus makes this announcement, Peter denies Jesus 3 times); yet, there is something significant about the Church being built upon Peter. The Church is built upon Peter, but Peter rests on a solid foundation. As long as Peter and the Church rests upon the foundation of Jesus, the Church will always be on a solid foundation. When we focus on the person, and not the foundation, we will always lose sight of where the true source of the Church’s strength and authority lies.

II. What authority does the Church have in Heaven?

a) Given to the Church are the keys of the kingdom of heaven. By having the keys, the Church as access to all that is in heaven. All of the authority, all of the power, all of the resources of heaven are given to the Church. Therefore, the Church possesses the very authority and the power of God.

b) “…whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven (v. 19).” This authority is given to Peter, having possession of the keys of the kingdom. Binding and loosing are in reference to permitting or allowing. Whatever Peter permits or allows shall be done in heaven. However, this authority is given to Peter in accordance with the will of God. Therefore, the rock being on the foundation of Jesus, Peter must always be in accordance with the will of God when using this authority.

c) This authority given to Peter is also given to us, the Church today; therefore, like Peter, we must remain on the solid foundation and be in accordance with the will of God in order to use our authority. This authority is given to us, not for our purposes, but that we might have the authority and power to fulfill God’s purpose for the Church.

III. What can come against the Church?

a) “…and the gates of Hades will not overpower it (v. 18).” Hades/Hell is not just the place of evil and death, but here is symbolic of those forces which would come against the Church to destroy it. Peter is given the key of the kingdom which also gives him access to the power of the kingdom. Having this, nothing can come against the Church to destroy it.

b) That which was given to Peter has now been given to us. We have the keys to the kingdom and access to the power of God. Therefore, nothing can come against or destroy the Church. The Church will exist until that time when “heaven and earth will pass away.” Until that time, nothing will be able to destroy the Church.

Next Week: Acts 2

Questions for the week:

1. How does the Church come into being?
2. What must we do to become a part of the Church?

3. What caused the Church to grow?