Matthew 16:19…….Ready

Matthew 16:19…….Ready

16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (For Additional expository Notes see Book)

Extended Sermons 

“Teaches how every time we share the Gospel we’re opening the door of faith & Salvation to others.” → A conversation at work, a moment with a neighbor, a simple act of kindness— become “door‑opening” moments. When you invite someone to church or a Bible study, you’re literally opening a door they may never have walked through on their own. When you greet newcomers warmly, your kindness becomes a “doorway” to someone who may be hesitant, suspicion, or hurt in the past  When you use Scripture as part of your advice, your counsel becomes a “doorway.” showing that God’s Word is not just ancient text—it’s relevant, relatable, applicable, and transformative. When you offer to read Scripture with someone who’s searching, your companionship becomes a “doorway” helping them navigate truth they wouldn’t explored alone. When you walk someone through supposed Bible contradictions you’re clarity becomes a “doorway” removing barriers of skepticism and unbelief that blocks them from trusting Scripture and coming to God. What once felt like a reason to dismiss the Bible suddenly becomes a reason to reconsider it. When you help a new believer understand a difficult passage, your guidance becomes a doorway that protects them from doubt before it can undermine their faith. When you clarify a misunderstood doctrine, your explanation becomes a “doorway’ creating spiritual stability, keeping them from being tossed back and forth by wrong assumptions. When you gently correct a misunderstanding about Christianity, your clarity becomes a doorway. You remove barriers that kept them from considering Christ seriously. When you share a testimony about how God freed you from an addiction, your story becomes a “doorway” helping others realize God works in real people with real struggles. When you tell someone how Christ changed your life, your story becomes evidence. They may not understand theology, but they can’t deny transformation. When you comfort someone with the comfort you’ve received from Christ, your testimony becomes a “doorway” comforting them in their trials. When you speak about God’s faithfulness in normal conversation, your word become a “doorway” helping them to see that He can be trusted in their own situation too. When show compassion to someone others avoid, your kindness becomes a “doorway” revealing the heart and character of Christ. When you choose forgiveness instead of bitterness, your response becomes a “doorway” demonstrating how Christ enables what human strength cannot.

“Teaches how we have in the Gospel the key to set people free from the power and bondage of sin in their lives.” → keys” don’t just unlock heaven’s forgiveness; they unlock heaven’s freedom. By proclaiming what God has declared in scripture is sinful we’re protecting someone from a path that leads to bondage. When we speak God’s truth about sin, we’re not pointing fingers or policing people; we’re shepherding them. We’re standing at the doorway of the Kingdom and saying, “Don’t go down that road — it enslaves. Come this way — You see a friend getting pulled into a toxic relationship that’s manipulative, controlling, and spiritually draining. They keep saying, “It’s not that bad.” You gently say, “Scripture warns us about being unequally yoked and about relationships that corrupt our walk.-(2-Corn, 6:14)  A coworker laughs off their drinking, their gambling, or their porn use. “Everyone has a vice,” they say. You lovingly say, “The Bible doesn’t call these things harmless — it calls them enslaving.-(2-Pet. 2:19,  I care about you too much to pretend this isn’t dangerous.” A teenager in your youth group says, “Why does God care who I sleep with? It’s my life.” You explain, “God’s boundaries aren’t fences to trap you — they’re guardrails to keep you from falling. Sin isn’t about breaking rules; it’s about damaging yourself.” Someone in your church confesses, “I’ve been lying, hiding, and pretending. I don’t know how to stop.” You say, “Scripture calls this darkness, but it also says confession brings light and freedom.-(1-John 1:7-9)  A relative refuses to forgive someone who hurt them. They say, “I’ll never let this go.” You gently remind them, “God calls bitterness a root that defiles many. It doesn’t protect you — it poisons you.-(Heb. 12:15, Eph. 4:26-31) A friend is about to make a bad financial decision, taking on crushing debt, chasing a get‑rich scheme, or gamble their savings away. You say, “The Bible warns about greed, haste, and traps that look like shortcuts.-(Luke 12:15, Heb. 13:5, 1-Tim. 6:10) You meet someone who thinks their sin is too strong to break, They say, “I’ve tried to stop. I can’t. This is just who I am.” You declare, what heaven has already declared: “Sin shall not have dominion over you.”-(Rom. 6:14, 1-Corn. 10:13, 15:17, 2-Corn. 2;14, Eph. 6:10-18,  Heb. 6:14 ) And when we speak those truths, we’re using the keys. We’re guiding someone out of darkness and into the freedom Christ purchased. We’re reminding them that sin’s power is real — but Christ’s power is greater.  You’re not defined by your struggle — you’re defined by His victory.”-(John 8:36) You’re not stuck — you just need to walk in you’re identity, that Christ’s victory is stronger than their history.

“Gives believers the authority to “bind” sin, lies, shame, and “loose” truth, healing, and forgiveness.” → “Keys” are not only for opening the door of the Gospel to others; they also “bind” the lies that rise within us and “loose” the truth of God’s Word over our hearts  When moments of pressure rise: “This is impossible.” “I’m overwhelmed.” “Nothing ever changes.” We ‘bind’ those lies and “loosen” God’s truth: “Lord, You are my rock, my refuge, my strength, my peace.”-(Ps. 61:2, 46:1, Phil. 4:6-7, 1-Pet. 5:7) When the Enemy lies, having us believe “You’re not good enough.” “God is done with you.” You’ll never change.” We “bind” those lies and “loosen” God’s truth: “I am chosen, forgiven, and loved by God.” “I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.”-(Ps. 103:2, Rom. 8:38-39, 1-John 1:9, Eph. 1:7) When  temptation rise: “Just one look, it won’t hurt, you can repent later.” “Just one lie, it will make things easier.” We “bind” the lie and “loosen” it’s hold by speaking scripture over it: “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. ”Be holy for I the Lord am holy.” -(Rom. 13:13-14, 1-Corn, 10:13, James 4:7, 1-Thes. 4:7, 1-Pet. 1:15-16)  When anger, frustration, and disappointment rise: “Why isn’t this working?” “Why does this keep happening to me?” ”Why does everything take so long?” We “bind” those emotions and “loosen” faith and patience by declaring: “Your will be done, not mine.” “We have all we need in Christ Jesus.”-(Ps. 27:13-14, Is. 41:10, Jer. 29:11, Rom. 8:28, 2-Corn. 4:16-18, Gal. 6:9, Philp. 4:6-7, 4:13, Matt. 11:28, 19:26, James 1:19)

“Even today, we use “keys of the Kingdom ” to open up Salvation to others who have never heard the Gospel. We use “keys” to correct teaching or doctrine that contradict scripture. We use “keys” to assure a repentant believer their sins are forgives. We use “keys” to warn when a sinful habit or behavior is becoming destructive. We use “keys” to free someone who is weighed down by legalism. We use “keys” to purify, restore, and carry out church discipline.”→ Lets say you’re talking with a coworker who grew up with no church background. They ask why you seem peaceful even when work is stressful. By explaining the hope you have in Christ, how He forgives sin, and how He gives new life. You’re opening the door to the Gospel, giving them access to truth they have never heard, showing them how to be Saved through Repentance and Faith. Lets say a small group member says, “I think God just wants us to be happy, so sin isn’t really a big deal.” You gently but firmly “bind” that wrong assumption by reminding them what God actually says about sin, holiness, and repentance. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”-(1-John 1:8) Lets say someone confesses they’ve been battling pornography and they feel they’d crossed a line, that God is done with them. You “bind” that lie by gently correcting them with Scripture that “If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.-(1-John 1:10) Lets say a friend has started drinking heavily after work. It’s affecting their job, their marriage, and their walk with God. You help “bind” that behavior by walking them through bible passage that declare such behavior as dangerous, demonic, destructive, and outside God’s will. Lets say you meet a believer who feels like God is angry with them when they miss church, a prayer meeting, a morning meditation, a bible devotion time. You “bind” that belief by opening Scripture, showing them that their standing with God is based on Christ’s righteousness, not their performance. “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”– (Eph. 2:8-9) Lets say a member of the church is openly living in sexual sin and refuses to repent despite repeated private conversations. The elders meet with them, call them to repentance, and when they refuse, the church lovingly removes them from membership — not to punish, but to awaken them. Months later, the person returns broken and repentant. The church welcomes them back with joy. In so doing you’re “binding” (declaring behavior that’s outside God’s will) and “loosing” (restoring the repentant). You’re purifying the church, protecting the flock, and restoring the fallen — all under Christ’s authority.

“This is not talking about spiritual warfare in binding & loosening demonic forces. Or binding poverty & sickness and loosening health & prosperity” ⇒ No where in this passage is this talking about binding & loosening the devil, demonic influences, poverty, cancer, unemployment, marital stress, financial debt,  etc. There are no examples in the bible about people binding up the devil. As a matter of fact, in the book of Jude,-(1:9) not even the archangel Michael, when disputing with the devil about the body of Moses. Did not presume to announce judgment on the devil, but said the Lord rebuke you. Now if the archangel Michael did not even think he had the authority to bind up the devil. Then who are you and I to think we have the authority to tie and bind up the devil. Binding & loosening is not a magical formula for us to get God do what we want.  With all this being said. This is not saying believers do not have power. We have been given power from God to do certain things that we wouldn’t be able to do in our own strength when it comes to witnessing and serving the Lord. (cf. Acts 1:8)

More Notes & Applications    

Teaches whatever great task Christ has called to do, He will give us the power do it.

Teaches when were following and acting on the Word, God will backup and support what were doing

Teaches how as believers were to be the voice of God to a lost and dying world.

Teaches how there is no area of life or issue that God’s Word can’t solve.

Teaches when were when we’re living according to God’s will & purpose, we have the weight of Kingdom authority behind us!

Displays the new freedom believers have in Christ Jesus. Free from condemnation. Free from earning God’s forgiveness. Free from trying to impress God.

Note: As believers we open the door of the Gospel to others by how we live and act. We open the door of the Gospel when we radiate God’s love and glory in all He has done. We open the door of the Gospel by caring, helping, and praying with others.

Note: As believers we can proclaim those who repent & believe in Jesus are Saved, and those who don’t  as not Saved . When someone receives the Gospel and believes in Jesus as Lord & Savior we can declare that person Saved. That their sins are forgiven and they’re heading for heaven. Likewise if someone hears the Gospel and vehemently rejects it and doesn’t believe. We can declare that person as unsaved and heading for Hell. We also “Close” the door to heaven to those who attempt to come to God through religious work, efforts, rituals, activities, etc. The closing & opening of doors not only applies to what is acceptable to God, in terms of Salvation, but also in what is acceptable to God in terms of lifestyle and behavior. If we see a brother or sister in Christ living in sin, we need to warn them in a spirit of love that their living is contrary to God’s word.  If someone says “What gives you the right to determine how I should live or behave”. We tell them that’s it’s not our opinion, it’s what the Word of God’s says.  Or if they say “What gives you the right to say Jesus is the only way to heaven.” “I believe all people are going to heaven whether they believe in Jesus or not”  We’re to say; “I didn’t determine the requirements, God did. I’m merely the messenger in declaring the terms of Salvation as found in the Gospel. So whether you want to believe or not believe that’s your choice. I’m simply the Messenger.

Note: Keys in the ancient Near East were often used by kings who would have a palace and in the palace they would have a storeroom where they would keep their money and grain. It was an important place. And the king would pick out a trusted servant to whom he would give the key to the storeroom. That was the highest honor the king could bestow. In those days the servant who had the key would wear it on a chain around his neck or slung over the shoulder so it would be obvious to all that he had the keys of entrance into the palace and into the treasures of the king. If the steward were doing his job he would never take the chain off from around his neck. He wore it continually as a sign of the authority given to him by the king. The man who had the key was the man who could let you inside to see the king or he was the man who could refuse you entrance. The door had a hole near the lock that made this possible. A person put his hand through the hole from the outside and inserted the key in the doorframe to open the door. This is how Elgon’s servants opened a locked door to check on their master. The primitive locks of Bible times had to be opened with long wooden keys. These locks and keys were generally much larger and simpler than ours are today. Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments of Egypt, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood. The earliest lock and key device was found in Nineveh. Lock boxes with keys were commonly used by affluent ancient Romans. A simple latch-type lock was a wooden bolt that slipped into the slot in the doorpost. A key was the tool that released the bolt, or lock. In the bible keys are often spoken of figuratively or symbolically as symbols of power or authority or office. Keys are also used as a symbol of knowledge, stewardship, and trustworthiness. That’s what’s behind Jesus’ statement when he says, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom.”

KEYS BELIEVERS POSSESS

• Freedom from shame, guilt, and condemnation. (Rom. 8:1, 10:11).

• Freedom from God’s wrath (1 Thess. 5:9).

• Freedom from fear of death. (2 Tim. 1:10).

• Freedom from the chains and bondage of sin. (Rom. 6:14).

• Freedom from the curse of the law. (Gal. 3:13).

• Freedom from legalism. (Gal. 5:1).

• Freedom from Satan’s dominion. (Col. 1:13).

• Freedom to approach God.  (Heb. 10:19).

• Freedom to relate to God as His child and His heir.  (Gal. 4:7).

• Freedom to partake and enjoy every spiritual blessing. (Eph. 1:3).

• Freedom to bring our concerns and requests to God.  (Phil. 4:6).

• Freedom to walk with God throughout life.  (2 Cor. 6:15–17).

• Freedom to authentically love others. (1 John 4:7).

• Freedom to live out God’s purposes in your life. (Eph. 2:10).

• Freedom to enter the gates of heaven.  (John 14:2–3).

OTHERS KEYS BELIEVERS POSSESS

• Keys to the promises of God.

• Keys to peace, freedom, and forgiveness.

• Keys to confession & repentance.

• Keys to transformation & healing.

• Keys over spiritual strongholds.

• Keys to new perspectives, attitudes.

• Keys to progress & growth.

• Keys to new doors of opportunity

THINGS WE BIND & LOSE

• We bind Fear & Doubt by loosening Forgiveness

• We bind Bitterness by loosening Love

• We bind Anxiety by loosening Peace

• We bind Deception by loosening Truth

(All Sermons are Free to use for Preaching & Teaching, but not for Publication in any Form without the Written Permission of the Author.)