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 we can declare 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 works, efforts, rituals, activities, etc. The closing & opening of doors not only applies to what is acceptable to God, in terms of Salvation, but also 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 and 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.

“Teaches when we proclaim the Gospel we’re loosening people from the power and binding effects of sin in their lives.” → As believers who hold the Keys we have the responsibility to share the Gospel with those who do not know that their sins have been forgiven. Who do not know that they are loved by the Father. Who do not know that forgiveness is available to them. Who do not know that there’s a way out of the mess they’ve made of their lives. Who do not know that change and transformation is available to them. When we share the Gospel, we become instruments of liberation—freeing others from the chains of sin that hold them back. As believers entrusted with the keys of hope and truth, we are called to proclaim with compassion and boldness that forgiveness, love, and new life are available to all through Jesus Christ. There are so many people who walk in darkness, burdened by their past and unaware that a path to freedom exists. It is our privilege and responsibility to tell them that God’s forgiveness knows no bounds and that, no matter what they’ve done, as horrible as that is, God still loves them and wants to forgiven them. That no matter how deep their struggles, they can be restored and transformed. Imagine the impact of letting someone know that they are cherished by the Father, that their mistakes do not define their destiny, and that a fresh start is possible through Christ. The Gospel is the good news of release—an open door from shame into grace, from despair into hope, from bondage into the embrace of unconditional love. As messengers of this hope, we have the opportunity to point others toward a brighter future, assuring them that what once seemed impossible—change, healing, and joy—is within reach. Let’s step forward with courage, knowing that every time we share the Gospel, we are unlocking the power for true and lasting transformation in the lives of those around us.

“Even today, as believers we’re responsible for speaking God’s Word into our lives. Where there’s a “Work-based Gospel” we bind & loose it with One of Grace through faith. Where there’s sin and condemnation, we bind and loose it through repentance. Where there’s shame and guilt, we bind and loose it through confession. Where there’s demonic lies, we bind and loose it through God’s truth. → Binding & loosening covers other areas as well. We bind and loose people from false religion of works to the one of grace. We bind and loose people by removing undo burdens placed upon them by legalistic religion. Where there’s hurts & betrayal we bind and loose it through forgiveness. Where there’s bitterness we bind and loose it with love. Where there’s fear, we bind and loose it with peace. Where there’s rejection, we bind and loose it with acceptance. Where there’s doubt, we bind and loose it with faith. Where there’s demonic thinking, we loose it with righteous thinking. One day when we arrive in heaven there’s going to be questions, we may ask; “Lord why didn’t you give me more faith when I needed it”? “Lord why didn’t you bind and loose me from this bondage”? “Lord why didn’t you bind and loose me from this addiction”? “Lord why didn’t you bind and loose me from a life of legalism.”? Then the Lord’s going to turn around and say to us  “I turned that over to you. Why didn’t you put my teachings into practice. Why didn’t you bind and loose yourself from that bondage?” Why didn’t you apply Philippians 2:12-13:“My beloved, work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his purpose-(Philp. 2:12-13). This doesn’t mean believers can green light whatever sin they want or earn their way to heaven. But rather they should live out the promises and Salvation already received by God’s grace,

“Jesus is not giving Peter the authority to stand at the pearly gates, deciding who gets in and who doesn’t. Nor is Jesus 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 how as believers we open the door of the Gospel to others by radiating God’s love and forgiveness.

Teaches how are witness must be true and consistent with scripture.

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.

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

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.

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.”

APPLICATION OF KEYS

• Gospel Proclamation: Christians are empowered to proclaim the Gospel in opening the door of faith to those who believe.

• Spiritual Authority: Believers have the authority to act in the spiritual realm, pushing back darkness, sin, doubt, shame, guilt, unbelief, etc.

• Judgment & Discernment: The church as the authority to exercise judgements and decisions in accordance with God’s will and principles.

• Social Justice: The Church is a advocate for social justice, mercy, and other kingdom values in society.

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 by loosening Love

• We bind Bitterness by loosening Forgiveness

• 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.)