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 believers have the spiritual authority & responsibility in opening the door of faith to others.” → As Christians we are entrusted with the task of introducing people to the message of the Gospel, creating opportunities for individuals to encounter God and experience transformation in their lives. By sharing our faith, we act as ambassadors for Christ, guiding others toward a relationship with Him. It is not simply an option, but a calling to actively participate in bringing others into the community of faith. This responsibility involves inviting, encouraging, and supporting those who may be searching for truth or struggling with doubt, helping them take steps toward belief. Through our words, actions, and example, believers have the privilege of unlocking the possibility of faith for others. When Christians live out their faith with authenticity and compassion, they become instruments through which God draws people into His family. This spiritual authority is not about personal power, but about serving others and pointing them toward the hope and freedom found in Christ.

“Teaches how we have in the Gospel the key to set people free from the power and bondage of sin in their lives.” → As believers we have the responsibility to share the Gospel with those who are trapped in a life of sin. Who do not know that there’s a way out of the mess they’ve made of their lives. Who do not know that freedom from addiction is available to them through Christ Jesus. When we share the Gospel, we become instruments of liberation—freeing others from the chains of sin that hold them back.  There are so many people who walk in darkness, burdened by their past and unaware that a path to freedom exists. It is our 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 with God their mistakes do not define their destiny, and that a fresh start is possible through Christ. 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.

“Teaches how by verbally speaking and proclaiming God’s Word over our lives has the power to heal, purify, and transform us.” → The act of speaking and proclaiming God’s Word over our lives is powerful. When we declare the truth of Scripture, it has the ability to bring healing to areas of brokenness, purify our hearts and minds, and lead to true transformation. This spoken Word is not merely a ritual or tradition, but a dynamic force that works within us to restore, renew, and change us from the inside out. By consistently affirming God’s promises and truths, we invite His work into every aspect of our lives, experiencing the deep impact of His Word in our daily walk.

“Even today, believers are to engage in the spiritual practice of binding and loosening. We bind guilt & shame, by loosening confession and repentance. We bind lies, by loosening God’s truth. We bind anger & hate by loosening love and forgiveness. We bind anxiety and fear by loosening joy, peace, and healing. We bind doubt by loosening faith and prayer→ Binding & Loosening applies to other areas as well. In the work place we bind toxic gossip and harassment by not joining in. In management we use our position to advocate for a stressed colleague by loosening resources or flexibility in helping them succeed. In school we bind bullying by refusing to participate. We bind social exclusion by including someone who is sitting alone at lunch. We loose someone from loneliness by including them. In church we loose people from a religion of works to the one of grace. We loose people by removing undo burdens placed upon them by legalistic religion. In relationships where there’s hurt & betrayal we loose forgiveness.

“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 Forgivness

• 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.)