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Unlocking the Power of God in My Life

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. MATTHEW 16:13-20 NLT

TO UNLOCK GOD’S POWER IN MY LIFE I MUST:

EMBRACE THE MYSTICAL

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” MATTHEW 16:13 NLT

Who is the Son of Man?

As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. DANIEL 7:13-14 NLT

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” MATTHEW 16:14 NLT

They (Church leaders) must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 1 TIMOTHY 3:9 ESV

FACE THE DARKNESS

False spirituality only wants to see the good. Real spirituality wants to see truth.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi,… MATTHEW 16:13 NLT

Why Caesarea Philippi?

…upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. MATTHEW 16:18 NLT

SEE JESUS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. MATTHEW 16:15-17 NLT

lAgain Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” JOHN 8:12 ESV

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. JOHN 1:5 ESV

TAKE THE KEYS

And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. MATTHEW 16:19-20 NLT

…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you… ACTS 1:8 ESV

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Use the following questions to reflect on the sermon and choose a couple from each section to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What’s one way you’ve heard people in our culture describe Jesus, whether accurately or not?
  2. START HERE: If Jesus asked you directly, “Who do YOU say I am?”, what would be your honest answer?
  3. START HERE: When has God revealed something to you in a way you didn’t expect?
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 16:13-20 (NLT). Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples these questions, in this place, at this point of their discipleship journey with Him?
  5. KEEP GOING: Do you feel like Jesus has led you into a “dark” or challenging place lately? What has that shown you about your faith?
  6. KEEP GOING: Peter’s bold confession came from the Holy Spirit, not human effort. In what ways do you tend to rely on yourself, instead of God?
  7. KEEP GOING: Real spirituality wants the truth, especially when facing darkness. What’s one truth that God has recently brought into the light for you?
  8. KEEP GOING: Jesus says the powers of hell won’t conquer His church. Where do you see spiritual opposition showing up in your everyday life? How does that impact your faith and walk with God?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Jesus gives His followers “keys”— spiritual authority and the power of the Holy Spirit. What’s one area of your life where you need to start using the “keys” God has already given you?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: What is one small, practical step you can take this week to recognize Jesus as the Light in your world every day?