“The True Nature and Purpose of the Church”
Reading – Matthew 16: 13-25
INTRODUCTION
Illustration: When I was growing up there were a number of experiences that left an indelible impression upon. I think we all go through an impressionable stage in life. For me, the thing that left an impression upon my life were the ‘super-heroes’. That’s right, I’m talking about guys like Superman, Batman & Robin, The Lone Ranger, The Phantom and so on. I loved watching the cartoons, reading the comic books and more recently the various movies that have been made about them. I would be enthralled as they suddenly appeared when there was trouble and people were in need of help. These super heroes would perform some super-human feats of strength and save the day. It had all the ingredients to capture the mind of a young boy growing up. But the thing that impressed me most was the way they conducted their lives in complete anonymity. Everywhere they went they left people wondering – “Who was that man?”, “Where did he come from?” Although they left people in a state of awe and wonder, they also left people wondering. They were very secretive. Their secrecy not only impressed me but at the same time it frustrated me. I mean, if I were a super-hero I would leave a calling card and say, “Hey, if you get into any strife, give me a call!”
Jesus was a person who left people wondering as to who he was. There were many differing opinions as to his identity once Jesus appeared on the scene and began to perform mighty miracles and present teachings like no-one had ever heard before. But despite the many and varied opinions as to his identity, Jesus wanted to make sure that his own disciples knew who he really was.
Jesus had been with his disciples for about two years. He had presented himself as the Messiah through his teachings and miracles. He had suffered the rejection of the religious leaders and experienced a mixture of responses as to his identity from the community. Amidst this confusion as to his identity, today’s passgae reveals that Jesus asked two questions:
1) a general question (v.13) – “Who do men say….?”
2) a personal question (v.15) – “Who do you say…?”
Jesus – had been offering himself as the Messiah and people were confronted with the decision as to his identity.
The Disciples first of all answered in a kind, diplomatic way. Some of the responses were – John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, a Prophet. There were obviously differing opinions as to who he really was. (NB: the disciples did not mention that some thought he was a blasphemer Matt. 9:3). They were all very good and honorable opinions, but it is possible for people to have a good opinion about Christ – but not the right one!
Jesus Christ seems to reject all the opinions concerning himself and asks for a personal response. There had been a two year association between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus revealed nothing personal about his identity. All he revealed to them was his character, miracles, and teachings. All he ever asked them was – “Follow me”. Now he asks, - “What do you think of me?”
Peter’s response by saying that “You are the Christ” – the annointed one, Saviour, Redeemer, the “Son of the Living God” – (v.13). The Bible tells us that God in his graciousness revealed it to Peter.
Jesus Christ was pleased with his response. And he used his response to teach his disciples a new truth. He used Peter’s confession to introduce the concept of the Church. Jesus makes a declaration concerning the Church and reveals his desire and purpose for the Church. This is the first time the word church is located in Scripture, therefore, we need to take note of what Jesus is teaching here. But first of all, what is the church?
Definition – “A group of people who find themselves in a new relationship with one another because of their new relationship with Jesus Christ.”
- i.e. We do not go to Church. We are the Church!
Jesus Christ – declared the Church to be:
1) A Progressive Church – “I will build my Church…” (v.18)
Jesus Christ’s desire was to see his Church progress.
The word ‘build’ conveys the idea of development; increasing towards a goal; moving forward/progressing
(e.g. A bricklayer – if he has 1000 bricks to lay, that is what he will do. He will not just lay 900 bricks but will work until the job is done.)
The Church – in the same way it should be progressing towards a goal. The church should be active and alive. The church should not be stagnant and lifeless. Jesus Christ’s purpose for his Church is seen in his words, “Occupy until I come”.
Q. Has the Church been completed? Is it finished?
NO! 1 Peter 2:5 – tells us that we are ‘lively stones’.
- in other words there are more being added (see Acts 2:47.)
- the church is still a progressive force.
“Occupy until I come”!
Q. What stands between us and the desire of Jesus Christ to see his Church progress? What will hinder the progressive Church?
A Lack of Commitment
Christians – what are we truly committed to? (Olympics? Work? Pleasure?)
Is it self? – interests; ambitions; desires; comfort?
Or is it the Saviour – his will; his work; his Church?
Illustration – In the Berlin art gallery there is a painting by the famous artist Mengel that is only partially finished. It is supposed to be a painting of King Frederick of Germany talking to his generals. Mengel painstakingly painted the generals first around the outside of the painting. The King was left until last, leaving a bare patch in the middle of the painting with the background of generals. But Mengel died before he could finish the painting. So there is a painting full of generals but no king.
Christians – spend so much time putting all the generals of – insignificance
- things
- personal desires,
and they leave the King of Kings until last!
Q. – How many Christians die without putting Christ into the very centre of their lives?
- the painting of our lives will never be complete without Christ being the centre.
- Christians can be so busy with the ‘generals of insignificance’ and the
‘background of things’ not realizing that they have left out the most important person – King Jesus Christ. In order for the church to progress, Jesus needs to be at the centre of our lives.
Jesus Christ – what is his idea of commitment?
- Matthew 16: 24 – 1) deny self (not an easy thing to do!)
2) take up your cross
3) follow him
Christians – many Christians follow Christ but drag self behind, instead of denying self.
- there is no half way when you commit yourself to Jesus Christ.
- for Christians there is no partial commitment
Illustration – Annanias and Saphira – things were happening in the progressive church (in Acts)
- they desired to be a part of the progressive church.
- But they “kept back part” when they gave to the progressive church.
Q. Do we keep back part or do we give our all?
Illustration – “The dog, the rabbit and the fox”
One day a fox observed a dog chasing a rabbit for his dinner. The dog would run through the forest and scrub to try and catch this rabbit. But the rabbit was too quick for him. Everyday the dog would find this rabbit and chase him in order to eat him. And everyday he would be unsuccessful. Finally one day the fox was curious as to why this big powerful dog couldn’t catch this small timid rabbit. So he went up to the dog and asked, “How is it that you, being a big powerful dog, can’t catch that small but timid rabbit?” “The answer to that is simple,” said the dog, “You see, I was only running for my dinner. The rabbit was running for his life!”
Christian – so often we like to be fed on Sundays and Wednesday nights instead of running with the eternal life that Jesus Christ has given us.
“Only one life (Single)
Twil soon be past (Short)
Only what’s done
For Christ will last” (Serious)
Q. What stands between us and a progressive Church?
A Lack of Commitment!
Jesus Christ – also declared the Church to be,
2) An Aggressive Church – “the gates of hell shall not prevail” (v.18)
Q. Why does Jesus Christ want his church to be aggressive?
Because there will be opposition.
“gates of hell” – this refers to the organised power of Satan.
- the enemies of God will throw everything they have against the church (i.e. Satan hates the church).
Opposition – in the Christian life it is inevitable!
- 2 Timothy 3:13 – if anyone lives a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (physically, mentally, emotionally).
Jesus – John 15:20 - "...if they have persecuted me they will persecute you."
Paul – Acts 14:22 - "...that we, through much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God."
Opposition for the Christian is inevitable. If you desire to walk the ways of Jesus it will come (i.e. you cannot escape it).
Jesus Christ – his desire for his church, during times of opposition, is to be aggressive.
- the church is not to be passive
- the church needs to take a stand against all opposition.
Paul described the Christian life as one of striving,
running, wrestling, fighting. We are to be an aggressive church because of the opposition that will come.
Illustration – Matthew 16: 21-23
1) Jesus described his death, burial, and resurrection (v.21)
2) Peter opposed it (v.22)
3) Satan is rebuked by Jesus (v.23)
NB: Jesus was aggressive in his stand against the enemy.
Q. What stands between us the desire of Jesus Christ to see his Church be aggressive? What will hinder us from taking a stand?
A Lack of Courage
Christians – need courage to say no when the world says yes, to speak out against those who try to corrupt our society (e.g. those who want to stop RE being taught in our schools), to stand up for Jesus
and say “Get thee behind me Satan”.
Illustration – The Early Church – Acts 5
- all the Apostles were jailed
- there was tremendous opposition
But! – “We ought to obey God than man” (5:29)
It takes courage to:
1) Follow Jesus
Illustration: On a family camp we played this game that involved trusting your leader. We broke into two teams. One team spread across the vacant field with their arms outstretched. The other team were blindfolded and had to get across the field without touching the opposition. But the team walking across were blindfolded, therefore, they had to rely on the directions of the team captain who called out from the sidelines which direction to take. Some would go slow because of fear of touching the opposition which would cost the team points. We soon realised that it took courage to follow the directions of our leader – the only one who wasn’t blindfolded.
Christians – following Jesus can be the same way sometimes
- “We walk by faith not by sight”
- following Jesus not only demands faith but it also requires courage.
2) Be Moral
- in an immoral world
- it takes courage: to be honest in a dishonest society
to stick to our convictions, when the world says ‘you’re old fashioned’
Remember, God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, therefore, we don’t have to be swayed by worldly trends, and we can say no to the world’s value system.
Illustration – Napolean in Battle.
One day when napolean and his army were up against an enemy army - one that was twice the size of his army - his generals and lieutenants were a little apprehensive and wondered what their commander would do. Napolean looked at the enemy and then at his army and gave out the order to the drummer boy - "Beat a charge!"
Jesus Christ has already taken the charge. His promise to us is that “the gates of hell shall not prevail”
Q. What stands between us and an aggressive Church?
A lack of courage!
Jesus Christ – also declared his church to be,
3) An Illuminating Force – “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom” (v.19)
The word ‘keys’ has reference to something that is used to unlock and open. In biblical times they usually were associated with the scribes (see Luke 11:52). A scribe was a person who revealed and interpreted the law. He was a person who would reveal and bring understanding to the Word of God.
The Church has been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, the responsibility of the Church is to unlock and illuminate the truths of God and his kingdom.
Jesus Christ – it is his desire for the church to be an illuminating force, revealing the truths of the gospel to a lost world.
Matthew 28: 19-20 – “Go ye therefore and teach all nations…”
Some may ask, “What right do we have to do this?” We need to remember that ‘keys’ are also a badge of authority.
Illustration: In NT times a servant was given the keys to his master’s storehouse. In doing so the master of the house has given the authority to his servant over the goods of the storehouse.
Church – has been given authority to proclaim the truth
to a lost world and to declare salvation to those who haven’t heard
NB: This implies responsibility!
Illustration: I give my boys the keys to the shed so that they can get their bikes. Because they have been entrusted with the keys, they are responsible for the keys. They know what will happen if they don’t return the keys to dad’s pocket.
The Church, in the same way, has been entrusted with the gospel. We have a responsibility to reveal God’s truth to a lost world.
Illustration: There was once a missionary preaching the gospel to a lost tribe. One of the natives thought this was good news but asked the question, “Why haven’t I heard it before?” “Why hasn’t my father and grandfather heard it before?” The gospel has been in the world for 2000 years now and yet so many have not heard.
Paul endured all things for the gospel that it would not be hindered. He was a person who conducted his life with commitment and courage, in order that the gospel be not hindered in any way.
Q. What stands between us and Jesus’ desire for his Church to reveal the truths of the gospel to a lost world?
If We Don’t Take Up the Challenge!
Church – we have been given the authority
- we have been given the responsibility
- the challenge is before us
NB: The Church was never meant to accommodate those who want an easy life!
Jesus Christ revealed his desire and purpose for the church.
Jesus requires: 1)commitment – in order to be progressive.
2)courage – in order to be aggressive.
3)take up the challenge – reveal God’s truth.
Q. This is Jesus Christ’s desire for his Church. Do we have that same desire? Are our church’s progressing towards a goal? Are our church’s aggressive against opposition? Are our church’s illuminating the truths of the gospel to a needy world? The challenge is before us.
