Introduction

Welcome, beloved brothers and sisters, to this gathering of hearts and minds united in Christ. We are here today, not as individuals, but as a family of believers, drawn together by a shared love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are a community, a body, each of us a vital part of a greater whole. We are not here because of obligation, but because of a desire to know Him more, to understand His Word, and to grow in our faith.

Our focus today is on a passage of Scripture that is both challenging and enlightening, a passage that invites us to reflect on our own faith and our relationship with Christ. The passage is found in Matthew 16:15. It reads, "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?'"

This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples, is as relevant today as it was then. It is a question that demands introspection, a question that calls us to examine our hearts and confront our beliefs. It is a question that is as profound as it is simple, and it is a question that we will be considering today.

As we consider this passage, let me share with you a quote from the esteemed theologian, J.I. Packer. He once said, "Knowing God is a relationship calculated to thrill a man's heart." This quote encapsulates the essence of our discussion today. It is about knowing God, truly knowing Him, not just knowing about Him. It is about a relationship that is more than mere acquaintance, a relationship that should thrill our hearts and transform our lives.

Now, let us bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for the opportunity to gather in Your name, to learn from Your Word. We ask that You open our hearts and minds today, that we may understand Your Word, that we may come to know You more. Guide us in our discussion, enlighten us with Your wisdom, and fill us with Your love. We ask all these in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Heart's Hidden Hesitations

When we consider the question posed by Jesus, "But who do you say that I am?", we are confronted with our own hesitations. These hesitations, often hidden in the depths of our hearts, can hinder our relationship with Christ. They can prevent us from fully acknowledging Him as our Lord and Savior. These hesitations come in many forms and can be influenced by various factors.

The first factor is doubt. Doubt is a common human experience. We doubt when we are uncertain, when we lack confidence, when we are afraid. Doubt can creep into our faith, causing us to question our beliefs, our convictions, and even our relationship with God. Doubt can make us hesitant to fully commit to Christ, to fully accept Him as our Lord and Savior. But doubt is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is an opportunity for growth. When we confront our doubts, when we seek answers, when we strive to understand, we are taking steps towards a stronger, deeper faith.

The second factor is fear. Fear is a powerful emotion. It can paralyze us, keep us from moving forward, keep us from taking risks. Fear can make us hesitant to fully embrace our faith, to fully live out our beliefs. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of the unknown - these can all keep us from fully committing to Christ. But fear, like doubt, is not a sign of weakness. It is a challenge to be overcome. When we face our fears, when we trust in God, when we rely on His strength, we are moving towards a faith that is fearless, a faith that is bold.

The third factor is pride. Pride is a subtle and dangerous stumbling block. It can make us think that we are self-sufficient, that we don't need God, that we can handle things on our own. Pride can make us hesitant to admit our need for Christ, to acknowledge Him as our Lord and Savior. But pride, like doubt and fear, is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of spiritual blindness. When we recognize our pride, when we humble ourselves, when we acknowledge our need for God, we are opening ourselves to His grace, His mercy, His love.

Finally is complacency. Complacency is a state of contentment, a state of satisfaction with the status quo. It can make us resistant to change, resistant to growth, resistant to spiritual transformation. Complacency can make us hesitant to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, to strive for a greater understanding of His Word, to aim for a higher level of spiritual maturity. But complacency, like doubt, fear, and pride, is not a sign of spiritual health. It is a sign of spiritual stagnation. When we shake off our complacency, when we hunger for more of God, we are setting ourselves on a path of spiritual growth, a path that leads to a closer relationship with Christ.

Harrowing Handover

In the quiet corners of our hearts, we often grapple with the question Jesus posed to His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" This question, simple yet profound, is not one to be taken lightly ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO