Pastor Jack Peters
May 21, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Matt. 16:21-27
TOGETHER IN CHRIST!
MATTHEW 16:21-27 – MOTIVATED BY LOVE
TOGETHER WE ARE HIS CHURCH #2
The story is told of the missionary Hudson Taylor interviewing some youths for Christ’s work. He asked them: “Why do you wish to go as a foreign missionary?” One replied: “because Christ has commanded us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Another said: “because millions are dying without ever having heard of Jesus.” Others gave similar answers, but not what Taylor sought. He replied: “All of your motives are good, but I fear they will fail you in times of severe testing and tribulation— especially if you are confronted with the possibility of having to face death for your testimony. The only motive that will enable you to remain true is stated in 2 Corinthians 5:14: “Christ’s love constraining [compelling] you will keep you faithful in every situation.” MOTIVATED BY LOVE – Revelation Central
What motivates us to do something will dictate whether we
succeed or fail in what we are trying to do. Although becoming a Christian will cost you nothing, serving Christ will cost you everything! And the only motivation that will make us successful in God’s eyes is to be motivated by love.
We began a series a few weeks ago called “Together We Are His Church”. If we are to succeed as a church, we must understand what Christ expects of us as a group of Christ-followers who worship and serve together.
We began with the concept of the church in Matthew 16:13-20. (review) This week we are seeing the cost for Christ and the cost for each individual Christ-follower. We will see that Christ’s motivation of love allowed Him to do what He needed to do, and our motivation of love will allow us to do what we need to do!
SOBERING REDEMPTION – THE COMMITMENT OF CHRIST, Matthew 16:21
- Christ’s identity was just established. Matthew 16:16
- Based on their understanding who Christ is, Jesus tells them what this means.
- Christ would suffer at the hands of Jewish leadership, be killed, and rise again. All this, as fulfillment of Isaiah 53.
- God loves us. That’s why God the Son was committed to the plan of God. John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10
STERN REBUKES – THE CLASH WITH JESUS
- Matthew 16:22 – Peter rebuked God. Peter disagreed with God. The one who recently professed Jesus as the Messiah was taking Jesus to task! We will also be in danger of arguing with Jesus when our agendas clash.
- Matthew 16:23 – Jesus rebukes Peter. Jesus’ rebuke was stern. He was being used as a mouthpiece of Satan. Luke 4:6-8,13
- Peter was rebuked because Peter was loved. Hebrews 12:5-6, Peter would later warn us. 1 Peter 5:8-9
STIFF REQUIREMENTS – THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP Matthew 16:24-27
- Matthew 16:24 – 3 D’s – Denial, Death, Direction
- Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35 – This is an expression of love. To lose our lives is to gain them! John 14:21-24
- Matthew 16:26 – Following Christ is a measure of soul health. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
- Matthew 16:27 – We are all accountable. 1 Corinthians 4:5, John 3:36
