Bible Chapter: Matthew 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A word jumped out to me at the beginning of this chapter. People came to Jesus “testing” Him. They came trying to trick Jesus, to trip Him up and make Him fail.  They wanted Him to flunk so they could accuse Him.  Jesus faced testing.  We will face testing.  Jesus kept His focus on eternal truth and was always ready to quote scripture.  This is a good illustration for us to have victory - Keep eternity in focus and properly quote scriptures.  It works.
    Jesus warned about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.  This was their corruption of doctrine and the evil they try to promote.  False doctrine causes many problems.  While the Bible is very deep in the things it teaches, it is also simple and should be understood in that way.  Take the Bible at face value.  Learn to interpret scriptures based on other scriptures.  Know that the Bible will not contradict itself.  God breathed life into the inspired words that holy men wrote down.  God has protected the message from change for thousands of years.  There will always be religious people trying to take advantage of the Bible and those seeking to follow its teachings.  The more we focus on Biblical truths the more we will be able to recognize the false.
    Peter’s confession in verse 16 is necessary for all of us.  This goes along with Romans 10:9 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  NIV To confess that Jesus is Lord is our step to salvation.  Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  As God speaks to a person’s heart and they respond to His calling, they confess Jesus as Lord of their life and they are changed.  It is important to continually confess Jesus as Lord. This is not to continually get saved again and again, but to keep our hearts and minds focused on HIM.  That is a life of victory.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I can daily declare my belief in Jesus and my trust in Him.  I can know that I will face trials, but I don’t have to be overcome by them because of my faith in Jesus.  Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against His followers.  There IS victory available.  We go through trials and struggles.  It is when these times come that it is even more important to focus on God’s promises and His presence in my life.  He will continue to remind and encourage me.  He said to come to Him when things are rough and He will give us rest.
    I can apply the Word of God and not try to manipulate it.  Peter rebuked Jesus when He said He would be killed.  Peter said it wouldn’t happen.  Jesus called Peter a stumbling block.  Peter didn’t like the thought of Jesus going to the cross.  Jesus knew it was necessary.  I need to listen to the voice of God and not try to change what God says is best.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people when they are going through trials and tests.  I can be an encouragement to them to keep their focus on Jesus.  There is some “yeast” in the church world that says we will never have tests, that everything is supposed to be wonderful and perfect.  I can help people focus on Jesus and trust Him to carry them through.  Through Jesus we can overcome.