Matthew 16:13-23 | Jesus | Head of the Church

Sermon Notes

Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe

It is only as we grow with Christ as our head that our growth is a growth that is from God.

We want to do all that we do in such a particular way that if there is any growth, if there is any increase, if there is any fruitfulness in our midst, it is obvious that it is the Lord who has done this so that the Lord would be marvelous in our eyes and in the eyes of our community.

1. Far be it from us that anyone could say, that church is a great church, that church has a great pastor, that church is a great community, that church has a great ministry …
2. … and at the same time have no thought or awareness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

We pay attention to not only whether or not we get our gospel proclamation right, but also whether or not we get our gospel practice right.

1 Peter 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Ephesians 1:22–23
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Colossians 2:18–19
Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

James 1:14–15
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God the salvation to everyone who believes.

Matthew 28:19–20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Francis Schaeffer - No Little People
There is no source of power for God's people–for preaching or teaching or anything else–except Christ Himself. Apart from Christ, anything which seems to be spiritual power is actually the power of the flesh.