Grace Community Bible Church Sermons

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 17:1-13

In Matthew 17:1-13 we learn nine realities about Christ as we are shown the Transfiguration.

1. Jesus is devoted to prayer and discipling His disciples (v. 1).
2. Jesus manifests divine glory (v. 2).
3. Jesus is affirmed by the Law and the Prophets (v. 3).
4. Jesus is affirmed and praised by His Father in heaven (vv. 4-5e).
5. Jesus is to be listened to (v. 5f).
6. Jesus is compassionate (vv. 6-7).
7. Jesus is all we need (v. 8).
8. Jesus will be (has been) raised from the dead (v. 9).
9. Jesus is confirmed by OT Scriptures (vv. 10-13).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 16:24-28

In Matthew 16:24-28 Jesus addresses two aspects of living the disciple’s life.

1. Jesus addresses the requirements for becoming a disciple.
   1. Desire (v. 24a).
   2. Self-denial (v. 24b).
   3. Cross-bearing (v. 24c).
   4. Continuous following (v. 24d).
2. Jesus addresses the reasons for becoming a disciple.
   1. To gain a life that is true (v. 25).
   2. To gain a soul of infinite value (v. 26).
   3. To gain a reward on Judgment Day (vv. 27,28).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 16:21-23

In Matthew 16:21-23 Jesus reveals 4 realities surrounding His journey to the cross.

1. Jesus’ journey to the cross is a divine necessity (v. 21a)
2. Jesus’ journey to the cross is by divine design.
   1. To Jerusalem (v. 21b).
   2. Through suffering.
      1. At the hands of Jewish leaders (v. 21c).
      2. Resulting in death (v. 21d).
   3. Ending in resurrection (v. 21e).
3. Jesus’ journey to the cross is misunderstood by men (as revealed in Peter’s rebuke of Jesus).
   1. “God will have mercy on You!� (v. 22a).
   2. “You should not have to suffer!� (v. 22b).
4. Jesus’ journey to the cross is opposed by Satan (as revealed in Jesus’ rebuke of Peter).
   1. “Get behind me!� (v. 23a).
   2. “You are a stumbling block!� (v. 23b).
   3. “Your mind should be set on the things of God!� (v. 23c).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 16:13-20

In Matthew 16:13-20 we are shown 3 responses to the most important question ever asked.

1. The disciples respond that most of the world is confused about the answer (vv. 13, 14).
2. Peter responds by fully confessing Christ (vv. 15, 16).
3. Jesus responds by applying Peter’s confession.
   1. The one who fully confesses Christ is blessed (v. 17a).
   2. The ability to fully confess Christ is a gift from God (v. 17b).
   3. Through the full confession of Christ, Jesus builds His church that will not be defeated (v. 18).
   4. Recognizing a full confession of Christ and proclaiming forgiveness of sin already forgiven in heaven is an authority given to the church that Jesus builds through the full confession of Christ (v. 19).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 16:5-12

In Matthew 16:5-12 Jesus continues to disciple the disciples as He teaches them three lessons about the disciple’s life.

1. Jesus teaches His disciples a lesson about false teachers and their teaching.
   1. Be on the lookout for them and their teaching (v. 6a).
   2. Do not ignore them and their teaching (v. 6b).
2. Jesus teaches His disciples a lesson about faith.
   1. You reveal that your faith is little when you worry about things (vv. 5, 7-8).
   2. Remember who I am and what I have done and your faith will be strengthened (vv. 9-10).
3. Jesus teaches His disciples a lesson about grace.
   1. He patiently teaches them again (v. 11).
   2. His patience leads them to understanding (v. 12).