3 Keys of Application Taken From the Keys of the Kingdom

This week, we’ve been talking about keys. In particular, “the keys to the kingdom of heaven” from Matthew 16. If you’re just checking in, click HERE to read “Would You Share the Keys to Your Kingdom?“ or click HERE to read “Exploring the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.“

Today we’re going to unpack the application from this chapter; Peter’s roller-coaster conversation with Jesus. Here are 3 keys of application that we can glean from this week’s discussion.

1. Like Peter, We Are Believers

Like Peter, the Father has revealed the Messiah to us. Thankfully, God has chosen to draw us to Himself and in turn, we believe that Jesus Christ is truly the Messiah and the Son of God.

We can trust in the fact that God began something in us and will complete His work (Phil., 1:6). We are Believers.

2. Like Peter, We Have the Keys

We have the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, poured out when we Believe; we now posses those same keys. We can achieve the same level of ministry that the early church experienced, because these keys also belong to us.

Moreover, look at your local church. Look at the passion that your church pours out in numerous areas of personal and organizational ministry. Your church will continue to use the keys of the kingdom of heaven, to bring more people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

3. Like Peter, We Are Still Learning

This is the difficult one for us to hear. Just like Peter, even though we believe in the Messiah, even though we have the keys of His kingdom, we’re still learning, aren’t we?

Proverbs 16:32 says it all.

Later on in the book of Proverbs, we find a verse that really would have helped Peter and that has been helping me a lot lately. Proverb 16:32 reads,

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

Summed up, it’s like a parent speaking to a teenager who is ready to take on the world:

“Take some time to think before you say or do anything.”

We really do have good intentions. We really do care about the people around us. We’re passionate about the Gospel and we want to see our world impacted. And yet, like Peter, too many times we rush in with our good intentions.

Instead of stopping and leaning on God’s understanding, trusting that His plan will be achieved, regardless of what we say or do.

What if we gave God 1 minute?

What would happen if every one of us made a commitment to stop for just one minute, and really think about the consequences, before we said or did anything? What could the Lord do with that sixty seconds?

What could He teach us? How much hurt could He prevent? What could the Lord achieve in the local church if we gave Him just one minute of patience and self-control?

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

What other keys of application can you find from Peter’s life and ministry?