Oh My Soul - wk2

"Keys to Unleashing True Worship"

 Bryan Jones

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”  That is the question Jesus asked His disciples as they stood at the “Gates of Hell” in Caesarea Philippi.  The people in Jesus’ day had various answers to this question.  Some said he was a reformer, others a miracle worker, and still others a great teacher.  But when Jesus asked this same question of Peter, he declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  (Matthew 16:16)
 
Who do you say Jesus is?  Do you truly believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God?  If you do, have you built your life around Him?  The starting point of truly worshipping God is seeing Him for who He truly is.  It’s not just believing in Him, but putting Him above everything else.
 
After Peter’s bold declaration, Jesus turns the tables and says to Peter,  “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.”  (Matthew 16:18)  It’s not enough just to know who Jesus is.  You have to know your own identity as a follower of Jesus.  You have to understand that you are chosen by God and you have a purpose.
 
As we continue our sermon series on worship this Sunday, we’re going to take a look at this encounter between Jesus and His disciples at Caesarea Philippi.  There are two keys to truly worshipping God.  Know who God is.  Know who you are.