THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 16

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will be released in heaven.”

After Revelation came from God concerning Christ’s identity, those who would receive this knowledge would come into possession of some keys.

These keys would bring power into their lives such as the world had never known. These keys represent the authority of God and access to God.

Keys show authority, for the one who holds the key is granted access. the pity of this is that in our secular world we just use the keys in our pockets and never know they represent authority.

In the story of the centurion, Jesus marvels at the faith exhibited by authority, the Centurion knew that his authority wasn’t in himself, but in who he represented. Caesar!

the authority given us is not in us, but in who we represent and when we start representing Christ again we then will begin to use the Keys Jesus gives us effectively.

Jesus says in this verse “...I will give unto you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven...” too often we aretrying to use spiritual authority for worldly gain.

We must constantly remind ourselves, we are in this world, but not of this world. James 4:3 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jas 4:3.

In James 1 you hear these words 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Jas 1:2–8.

In Matthew 16 Jesus wants us on His sure foundation so that when we ask in prayer those things we need or want, He can answer them.

Therefore understanding Christ and what He wants for us will show us the pathway we are to be on so that the keys He has given us will work.

When we know the keys and what doors they will open, but we must also find the right doors.

Jesus:

Ask whatsoever you will in My name and the Father will give it to thee

Tithing:

Mal. 3:10 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

That there may be food in My house,

And try Me now in this,”

Says the Lord of hosts,

“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven

And pour out for you such blessing

That there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,

So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,

Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”

Says the Lord of hosts;

12 And all nations will call you blessed,

For you will be a delightful land,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mal 3:10–12.

Giving:

Luke 6:38 LEB

Give, and it will be given to you, a good measure—pressed down, shaken, overflowing—they will pour out into your lap. For with the measure by which you measure out, it will be measured out to you in return.”

Just a few things to whet your appetite on these keys all of these are things we desire, yet many never attain.

Jesus gives this authority, because it has been given Him, Matthew 28: 18...All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Mt 28:18.

Luke 10:19,20 19 Behold, I have given you the authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will ever harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are inscribed in heaven.”

W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Lk 10:19–20.

Luke 24:49 49 And behold, I am sending out what was promised by my Father upon you, but you stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Lk 24:49.

Unlike the centurion, we are attempting to operate in the authority we do not have, because we have yet to receive it.