“The Keys of the Kingdom”

Introduction

I. 	I grew up in a time when the people where I lived usually did not lock their doors at night or when they left the house.
A. 	Many of the locks were relatively simple.
B. 	There were “skeleton” keys which would open many of the locks.
  II.   The key has often been used as a symbol of authority and honor.
A. 	This is the case when some community gives the “key to the city” to some visitor.
B. 	It is implied that one who has the key to a room or building has authority with respect to the place.
III. 	 Jesus gave to Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” after Peter confessed 	Jesus to be Christ.  Matt. 16:13-19.
IV. 	Let us consider how  Peter used the keys and make some other application with respect to the “keys of the kingdom.”

Body

I. 	Peter used the keys on Pentecost and again at the household of Cornelius.
A. 	Peter had the authority to preach the first sermon by which people were able to enter the kingdom of heaven or church.  Acts 2:14-41.
1. 	All of the apostles were “filled with the Holy Spirit” and spoke in foreign languages as the Spirit directed.  Acts 2:1-4.
2. 	His audience consisted of devout Jews from many nations.  Acts 2:5-12.
3. 	Some mocked saying the apostles were drunk.  Acts 2:13.
4. 	Peter used Joel’s prophecy to refute their false charges.  Acts 2:14-21.
5. 	He established that they had slain Jesus whom God had approved.      Acts 2:22-23.
6. 	He then used the prophecy of David to establish that Jesus was raised from the dead and had ascended to heaven.  Acts 2:24-36.
7. 	The Jews were convicted of their rejection of Jesus and asked what they must do.  Acts 2:37.
8. 	Peter told them to repent and be baptized.  Acts 2:38-39.
9. 	He further exhorted and three thousand were baptized.  Acts 2:40-42.
         B.  Peter used the keys again when he preached to the household of Cornelius.
               Acts 10:34b-48.
1. 	He again preached about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.       Acts 10:34b-42.
2. 	He taught that those who believed could receive the remission of sins.  Acts 10:43.
3. 	The presence of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his house convinced Peter that the Gentiles could be obedient as well as the Jews, and he commanded them to be baptized just as he had done for the Jews.       Acts 10:44-48.

“The Keys of the Kingdom,” page 2.

II. 	Peter’s use of the keys gave entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
A. 	You can have entrance into this wonderful kingdom of heaven by doing just as did the Jews and later the Gentiles.  Acts 10:34b.
B. 	Jesus pronounced “Woe” on those who “took away the key of knowledge.”  Luke 11:52.
C. 	Just as there were those who opposed the truth in the first century, so there are those who oppose it today.
1. 	Don’t be misled by false teachers who deny the necessity of obeying the commands Jesus gave.  Luke 6:46; Heb. 5:8-9.
2. 	Also don’t allow the people of the world to prejudice your minds against the truth and against the kingdom of God.

 Conclusion

I. 	Peter used the keys of the kingdom of heaven when he preached the truth on Pentecost.
   II.   You can enter this kingdom today.
III. 		Please consider your need today, believe in Christ, repent of your sins and be 	baptized into Christ today!  Heb. 11:6; Acts 2:38.

Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   December 21, 1997