Study 6 – Matthew 16:13-16

The Declaration at Caesarea Philippi 1

 

1. The sermon introduction mentioned how Peter was gathering knowledge of Christ as his discipleship progressed and how in looking at this we learn much about what being a disciple of Jesus entails. Discuss the following related points:

a. The clear distinction between “knowing about” Jesus and “knowing” Jesus.

b. What is involved in having a personal relationship with Jesus, looking in particular at,
i. prayer
ii. obedience
iii. public witness

2. In his claim to be the Messiah Jesus was either (a) deliberately false, knowing he wasn’t who he claimed to be; (b) sincerely deluded, believing he was who he was not; or (c) he was actually who he claimed to be.

• Why is being sure of Christ’s identity important to you personally?
• What implications does being wrong about his identity have for salvation?

3. Peter’s declaration in verse 16 uses the term “the Christ”, which means “the anointed One” (also The Messiah).

• In what sense was he “anointed”? (You may find Luke 3 verses 21-22, then Luke 4 verses 1, 14 and 22 helpful – they were used in the sermon in reference to this point).
• To what purpose was he “anointed” (See Luke chapter 4 verses 18-19).
• Having “marvelled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth” (Luke 4 verse 22), why would the people who heard him want to “throw him down the cliff” (verse 30)?

4. Peter’s declaration in verse 16 also uses the term “the Son of the living God”.

• How does Matthew 11 verse 27 show that this term includes Christ’s divine nature?
• Why do you think the doctrine of Christ’s deity (that he is fully God) is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith?
• Would salvation be accomplished without this being true? Why?
• In what sense is the deity of Jesus important to the invitation in Matthew T11:28-30.

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Posted in Study Questions; Posted 8 years ago