Notes
In Jesus’ time, gates not only protected a city from its enemies, but were also the places kings and leaders met, and where public announcements were made. Gates were where life happened for the community.In Greek, Peter’s name (Petros) means “small stone” and the word Jesus used (petra) means “boulder” or “bedrock”. Jesus was saying that when we, as little rocks, place our faith in Him, the bedrock, darkness will not prevail against us. The enemy puts up gates to hold us back and keep people from meeting Jesus. Here are three ways the Church can break through the gates:
1. Be on offense
A team playing defense is positioned to keep an opportunity from the other team. But a team playing offense is positioned to score points. The powers of darkness strive to keep the gates shut. But the gates of hell can’t hold back what Jesus is doing through the Church, so we play on offense.
2. Play as a team
We work together to stay out of the darkness, and to help get others out from behind the gates. A team knows the strengths and weaknesses of each player, and places that player where they will perform best. And a team builds each other up in love.
3. Don’t let the enemy close the gate
God expects the Church to reach beyond the gate with kindness, so that we can bring people to meet Him. We are here to help people who are stuck where they are. Jesus came to swing the gate wide open. When we are with Jesus, our life is built on a solid, bedrock foundation. And with Him, we have the opportunity to show people the open gate He offers.
Group Questions
- What does it mean to say that Jesus is the bedrock of our faith?
- What is the difference between the Church playing offense vs. defense?
- What are some ways we can motivate each other to acts of love?
- How do we reach beyond the enemy’s gates?
Prayer
Thank you for giving us a solid foundation on which to build our lives and our faith. Give us your heart for those who are behind the gates of the enemy.