37 sermons preach from Matthew 16 — 35 from real church libraries, transcribed and indexed to the verse, and 2 from the classic library.
“Peter declared 'You are the Son of the living God,' and Jesus said 'I will build my church; the gates of Hades will not prevail.'”
John Wesley
"Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" Matthew 16:3. 1. The entire passage runs thus: "The Pharisees also, with the Sadducees, came, and tempting, desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven.…
Read the full text“He asks the congregation to look at Matthew 16:13–20 as significant to the building of this word.”
Bishop Pineda taught on the nature, foundation and mission of the church: its identity is revealed by Christ, built on revelation and crucifixion, and expressed as the body and bride of Christ. He called believers to personal revelation, joyful worship, holiness and readiness for the Bridegroom while warning against spiritual compromise and identity confusion.
“Jesus asked, 'Who am I?' and the disciples answered, 'Some say you are John the Baptist; others say Elias (Elijah).' (Peter confesses 'You are the Christ.')”
Bishop Pineda taught on the nature, foundation and mission of the church: its identity is revealed by Christ, built on revelation and crucifixion, and expressed as the body and bride of Christ. He called believers to personal revelation, joyful worship, holiness and readiness for the Bridegroom while warning against spiritual compromise and identity confusion.
“In Matthew chapter 16 Jesus asks at Caesarea Philippi 'Who do the people say that he was?', Peter confesses 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,' and Jesus predicts his death and resurrection; Peter rebukes him and Jesus says 'Get behind me, Satan.'”
Pastor Steve Wilburn's Palm Sunday message "His Plan" (John 11–12) explains how Jesus intentionally delays, demonstrates costly devotion, and receives public praise as part of God's redemptive purpose. Using Lazarus' resurrection, Mary's costly anointing, and the triumphal entry, he shows that God's timing displays glory, true worship costs, and public acclaim can be fleeting. The sermon issues a call to repentance, invites attenders to Good Friday and Easter services, and offers new-believer resources.
“You are the Christ, the son of the living God. So this confession of faith is the rock upon which the church is built (and the surrounding discussion of Peter rebuking Jesus and Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial).”
A Bible teaching on the theme “The Church, Glorious and Triumphant” defining the church as the called-out assembly built on the confession of Christ, explaining what makes the church glorious (the glory of Christ, equality, and a bond of love) and stressing practical outworkings: genuine fellowship, baptism of the Holy Ghost, nurturing new converts, and growth in love and holiness.
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples... Simon Peter answered and said you are the Christ the son of the living God. Jesus answered... on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
Pastor Jim Luisi preaches on the importance of seeing life from God’s perspective rather than being shaped by losses, cultural opinion, or circumstances. He calls believers to seek divine revelation, cultivate contentment, and stand steady in the revelation of who Christ is so they can take the right actions (or inactions) and walk in God’s purposes.
“Peter: 'You are the Christ, the son of the living God.' Jesus: 'Upon this confession I will build my church; the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'”
A Bible teaching on the theme “The Church, Glorious and Triumphant” defining the church as the called-out assembly built on the confession of Christ, explaining what makes the church glorious (the glory of Christ, equality, and a bond of love) and stressing practical outworkings: genuine fellowship, baptism of the Holy Ghost, nurturing new converts, and growth in love and holiness.
“Who do people say that I am?”
A sermon that uses Jacob's wrestling at the Jabbok to explore the difference between God's inerrant authority and humanity's delegated authority, showing how spiritual transformation often comes through struggle, humility, and invited shepherding. The preacher calls believers to surrender misplaced control, embrace dependence, and invite godly leadership and accountability.
“Jesus asked who people say he is; Peter answered 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,' and Jesus then began to tell them he would be crucified and die.”
A sermon from the Book of Revelation (chapter 1) that presents Jesus as the triumphant, authoritative 'Jesus 2.0,' calls people to repentance and readiness for Christ's return, and teaches practical kingdom principles on obedience, tithing, and stewardship (Deuteronomy 28 applied). Worship, testimony, baptisms, and invitations to join church life and ministries punctuate the message.
“Simon Peter uttered, 'thou art the Christ.' The Lord said to him, 'flesh and blood didn't tell you that; the Holy Spirit gave you that.'”
Bishop Smith preached on the importance of the soul, calling believers to a serious, intentional faith rooted in prayer, obedience, and stewardship. Using Jesus' confrontation with Peter and His agony in Gethsemane as the centerpiece, he warned about Satan's deception and spiritual forces, urged consistent giving and service, invited participation in church events and leadership, and closed with an urgent call to salvation and a personal Gethsemane experience of prayer and surrender.
“Peter's confession "You are the Son of the living God" and Jesus' reply "flesh and blood did not reveal this unto you."”
Bishop Pineda taught on the nature, foundation and mission of the church: its identity is revealed by Christ, built on revelation and crucifixion, and expressed as the body and bride of Christ. He called believers to personal revelation, joyful worship, holiness and readiness for the Bridegroom while warning against spiritual compromise and identity confusion.
“Peter declared 'You are the Son of the living God,' and Jesus said 'I will build my church; the gates of Hades will not prevail.'”
A sermon affirming that the church belongs to Jesus, not to human leaders or institutions, calling the congregation to return to the essentials of the faith — Christ's ownership, the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the Lord's Supper, and prayer — and urging faithful stewardship, servant leadership, and spiritual boldness in the life of Restoration Church.
“Matthew 16 — Peter said 'you are the... Son of God' and Jesus said, 'upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell won't prevail against it.'”
Pastor Robert Jeffress celebrates First Baptist Dallas's history and kickoff of the historic sanctuary rebuilding, teaching that the church is built on three enduring foundations—commitment, the gospel, and the Bible—and calling the congregation to renewed dedication, sacrificial stewardship, and urgent evangelism.
“Peter's confession 'You are the Son of the living God' and Jesus' reply that 'flesh and blood did not reveal this unto you' and that he will build his church on that revelation.”
Bishop Pineda taught on the nature, foundation and mission of the church: its identity is revealed by Christ, built on revelation and crucifixion, and expressed as the body and bride of Christ. He called believers to personal revelation, joyful worship, holiness and readiness for the Bridegroom while warning against spiritual compromise and identity confusion.
“Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the son of the living God.' And Jesus answered, '...upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'”
A Bible teaching on the theme “The Church, Glorious and Triumphant” defining the church as the called-out assembly built on the confession of Christ, explaining what makes the church glorious (the glory of Christ, equality, and a bond of love) and stressing practical outworkings: genuine fellowship, baptism of the Holy Ghost, nurturing new converts, and growth in love and holiness.
“It was Simon Peter who uttered, 'Thou art the Christ.'”
Bishop Smith preached on the importance of the soul, calling believers to a serious, intentional faith rooted in prayer, obedience, and stewardship. Using Jesus' confrontation with Peter and His agony in Gethsemane as the centerpiece, he warned about Satan's deception and spiritual forces, urged consistent giving and service, invited participation in church events and leadership, and closed with an urgent call to salvation and a personal Gethsemane experience of prayer and surrender.
“He said 'upon this rock will I build my church' (paraphrase).”
A Sunday service centered on petitioning God for deliverance from persecutors. The preacher teaches that persecution is spiritual in origin, often provoked by righteousness or success, and calls believers to respond with prayer, holiness, perseverance, praise, and seeking reconciliation when at fault.
“Jesus says to Peter, 'And I also say that you are Peter, and on you, on this rock, I will build my church.'”
A Reunion Sunday sermon that remembers the congregation's youth mentors and calls worshipers to live with urgency and purpose: recognize life's limits, resist guilty regret, and commit to being about the Father’s business through listening, prayer, service, justice, and faithful stewardship.
“"I'm calling you Peter the rock... you will know me as the rock of your salvation," (referring to Jesus naming Peter the rock).”
Pastor Jim Luisi preaches on the importance of seeing life from God’s perspective rather than being shaped by losses, cultural opinion, or circumstances. He calls believers to seek divine revelation, cultivate contentment, and stand steady in the revelation of who Christ is so they can take the right actions (or inactions) and walk in God’s purposes.
“"I will build the church." (Jesus' declaration that he will build the church.)”
A sermon affirming that the church belongs to Jesus, not to human leaders or institutions, calling the congregation to return to the essentials of the faith — Christ's ownership, the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the Lord's Supper, and prayer — and urging faithful stewardship, servant leadership, and spiritual boldness in the life of Restoration Church.
Showing the 4 most recent — 15 more sermons in church libraries reference this verse.
“Quotes Jesus giving 'the keys to the kingdom of heaven' and 'whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'”
A practical conversation about how to read, study, and teach the Bible plus a ranked critique of popular English translations. The hosts unpack Jesus' temptation (and dominion theology) to show why Scripture is our weapon, then give concrete habits, study methods, family rhythms, and translation recommendations.
“He ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.”
A Resurrection Sunday message emphasizing that Jesus' resurrection transforms despair into hope, invites a personal relationship rather than mere religious observance, and calls believers to live boldly and share the good news.
“Jesus began to show his disciples he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed and raised again; then to Peter he said, "Get thee behind me, Satan."”
A sermon from the Book of Revelation (chapter 1) that presents Jesus as the triumphant, authoritative 'Jesus 2.0,' calls people to repentance and readiness for Christ's return, and teaches practical kingdom principles on obedience, tithing, and stewardship (Deuteronomy 28 applied). Worship, testimony, baptisms, and invitations to join church life and ministries punctuate the message.
“I began reading in chapter 16 from verse 21 — Jesus says he must go to Jerusalem and suffer and die; when Peter objects Jesus says, 'Get thee behind me, Satan.'”
Bishop Horace E. Smith preached a Father's Day message on fatherhood as a primary, shaping force in life and faith, calling the church to restoration through relationship with God the Father (Abba), to faithful stewardship, and to intentional leadership and mentorship during an upcoming pastoral transition.
“Jesus foretold he must be killed and raised after three days; Peter rebuked him and Jesus said, 'Get behind me, Satan,' saying Peter has the concerns of man, not God.”
A youth sermon examining Judas's betrayal in the context of the Road to the Cross series, showing how God used that evil act to bring about Jesus' death, the new covenant of forgiveness, and healing — and urging a posture of dependence and remembrance (communion, gratitude, confession).
“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer... be killed and be raised the third day; Peter rebuked him, and Jesus said, 'Get behind me, Satan!'”
A Bible study on Jesus' declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that salvation is found only in Christ. The sermon explains the narrow gate and difficult path to eternal life, calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus, and outlines the gospel process: repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. It includes pastoral exhortation to prioritize God over traditions and family loyalties and a call to pray and evangelize for those whose hearts are closed.
“Jesus predicted he would be killed and raised the third day; Peter rebuked him and Jesus said 'Get behind me, Satan,' and taught that anyone who would follow him must deny himself.”
A Bible study on Jesus' declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that salvation is found only in Christ. The sermon explains the narrow gate and difficult path to eternal life, calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus, and outlines the gospel process: repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. It includes pastoral exhortation to prioritize God over traditions and family loyalties and a call to pray and evangelize for those whose hearts are closed.
“From that time forth began Jesus to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things.”
Bishop Smith preached on the importance of the soul, calling believers to a serious, intentional faith rooted in prayer, obedience, and stewardship. Using Jesus' confrontation with Peter and His agony in Gethsemane as the centerpiece, he warned about Satan's deception and spiritual forces, urged consistent giving and service, invited participation in church events and leadership, and closed with an urgent call to salvation and a personal Gethsemane experience of prayer and surrender.
“"From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things... and be killed, and be raised again the third day."”
A Bible study on Jesus' declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that salvation is found only in Christ. The sermon explains the narrow gate and difficult path to eternal life, calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus, and outlines the gospel process: repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. It includes pastoral exhortation to prioritize God over traditions and family loyalties and a call to pray and evangelize for those whose hearts are closed.
“From that time forth Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised again the third day; and he said, 'Get thee behind me, Satan.' He also taught, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me... For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?'”
Bishop Smith preached on the importance of the soul, calling believers to a serious, intentional faith rooted in prayer, obedience, and stewardship. Using Jesus' confrontation with Peter and His agony in Gethsemane as the centerpiece, he warned about Satan's deception and spiritual forces, urged consistent giving and service, invited participation in church events and leadership, and closed with an urgent call to salvation and a personal Gethsemane experience of prayer and surrender.
“He called Peter 'Satan' and said, 'you are an offense to me; for you savour not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.'”
A sermon from the Book of Revelation (chapter 1) that presents Jesus as the triumphant, authoritative 'Jesus 2.0,' calls people to repentance and readiness for Christ's return, and teaches practical kingdom principles on obedience, tithing, and stewardship (Deuteronomy 28 applied). Worship, testimony, baptisms, and invitations to join church life and ministries punctuate the message.
“"Get behind me, Satan" — a quoted admonition the speaker cautions not to say aloud.”
Pastor encourages believers to respond to God's Word with simple, childlike agreement — “OK” — and to act in faith: give, touch Jesus for healing, persevere, and be willing to surrender possessions or relationships for the sake of the Kingdom. The service includes worship, announcements, testimony on healing, teaching about faith, obedience, sacrifice, communion, and a time of ministry for strength.
“"Get behind me, Satan" — Jesus' rebuke to Peter.”
Pastor Shane teaches that seasons of shaking or 'sifting' are not proof of failure but are God’s process to remove what cannot go with you (the chaff) and reveal and strengthen what can (the wheat). Using Peter's denial and a contemporary testimony, he emphasizes that Jesus prays for our faith to survive the sifting, and gives practical steps—recognize lies, replace them with truth, engage community, pray and take thoughts captive. The sermon invites listeners to return to God, receive prayer, join community, and continue in faithful living (including generosity and evangelism).
“When Jesus says to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan!' spoken to the spirit behind the person.”
Pastors Josh, Paul, and Carlos discuss whether "generational curses" are biblical, distinguishing between punitive consequences, generational influences/strongholds, and the Christian's standing in Christ. They also define types of "possession," explain how believers can be oppressed but not owned by demons, and offer pastoral counsel for breaking family patterns through discipleship, prayer, and personal responsibility.
Showing the 4 most recent — 1 more sermon in church libraries reference this verse.
“You should 'pick up your cross and follow me.'”
A Sunday service centered on petitioning God for deliverance from persecutors. The preacher teaches that persecution is spiritual in origin, often provoked by righteousness or success, and calls believers to respond with prayer, holiness, perseverance, praise, and seeking reconciliation when at fault.
“If any man wants to follow me, let him take up their cross and follow me daily.”
Pastor Bryan Carter preaches a New Year’s message from Peter’s denial, teaching that setbacks can become comebacks when we face reality, refuse to let failure define us, embrace humility and grace, and allow our experiences to fuel future ministry and help others.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'”
A Bible study on Jesus' declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that salvation is found only in Christ. The sermon explains the narrow gate and difficult path to eternal life, calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus, and outlines the gospel process: repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. It includes pastoral exhortation to prioritize God over traditions and family loyalties and a call to pray and evangelize for those whose hearts are closed.
John Wesley
"What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matthew 16:26 1. There is a celebrated remark to this effect, (I think in the works of Mr. Pascal,) that if a man of low estate would speak of…
Read the full text“What would it profit a person to gain the whole world but lose their soul?”
Bishop Smith preached on the importance of the soul, calling believers to a serious, intentional faith rooted in prayer, obedience, and stewardship. Using Jesus' confrontation with Peter and His agony in Gethsemane as the centerpiece, he warned about Satan's deception and spiritual forces, urged consistent giving and service, invited participation in church events and leadership, and closed with an urgent call to salvation and a personal Gethsemane experience of prayer and surrender.
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, but forfeit their very own soul?”
A Mission Sunday service focused on sacrificial giving for global church planting and evangelism, testimonies from international disciples, a communion message on vulnerability and mental health, and a sermon contrasting worldly 'mirages' with living out God's mission to seek and save the lost.
“"What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their own soul?"”
A sermon on Revelation 4–5 that defines biblical worship (Romans 12) as giving worth to God, shows why God and Jesus are worthy of worship (creator, sustainer, redeemer), and applies this to daily Christian life—calling for transformed hearts, persevering hope, repentance, and active discipleship.
Every reference on this page was extracted from the transcript of a real sermon in a public Sermon Mind church library. Quotes reflect each preacher’s own reading of the text.