Daily Bible Plan - Day 23

4 March 2025

This bible plan was created by Nicky and Pippa Gumbal.

Prayer of The Day:

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us authority through Jesus. Help us understand and walk in the power of the keys of the kingdom. May we use them for Your glory and to bring freedom to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You Have The Keys

On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger safely landed a failing plane on the Hudson River, saving 155 lives. In recognition, he was given the keys to the city—a symbol of access and authority.

In Scripture, Jesus declares, “I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). His authority is far greater, and He has given us the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19). Yet many Christians live unaware of the power and access they have in Christ.

Today, we’ll explore what it means to hold these keys and how we can use them to walk in victory and set others free.

Biblical Foundations for Having the Keys

1. The Key Holder: Jesus Holds the Keys of Life and Death

Read now (Revelation 1:18):

• Key Message: In the New Testament, Jesus declares, “I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). The authority He holds is ultimate—He holds the keys of life and death.

• Jesus’ Role: His victory is greater than any other. He defeated sin, death, and the grave, securing salvation for all who trust in Him.

• Application: Many Christians feel powerless, unaware of the authority Jesus has given them. You are not powerless. Jesus has given you the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19). You have access, authority, and victory through Him.

2. The Keys Grant Access to God

Read now (Psalm 14:1–7):

• Key Message: To be given the keys of the kingdom means to be given access to God. This is what Jesus achieved for us.

• The Human Condition: Sin has corrupted all humanity—“All have turned away, all have become corrupt” (v.3).

• Two Key Examples of Sin:

1. Denying God’s existence – “Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’” (v.1)

2. Neglecting the poor – “You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor.” (v.6)

• Application: Despite sin, God desires relationship. David cries out, “Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!” (v.7). Salvation came through Jesus. Because of Him, you now have direct access to God (Ephesians 2:18).

3. Jesus Gives You the Keys of the Kingdom

Read now (Matthew 16:1–20):

• Key Message: Jesus entrusts His followers with the keys of the kingdom.

• Peter’s Revelation: When Peter declares, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16), Jesus responds:

• “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (v.18)

• “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (v.19)

• The Church’s Authority: The keys were not just for Peter. Later, Jesus gives His disciples the same authority (Matthew 18:18). You are part of His church and share in this spiritual authority.

• Application: The church is not on the defensive—the gates of Hades cannot prevail. With the keys of the kingdom, we can storm the gates of hell and set the prisoners free. You have the power to bring freedom, healing, and transformation.

4. Unlocking Doors and Changing Lives

Read now (Genesis 45:1–47:12):

• Key Message: Joseph, like Jesus, was given authority to save lives.

• Joseph’s Journey: After betrayal and hardship, he is raised up by God to save his people. “It was not you who sent me here, but God.” (v.8)

• A Foreshadowing of Jesus:

• Joseph was made lord of all Egypt (v.9).

• Jesus was made Lord of all creation.

• Application: Just as Joseph unlocked salvation for his family, and Jesus unlocked salvation for the world, you hold keys that can set others free. The authority Jesus has given you is meant to unlock doors for those in bondage. Use the keys.

Overall Takeaway

The keys Jesus gives us are real. They grant:

• Access to God.

• Authority over the enemy.

• Power to bring freedom to others.

As the church, we are not meant to be passive. We have the privilege and responsibility to use the keys of the kingdom to bring transformation.

References 

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