The Gates of Hell
Matthew 16:18
Mt. 16:18
Gates stood as symbols of strength, defense and protection of ancient cities.
a. The strength of the city was measured by its most vulnerable place its gates.
b. The city was set both for defense and attack as long as the gates were sure.
c. Psa. 147:3
d. Deut. 3:5
The gates were the crucial point of attack and the place where the battle was usually won or lost.
e. Movies battling ram, fire, Trojan horse.
f. Deut. 28:55
g. Isa. 22:7
h. Ezek. 21:15-22
Death and the grave are represented as having gates.
i. Job. 38:17
j. Psa. 9:13
k. Psa. 107:18
l. Isa. 38:10
With this in mind think about this verse and this statement "The gates of hell "
Jesus built His church despite the gates of hell.
A. Satan launched his most powerful armies against the Savior.
1. Jealousy Herod killed all the young children in the area of Bethlehem just to get rid of Him (Mt. 2:16-18).
2. Hatred the world had a bitter hatred for Jesus even though they had no cause for it (Jn. 7:7).
3. Prejudice He felt the bitter sting of prejudice as He walk among the people He came to save.
a. Lk. 9:51-53
b. Jn. 4
4. Betrayal Betrayal is always difficult, but it hurts so much worse when it comes from someone who is a close friend (Judas served as a treasurer for Jesus and His disciples, indicating the trust they had placed in him, but he betrayed His Master).
5. Forsaken at the time of His most desperate need for support, all His disciples forsook Him and fled (Mt. 26:56).
B. Though killed, the gates of hell could not prevail against Him. He overcame them and now holds their keys in His hand (Rev. 1:18). Explain.
The gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.
C. Atheism has made its assaults down through the years but the church still stands (Psa. 14:1).
D. Modernists have laid vicious hands on the church and its inspired guide.
1. Their works soon pass into oblivion, but the Word and the church still stand.
2. Mt. 24:35
3. I Pet. 1:22-25
4. Dan. 2:44
5. Heb. 12:28
E. The church has endured the harshest kind of persecutions.
1. Acts 5:40
2. Acts 8:3
3. Early church apostasy Dark Ages
4. As it today suffers the rebukes of humanism, denominationalism and political harassment, it shall stand.
5. Rom. 8:35-39
F. One of the churchs most cruel enemies are its so-called friends from within.
1. The ones who are always critical.
2. Gal. 5:15
1. Acts 5:38-39
2. Rev. 11:15
3. The church will stand: The gates of hell cannot prevail against it and its enemies will be found fighting against God.
Jim Pharr
Lenoir, NC