306. Matthew 16:1-20, Exposition of Matthew Series

What Is Your Rock? The Danger of Trusting Wealth Instead of God What is your rock? In a world where investments, real estate, and retirement accounts are rising faster than ever, it's easy for our hearts to slowly shift from trusting God to trusting our wealth. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores the powerful warning from Psalm 62:10: "Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Financial growth isn't the problem. The real danger is when our hearts begin to rest in money instead of God. King David understood this tension well. Though he was incredibly wealthy, his peace and security didn't come from his kingdom, armies, or possessions. His confidence came from God alone. David declared: "Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62) In today's world of market surges, investment growth, and financial success, this message is more relevant than ever. As wealth increases, faith can sometimes decrease. In this episode, Rob challenges us to examine a critical question: Where is your heart really anchored? Is your confidence in the market—or in the Master? In This Episode You'll Learn • Why wealth can quietly pull our hearts away from God • The difference between using money and trusting money • Why the Bible warns about the deceitfulness of wealth • How King David modeled generosity even in great success • Why retirement should never become spiritual retirement • How to use your blessings to build something that lasts eternally A Powerful Question to Ask Yourself What or who is your rock right now? Are you trusting in markets or in your Maker? God never intended wealth to be the foundation of your life. It's meant to be a tool for eternal impact. Scripture Featured Psalm 62:10 Psalm 62:1–2 Resources Mentioned 📘 The 10X Christian by Rob Skinner Available on Amazon and at RobSkinner.com 📩 Sign up for Rob's Weekly Newsletter Encouragement, practical faith insights, and updates from Rob. 👉 Visit: RobSkinner.com About the Rob Skinner Podcast The Rob Skinner Podcast exists to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches. Each episode provides biblical insight, practical wisdom, and encouragement to help you grow in faith and purpose.

📝 Freedom in Christ — Why Christian Passivity Is So Dangerous What does it really mean to be free in Christ? In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores the powerful truth behind Christian freedom and the danger of drifting into spiritual passivity. While the gospel teaches that we cannot save ourselves through our own efforts, some people mistakenly interpret grace as permission to stop striving, growing, or serving altogether. This mindset can lead to what Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously called "cheap grace." True freedom in Christ is not freedom from obedience, but freedom for obedience—freedom to love, serve, and live for God without fear or guilt. Rob explains how grace should motivate believers to live purposeful lives that multiply what God has entrusted to them, rather than settling into spiritual complacency. If you've ever wondered how grace and obedience work together in the Christian life, this episode will challenge and encourage you to use your freedom for something that truly matters. 🔑 Key Scriptures Galatians 5:13 "But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness." 🎯 In This Episode What freedom in Christ really means The difference between cheap grace and costly grace Why Christian passivity can quietly undermine faith Insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship Why grace should lead to action, not complacency How to use your freedom to serve and make an eternal impact 🚀 Practical Challenge Take a moment today and ask yourself: Who can I serve today? Who can I encourage or invite today? How can I grow spiritually today? Your freedom in Christ is not a license to coast. It's a gift and a trust—an invitation to live a life that shines the light of Jesus in a dark world. 📬 Stay Connected Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter for encouragement, spiritual insights, and new podcast updates. 👉 https://RobSkinner.com Subscribers also receive a free chapter from Rob's book, The 10X Christian. 📚 Resources Mentioned The 10X Christian — Rob Skinner The Cost of Discipleship — Dietrich Bonhoeffer ⭐ Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe so you never miss an episode Rob's mission is simple: To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

📝 What made Jesus such a powerful communicator and teacher? One simple habit: He asked great questions. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores how Jesus used questions not just to gather information—but to bring revelation. Questions like: "Why are you so afraid?" "Do you want to get well?" "Who do you say that I am?" Each question helped people uncover what was really going on in their hearts. In a world where most people talk about themselves and rarely ask meaningful questions, learning to ask thoughtful questions can transform your relationships, deepen your conversations, and multiply your influence. Drawing from Proverbs 20:5 and real-life experiences, Rob shares practical ways to start asking questions that open hearts and lead to deeper spiritual conversations. If you want to grow as a disciple-maker, leader, or friend, this episode will challenge you to adopt one of Jesus' most powerful habits. 🔑 Key Scripture Proverbs 20:5 "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but the one who has insight draws them out." 🎯 In This Episode Why Jesus asked so many questions How questions reveal what's really in someone's heart Why most conversations stay superficial The power of curiosity in relationships Practical questions that lead to deeper spiritual conversations The FORD framework for meaningful dialogue: Family Occupation Recreation Dreams 🚀 Practical Challenge This week, try asking one meaningful question in every conversation. Instead of staying at the surface, ask something that helps you understand someone's heart. Examples: What's been happening in your life recently? Where are you on your spiritual journey? What matters most to you right now? You might be surprised how quickly walls come down and hearts open up. That's what 10X Christians do—they don't just talk about Jesus, they ask like Jesus. 📬 Stay Connected Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter for encouragement, practical insights, and new podcast episodes. 👉 https://RobSkinner.com Subscribers also receive a free chapter from Rob's book, The 10X Christian. 📚 Resources Mentioned The 10X Christian — Rob Skinner Proverbs 20:5 ⭐ Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe so you never miss an episode Rob's mission is simple: To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

One Day You Will Stand Before Jesus — Live With the End in Mind What if you lived today knowing that one day you will look Jesus Christ in the eye? Not metaphorically. Not poetically. Literally. In this episode of the Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores the powerful truth found in 2 Corinthians 5:10 — that every one of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of our lives. This reality isn't meant to paralyze us with fear. It's meant to focus us, sharpen our purpose, and help us live with eternity in mind. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey's famous principle "Begin with the end in mind," Rob challenges listeners to think beyond success, retirement, or recognition and consider the true finish line of life: standing before Jesus. When we live with eternity in mind: Our priorities shift Courage increases Trivial distractions lose their power Our mission becomes clear This episode will help you evaluate your life not by temporary wins, but by eternal reward. If you want to live a no-regrets life that truly counts, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. 🔑 Key Scripture 2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 🎯 In This Episode Why remembering eternity brings clarity to everyday life The spiritual practice of memento mori — remembering our mortality How eternal perspective reshapes priorities The difference between temporary success and eternal reward What it means to live as a 10X Christian 🚀 Practical Challenge Take a quiet moment today and imagine standing before Jesus. Not to fear that day. But to allow it to focus your life today. Ask yourself: Am I multiplying what Jesus entrusted to me? Am I building eternal impact or chasing temporary applause? Will I hear the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant"? 📬 Stay Connected Rob recently launched a weekly newsletter to encourage and equip Christians who want to live a no-regrets life. Sign up here: 👉 https://robskinner.com Subscribers also receive a free chapter of Rob's book, The 10X Christian. 📚 Resources Mentioned The 10X Christian — Rob Skinner The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen Covey ⭐ Support the Podcast If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend Leave a review Subscribe so you never miss an episode Rob's mission is simple: To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Are you living for God's approval… or people's applause? Most of us enjoy recognition. We like being noticed, appreciated, and affirmed. Even when we serve God, there can be a quiet craving underneath — the desire to be seen. But Jesus said something that cuts completely against our natural instincts: "I am not seeking glory for myself." — John 8:50 In this episode, Rob explores the subtle trap of self-glory and the freedom that comes when we seek God's approval alone. Pride often hides behind good works, and even spiritual service can become a stage where we hope someone will notice. True humility isn't self-hatred or insecurity. It's something far healthier: self-forgetfulness. When our focus shifts from human praise to God's approval, our motivation becomes pure and our joy becomes deeper. In this episode you'll learn: Why the desire for recognition can quietly shape our spiritual lives How pride often hides behind religious activity What Jesus meant when He said He wasn't seeking glory for Himself The difference between humility and insecurity How to redirect the craving for praise into gratitude toward God The peace that comes from serving quietly without needing applause Jesus lived completely free from the addiction to human praise. His life invites us into that same freedom — a life where our goal is not applause from people but the simple words from God: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Key Scriptures John 8:50 Matthew 6:1–6 Matthew 25:21 Reflection Questions Who am I really doing this for? Would I still serve the same way if no one noticed? Am I seeking God's approval or human applause? Next Steps If this episode encouraged you, here are a few ways to stay connected: 📬 Join Rob's weekly newsletter: https://www.robskinner.com 📘 Read Rob's latest book — The 10X Christian Available on Amazon and at RobSkinner.com 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Rob Skinner's goal is simple: to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Don't Bury Your Gift: The Silent Drift That Kills Your Calling Episode Description: What if the greatest danger to your faith isn't open rebellion… but quiet drift? In this episode, Rob challenges us to examine something subtle but dangerous — spiritual passivity. We don't renounce our faith. We don't walk away from God. We just slowly sideline our calling. We get busy. We get successful. We get comfortable. And before we know it, the gift God gave us is sitting unused. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4 and Jesus' parables about buried talents, Rob reminds us of Paul's clear warning: "Do not neglect your gift." This isn't just advice for Timothy. It's a wake-up call for every Christian. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why spiritual drift is more dangerous than obvious failure How busyness and comfort can bury your calling The real meaning behind "Don't neglect your gift" Why faithfulness is about multiplication — not maintenance A powerful story about gifted Christians who slowly disengaged Simple, practical ways to get back on mission today Key Scriptures: 1 Timothy 4:12–14 — "Do not neglect your gift." 1 Timothy 2:4 — God wants all people to be saved. Matthew 25 — The Parable of the Talents Luke 19 — The Parable of the Minas The Hard Question: When was the last time you used your gift to help someone grow spiritually? Are you still reaching? Still teaching? Still encouraging? Still on mission? Or has comfort quietly buried what God meant to be multiplied? Practical Next Steps: Stay in the fellowship — don't rush home. Approach the visitor sitting alone. Study the Bible with someone seeking truth. Pray intentionally for one person. Invite someone this week. Dust off your gift — start small. You don't have to be in full-time ministry to be fully engaged in the mission. Your workplace is your field. Your neighborhood is your ministry. Your relationships are your stewardship. Final Challenge: One day the Master will return. And He will ask: What did you do with what I gave you? Let's make sure we haven't buried our talent. Let's keep the main thing the main thing. That's the 10X Christian life. Support the Podcast: Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com Read and review The 10X Christian on Amazon Share this episode with someone who needs a wake-up call Because the goal is simple: Live a no regrets life. Make this life count. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

📝 What If You Could Truly Please God? (John 8:29 Explained) What if you could honestly say, "I always do what pleases God"? In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob explores one of the most powerful statements Jesus ever made: "I always do what pleases Him." — John 8:29 Only Jesus could say those words perfectly — and that's exactly why He qualifies to be our Savior. But what does this mean for us? If perfection isn't possible on this side of eternity, how do Christians actually live lives that please God? Rob unpacks the powerful balance between grace and growth, explaining how believers are not saved by flawless obedience but are transformed through daily obedience. Instead of striving for perfection, followers of Jesus are invited into steady spiritual progress — learning to please God one decision, one conversation, and one moment at a time. You'll discover: ✅ Why Jesus' perfect obedience matters for your salvation ✅ How grace covers your failures completely ✅ The difference between perfection and sanctification ✅ Practical ways to grow in obedience daily ✅ How small decisions shape a God-pleasing life ✅ A simple prayer to align your will with God's This episode offers encouragement for anyone who feels discouraged by spiritual struggles or overwhelmed by expectations. You may never live perfectly — but through Christ, you can grow consistently. Start small. Walk faithfully. Trust grace. And learn what it truly means to live a life that increasingly pleases God. 🎯 Scripture Highlight: John 8:29 — "I always do what pleases Him." 🌍 Connect with Rob Subscribe to Rob's weekly newsletter: RobSkinner.com Read Rob's latest book: The 10X Christian Share this episode with a friend who wants to grow spiritually ✨ Rob's Mission: To inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Holy Distress: How One Man Shook an Entire City Have you ever walked into a city—or even a room—and felt something stir deep inside you? Not anger. Not annoyance. But a holy distress. In this episode, Rob Skinner takes us to Acts 17 and walks with Paul into Athens—the intellectual capital of the ancient world. One man. One city. One burning conviction. Paul wasn't impressed by Athens' architecture, culture, or ideas. He was distressed. Why? Because the city was full of idols and people didn't know God. This message is a blueprint for spiritual courage in a modern city. 📖 Key Passage Acts 17:16–34 🔥 In This Episode, You'll Learn: What "holy distress" really means Why Paul was stirred by idolatry—not politics or culture wars The progression from comfort to courage (synagogue → marketplace → Areopagus) Why revival starts with solitary conviction How outrage culture distracts us from what truly matters Why embracing embarrassment is essential for spiritual impact The difference between protecting your pride and growing in boldness How distress, surrendered to God, becomes direction 💡 A Personal Challenge What actually distresses you? Not what annoys you. Not what trends online. Not what makes you scroll angrily. What breaks your heart enough to move you? Paul didn't let global problems paralyze him. He focused on his city, his people, his moment. Maybe your distress is God tapping you on the shoulder. Don't wait for perfect conditions. Don't wait for permission. Let your distress become direction. 🙌 Final Thought Revival doesn't begin with programs. It begins with disciples willing to: Be uncomfortable Be misunderstood Be mocked Be surrendered When every believer lives the crucified life, revival becomes inevitable. 🔗 Stay Connected 📬 Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter: RobSkinner.com 📘 Read The 10X Christian (available on Amazon and RobSkinner.com) Rob's mission is to inspire you to: Live a no-regrets life. Make this life count. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.

Berlin Mission Update: Raising Kids, Learning German, and Watching God Move In this episode of The Rob Skinner Podcast, Rob sits down with Austen and Sara Bolves, missionaries serving the church in Berlin, Germany, for an honest, inspiring update on life and ministry overseas. Austen and Sara share how they became Christians, how they met in the campus ministry at the University of Washington, and what led them to leave stability in the U.S. to help strengthen the church in Europe. They open up about the real challenges of leading a church in a different culture, building a leadership team from the ground up, learning German, and raising three small children on the mission field. They also share powerful stories of how God has been working in Berlin—especially through conversions with people who have little to no background in Christianity—and how hardship has deepened their faith, including Sara's ongoing journey with her father Greg's stage four cancer diagnosis. If you've ever wondered what modern missions really looks like, this conversation will encourage you to embrace discomfort, love people deeply, and make your life count—wherever you live. In This Episode, You'll Hear: How Austen and Sara became Christians and met in campus ministry Why they felt called to overseas missions and how Berlin opened up What the Berlin church was like when they arrived (and what surprised them) Rebuilding leadership and navigating church health in a new culture Preaching and leading in German (and the challenges of learning the language) Seeing conversions among people with no Bible background How they're staying joyful through stress, parenting, and ministry pressure Sara's update on her father Greg and how faith has carried their family Their biggest advice for disciples who want to make this life count Key Scripture Mentioned Romans 8:31 — "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Connect with Austin & Sarah (as shared in the episode) Berlin Church contact via Disciples Today (Berlin church listing) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Instagram (Sara):  Sara Marie Bolves Support the Podcast Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com Read and review Rob's book The 10X Christian (Amazon / RobSkinner.com) Live a no-regrets life. Make this life count.

What if the greatest battle you're facing right now isn't your circumstances… but what you're believing? From the Garden of Eden until today, the enemy has used the same strategy—casting doubt on God's Word. "Did God really say…?" In this powerful episode, Rob Skinner unpacks the explosive truth of Hebrews 6:18: "It is impossible for God to lie." Not unlikely. Not rare. Impossible. If you've ever wondered whether God will come through… whether His promises are still true… or whether He's forgotten you… This message will anchor your faith and help you fight the real battle—the one happening in your mind. 🔥 In This Episode, You'll Discover Why the enemy's primary weapon is doubt, not danger What Hebrews 6:18 reveals about God's unchanging character How to fight spiritual battles by replacing lies with truth Why waiting seasons don't mean God has forgotten you How trusting God's promises brings peace in uncertainty 📖 Key Scripture Hebrews 6:18 "It is impossible for God to lie." 🙌 A Challenge for Today When doubt creeps in, take every thought captive and hold it up to God's Word. Reject the lie. Rest in God's faithfulness. Trust the promises of a God who cannot and will not lie. Because the enemy wins through lies— but the believer wins through trust. 🔗 Stay Connected If this episode encouraged you: Share it with a friend who needs hope today Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at 👉 RobSkinner.com Rob's mission is to help you live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.