Use Your Keys - Bishop Joseph Norfleet

Cameron Norfleet
Dec 14, 2025
3 min read

Date: December 14, 2025

Messenger: Bishop Joseph Norfleet

Message Title: Use Your Keys

Key Scriptures: Matthew 16:13–19; Luke 22:31–32; Psalm 30:5; 1 Samuel 30:6; Proverbs 3:5–6

Message Overview

God has already equipped His people with everything they need to overcome challenges and step into what is next. Through Jesus’ words to Peter, we are reminded that believers have been given keys of the Kingdom—spiritual authority, access, and responsibility. Though trials and pressure will come, God has provided faith, His Word, encouragement, and the Holy Spirit as keys to victory. The call of this message is clear: do not merely possess the keys—use them.

Key Points

Jesus Has Given Us the Keys of the Kingdom

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 16:18–19

Jesus declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church and that believers are entrusted with keys, not a single key. Every challenge has a God-given solution, and authority has already been placed in our hands.

Takeaway: You are not powerless—God has already authorized you to overcome.

There Is a Key for Every Season and Situation

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 16:19

Faith, peace, patience, wisdom, and obedience are all spiritual keys given by God. Victory is often unlocked through applying the right key at the right time.

Takeaway: Identify what God has already placed in you and apply it.

Encouragement Is a Key You Must Sometimes Use on Yourself

Supporting Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6

David encouraged himself in the Lord when no one else could. Waiting on others to lift you can delay progress—God expects maturity in faith.

Takeaway: Speak God’s promises to yourself and stay encouraged.

Faith Must Be Displayed in Action

Supporting Scripture: Luke 22:31–32

Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail, showing that faith must be exercised, not hidden. Faith in action produces courage, endurance, and testimony.

Takeaway: Don’t just believe—move forward in faith.

The Word of God Is the Greatest Key We Possess

Supporting Scripture: Psalm 30:5

God’s Word sustains us through the night seasons of life and carries us to joy in the morning. Remembering and declaring the Word keeps us grounded.

Takeaway: Keep enough Word in you to sustain you until breakthrough comes.

Knowing Who Jesus Is Unlocks Who You Are

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 16:15–18

Peter’s revelation of Christ positioned him to walk in authority. Understanding who Jesus is solidifies identity, purpose, and confidence.

Takeaway: When you know Christ, you can stand firm in who God created you to be.

Keys Represent Trust, Authority, and Responsibility

Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6

God does not distribute keys casually—He entrusts them to those willing to guard their hearts and walk in obedience. Keys require stewardship.

Takeaway: Guard what God has placed in you and use it wisely.

Scripture References

Matthew 16:13–19
Luke 22:31–32
Psalm 30:5
1 Samuel 30:6
Proverbs 3:5–6
Genesis 3:1
James 4:7

Notable Quotes

“Every issue, every situation—there’s a key for that.”
“God never gives you anything to waste.”
“Encourage yourself when nobody else will.”
“Your attitude determines your altitude.”
“Faith and courage must be displayed in action.”

Reflection & Discussion

What keys has God already placed in your life that you may not be using fully?
In what ways can you strengthen your habit of encouraging yourself in the Lord?
How does knowing who Jesus is shape your confidence and decisions?
What situation right now requires you to apply faith with action?
How can guarding your heart help protect what God has entrusted to you?
Who might be strengthened by your testimony as you walk through this season?