The sermon opens with an expression of gratitude for the congregation's participation in preparing for Vacation Bible School, acknowledging the hard work and late nights involved. The speaker then invites the congregation to stand and read from Matthew 16, starting from verse 13, where Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is. Various responses are given, but Peter boldly declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus commends Peter for his faith, stating that this revelation was given by God and that Peter is the rock upon which He will build His church.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal belief in Jesus Christ, highlighting that it doesn't matter what others say, but what each individual believes. He notes the subsequent verses where Jesus predicts his suffering, death, and resurrection, and Peter's strong reaction, rebuking Jesus. Jesus responds by calling Peter "Satan," indicating that Peter's mindset is not aligned with God's plan but with human concerns.

The sermon shifts focus to discuss the concept of stubbornness and its detrimental effects on personal and spiritual growth. Using Peter's example, the speaker explains that stubbornness stems from relying on human wisdom, misunderstanding God's plan, and being afraid of suffering. He illustrates these points with anecdotes and examples, such as people historically believing the Earth was flat or washing hands in contaminated water, to show the fallibility of human wisdom.

The speaker also points out that stubbornness is often fueled by fear of suffering and a desire to avoid discomfort. He quotes Isaiah 55:8-9 to emphasize that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours and that misunderstanding His plan can lead to stubborn resistance. Additionally, the speaker mentions that personal desires and wants can conflict with God's will, leading to stubbornness, as illustrated by Jonah's reluctance to go to Nineveh.

To overcome stubbornness, the speaker suggests three key steps: desiring God's will, breaking up the hardness of our minds, and seeking wisdom from God. He encourages the congregation to genuinely crave God's will in their lives, explaining that this change in desire can transform their hearts. He emphasizes the need to break up the stubborn mindsets that act as stumbling blocks and to seek wisdom from God through prayer and reliance on scripture.

The speaker concludes by referencing 1 Peter 5:2-5, showing how Peter's heart changed over time as he learned to serve willingly and humbly. He underscores the importance of humility and warns against the destructive nature of stubbornness, urging the congregation to let go of their pride and embrace God's will for their lives.

In summary, the sermon is a call to recognize and overcome stubbornness by aligning one's desires with God's will, breaking free from rigid mindsets, and seeking divine wisdom. The speaker uses Peter's journey from bold proclamation to rebuke and eventual transformation as a powerful example of how faith and humility can lead to spiritual growth and fulfillment.