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Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:1-5

 

Like a Little Child

 

Intro.

1.  Our task in the kingdom is to live worthy of our calling, Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27.

2.  Danger: Approving ourselves by our own standard of measurement rather by God’s standard (revealed truth), 2 Cor. 10:12 (1 Cor. 4:3-4); Gal. 6:3-5.

3.  Greatness in kingdom (church) is likened to a little child, Matt. 18:1-4; cf. Matt. 19:13-14.

4.  Qualities of children we must develop/live by/measure ourselves by in kingdom of God.

 

I.  HUMILITY, Matt. 18:4. (Be converted from pride, 18:3).

  A.  In the Sight of God, Jas. 4:10 (the king).

    1.  Subjection to God, resist devil, draw near, cleanse/purify Singular minds that mourn over sin, Jas. 4:7-9 (Matt. 5:3).

      a.  Always yield to God’s truth.

      b.  We live in His sight - Should affect us and change us.

  B.  Among Each Other, Eph. 4:2; 1 Pet. 5:5.

    1.  To have unity, to serve and to forgive. (Rom. 12:15-16)

    2.  Produces qualities which bind us together in the kingdom, 1 Pet. 3:8-9 (Col. 3:12-14).

 

II. DEPENDENCY AND TRUST.

  A.  Dependency: We need Help in this Life to Reach Heaven, Jer. 10:23; Prov. 14:12.

    1.  Child depends on those who love/care for him (parents, teachers, police...)

    2.  We must depend on God for:

      a.  Grace and mercy, Eph. 2:5-8.

      b.  Guidance, Psa. 119:105.

      c.  Strength to endure, 2 Cor. 12:10.

      d.  Every blessing – Now and eternally, Eph. 1:3.

  B.  Trust: Have no Doubt that God Supplies Our Every Need.

    1.  Child intuitively trusts parents to meet his needs (clothes, food, home, etc.).

    2.  “I will...you shall...”, Matt. 11:28-30.

    3.  No doubt in times of sin, 1 Jno. 2:1-2; 1:9); Burden, Heb. 13:5-6; Need, Matt. 6:33; Phil. 4:19.

    4.  Live trusting lives of faith by giving ourselves fully to obeying God’s word – Wherever it leads.

 

III.  PURITY, Matt. 5:8 (free from defilement of sin, 1 Pet. 2:1-2).

  A.  We Must be Pure in Our:

     -Heart (1 Tim. 1:5); Conscience (1 Tim. 1:5; 3:9); Thoughts (Phil. 4:8); Speech (Eph. 4:29); Religion (Jas. 1:27).

  B.  Personal Responsibility to Maintain Purity, Titus 1:15-16.

    1.  Doesn’t just happen, Jas. 4:8.

    2.  Be example to others, 1 Tim. 4:12.

    3.  Keep (guard), 1 Tim. 5:22 (with diligence, 2 Pet. 3:14).

 

IV.  HONESTY.

  A.  Integrity toward Others and God.

    1.  Toward God, Matt. 5:20; 23:27-28. God sees your righteousness.

    2.  Toward men, 1 Ths. 4:11-12. Blameless reputation (Tit. 2:7-8).

 

V. EAGERNESS (cf. things children want).

  A.  Children are Eager to Learn and Grow, Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:2.

  B.  Children are Eager for Approval, Lk. 6:46; Acts 24:25.

  C.  Zeal for God should Drive Us (seek/desire eagerly), Titus 2:14.

 

VI.  LOVE, Rom. 13:8-10.

  A.  Love Freely Like Children Do.

    1.  Only after they are mistreated do they become hesitant to love in return.

    2.  We must always love (Matt. 5:43-48).

 

Conclusion

1.  A child is innocent of sin.

2.  You must “be converted” to enter the kingdom, Matt. 18:3.

3.  Then, live by and measure yourself by God’s word to be a worthy citizen of the kingdom, Phil. 1:27.

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: June 5, 2014