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